I was introduced to this tale by my great friend, Shropshire storyteller Amy Douglas. I thought Humphrey deserved a ballad of his own.
lyrics
1
I’ll tell of Humphrey Kynaston, from Shropshire he did hail
His father the Castle Keeper left him a large entail
Humphrey squandered all on horses, ale and fickle friends
His wild heart led him woefully to lend
Humphrey’s mum found for her son a lady rich to wed
The dowry was soon frittered, upped his ruined wife and fled
Trouble grew, and Humphrey’s wild ways he could ne’er curtail
So the Sheriff got Humphrey ready for Debtor’s Gaol
On looked stallion Beelzebub with magic powers of speed
With his flashing hooves and master, away flew Humphrey’s steed
2
Living in a cave at Nescliff, Humphrey had long hours to think
The villagers took pity, brought him hearty food and drink
A bold plan came to Humphrey, he said “a highwayman I’ll be
To rob the moneyed and set the poor man free”
Wild Humphrey he found great acclaim as a robbing highwayman
The sheriff and the local rich made a cunning ambush plan
From Montford Bridge they took the planks so none could get away
But Beelzebub flew them over and won the day
The blacksmith’s boy helped Humphrey to hide his dark abode
He shod Beelzebub backwards, to disguise which way he rode
3
One day word came to Humphrey, of a landlord he’d attacked
It cost his struggling tenants dear, so he paid him duly back
Then Lloyd of Aston invited Humphrey to dine and locked him in
But Beelzebub vaulted walls, soared on the wind
Wild Humphrey growing frail and old was pardoned by the King
A mystic woman with magical powers came to sit with him
Slipping her hood off, Humphrey recognised the smile she gave
“My husband you’ve proved yourself both kind and brave”
Hand in hand and happy, Humphrey Kynaston sweetly died
But of his horse Beelzebub? Ne’er again was seen his hide!
credits
from Wonderful Fairytale,
track released April 19, 2019
Humphrey Kynaston - by Bill Jones (PRS), based on the Shropshire folk tale.
Lyrics help from Catherine O’Neill
Bill Jones - vocals, accordion
Niles Krieger - violin
Gareth Davies-Jones - backing vocals
Ian Stephenson - guitar, double bass
Stephen Henderson - percussion
supported by 19 fans who also own “Humphrey Kynaston”
Just the most fun. Every set is one I want to sit down and learn, and they play with so much ENERGY and STYLE. Crunchy, tangible sound. I'll never get tired of listening to Kinnaris Quintet play. andpersand