Balladier. and buy the fair ballads I have in my pack

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Balladier. and buy the fair ballads I have in my pack

and buy the fair ballads I have in my pack. Street balladier selling his wares. From Old London Cries (1885) Date: 1885

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14165674

© Mary Evans Picture Library/Peter & Dawn Cope Collection

1885 Ballads Cries Pack Selling Wares

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the scene of a balladier, or street singer, selling his wares in Old London Cries, a bustling district of the English capital city known for its vibrant street life and colorful characters. Dating back to the 16th century, balladiers were itinerant entertainers who traveled from town to town, selling broadsides and reciting popular ballads, stories, and verses to audiences gathered in public spaces. The image, taken in 1885, depicts a balladier in traditional attire, holding a stack of ballads in his pack and calling out to potential buyers with an expression of determination and enthusiasm. The scene is filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, as people go about their daily business and children play in the streets. The ballads sold by the balladier would have covered a wide range of topics, from love and romance to history, folklore, and current events. These verses provided an important source of entertainment and education for the working classes, who may not have had access to other forms of literature or education. This photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a window into the rich cultural heritage of Old London and the role of street performers in shaping the city's social fabric. It also serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of the spoken word.

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