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Swinton, Lancashire.
1860-65.
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of transcription
Referred to by VMP code in the tune titles as TLY.
Transcribed into ABC Music Notation for The Village Music Project
by Taz Tarry, 1999.
Revised in 2009.
This is a fiddler's manuscript book of about 200 tunes of all
types. It includes some tunes that might indicate ability or
interest in flute, clarinet, and more than a few of the marches
would be very suitable for brass instruments.
On the end paper is written in a neat copperplate hand; -
"William Tildsley's Book, Swinton, 1860, Violin Player"
Also several other names in the top right corner, including in a
much later hand:-
"J.Cooke, Egerto.., Worsley...,"then becomes illegible on my
photocopy.
On the next page is written in a looser but not unattractive
hand:-
"Samuel Tyldsley, Swinton, 1860, near the toll barr, Valley
Bal..., Wm. Tyldsley under the sun, Wm. is a bad man stone
Breaking, and he has not broken 3 tons, 1865".
Evidence of some good-natured sibling rivalry, perhaps, and
some roguishness.
It resides in City of Salford Cultural Services Department Archive
Centre.
It was given to Salford by Mr. Thomas Collier, of Swinton, in
1957, accompanied by the following letter:
"To Mr. Cotton, Dear Sir,
I have in my possession a
book once owned by Wm. Tyldsley known as 'Owd Billy Tilt'. It is
a book of Hornpipes etc played by him at the old dinnering days
at Willoghbys*, The White Lion (a note at the bottom of the page
adds 'Willoughby Gilbody'). It is in Manuscript. If
anything happened to me this book might be scrapped and given to
the dustbin man. I think it is a real link with the past. If you
think the same I should be glad to let you have it at any time
to add to your collection.
I am yours,
Thomas Collier."
And there it lay undisturbed for 41 years, until found by John
Adams in 1998.
Our thanks must go to Mr. Collier for his foresight and
generosity.
Introduction by Chris Partington, VMP.
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