William Henderson Dawson was a British

Tyneside Tyneside is a built-up area across the banks of the River Tyne in northern England. Residents of the area are commonly referred to as Geordies. The whole area is surrounded by the North East Green Belt. The population of Tyneside as published i ...

poet, songwriter, author and bookbinder who lived in

Newcastle upon Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne ( RP: , ), or simply Newcastle, is a city and metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, England. The city is located on the River Tyne's northern bank and forms the largest part of the Tyneside built-up area. Newcastle is ...

. His most famous song is possibly "The Stephenson’s Monument", written in 1862 for the inauguration of the monument. He contributed to the collection known as ''Allan’s Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings'' (1862), as well as a book on the poets of Newcastle. He wrote ''Walks round Old Newcastle.''

Life

William Henderson Dawson was born in

. He became a bookbinder, working at St. Nicholas' Churchyard in the workshop of Thomas Bewick, a wood engraver. Dawson was deeply interested in the area, and learned about the songs,

folklore Folklore is shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses the traditions common to that culture, subculture or group. This includes oral traditions such as tales, legends, proverbs and jokes. They include material culture, ranging ...

and the people. He used this in his writings and collaborations. He assisted in the first edition of Allan's collection of Tyneside songs, writing many notes on the history of the songs. It was published in 1862. He wrote the book, ''Walks round Old Newcastle,'' filled with anecdotes and local references to

and songs. He also contributed to ''The Local Poets of Newcastle,'' providing many biographical articles, some in prose and others in rhyme and song. Dawson wrote regularly for local newspapers. His contributions to the local press included a regular letter for the ''Newcastle Guardian.'' After the death of J P Robson, Dawson succeeded him in writing his letter, "The Retoirt Keelman," for the ''Advertiser.'' William Henderson Dawson died 25 January 1879, age 52 and was buried in St. John's Cemetery, Elswick.

Songs

He wrote many songs, mostly in the Geordie dialect. These included : *"The Stephenson Monument" – on its inauguration on 2 October 1862 *"The Pitman's Visit to Stephenson's Monument" to the tune of "Tallygrip" *"The Pitman’s Tickor An’ the Wag-at-the-Wa’" to the tune of " Barbara Allen"*

Books

*contributor to ''Allan’s Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings'' (1862) *''Walks round Old Newcastle'' *contributor to ''The Local Poets of Newcastle''

References

External links

''Allan’s Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings,'' revised edition, 1891
Internet Archive online {{DEFAULTSORT:Dawson, William Henderson 19th-century English writers English singers English male songwriters People from Newcastle upon Tyne (district) Musicians from Tyne and Wear 1879 deaths Geordie songwriters Year of birth missing

Life

Songs

Books

See also

References

External links