Harrison, Edward

Singer

Collection date: Jan 1906

Area: Somerset - Langport & Huish Episcopi

---

Edward Harrison of Langport (1841-1916): age 64, four songs over three visits (23 Jan & 6 Apr 1906 + 5 Jan 1909): Edward was baptised on 19/9/1841 in East Coker, 2 miles south of Yeovil. He was the eldest son of Isaac Harrison, sailcloth weaver and wife Sarah. Edward married Oprah Wilmington on 25/12/1865 at Holy Trinity Yeovil.

He was a ‘railway packer’ and she was a glover. After a few years in Yeovil, they moved to Bow Street in Langport and raised 5 children. Edward became ‘foreman platelayer’ with Great Western Railways. In 1901 census they were living in Langport Westover*, a few doors from Emma Overd and the other singers (RG13/2289 f9 p9).

*Westover was on the west side of River Parrett, technically within Curry Rivel parish.

Edward’s song ‘Bold Lieutenant’ (FT819) was selected for Folk Songs from Somerset vol 3. Edward probably recommended Sharp to visit his birthplace East Coker where Sharp would meet Charles & Alfred Neville in 1908 and record ‘Bold Lieutenant’ again. Edward died Mar qr 1916 ref 5c 504.