Barrett, Louisa

Also known as: Louisa Barratt

Singer

Collection date: Apr 1906

Area: Somerset - Bridgwater Surrounds

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Mrs Louisa Barrett of Cannington (1838-1917): age 69, 4 songs on 20 Apr 1906: The most significant of Louisa’s songs was ‘Young Banker’ (FT919), which has nothing to do with high finance. A Banker was a man who made embankments, stone walls etc. The song is associated with the north of England – both Frank Kidson and Percy Grainger collected versions. It has a good chorus and is still sung today.

It’s proved impossible to find Louisa’s wedding date and therefore her maiden name. But she was born in Cannington c1838. She raised 8 children. In every census her name was spelt Barrett (Sharp wrote 'Barratt'). Louisa probably died Mar 1917 aged 80 ref 5c 515.