Lanercost (song)
Encyclopedia
Lanercost is a folk song by the folk rock group Steeleye Span
. It was released as the B-side of the single "Somewhere in London" in 1985. It then featured on their 1986 album Back in Line
and was later included on the 1999 A Rare Collection 1972-1996.
"Lanercost" was written by Maddy Prior
(who sings the lead vocals on the piece) and Rick Kemp
.
is a village near to a priory
of the same name in the north of Cumbria
, close to the Scottish border. The lyrics describe part of the life of English King Edward I, who fought to subdue the Scottish. Towards the end of his life, the King spent time at Lanercost Priory, directing a campaign against Robert the Bruce.
The King, although ill, caught and hanged three of the Bruce's (four) brothers. Ultimately, however, he died when leading his army north.
Each of the four verses begins by describing the actions of the canons
(priests) at the priory - fishing; praying; working in the scriptorium
and finally carrying the King's coffin. The rest of each verse then discusses Edward and his actions - lying in bed "cursing fate" (as he is too ill to fight); delighting at his capture and execution of the Bruce's brothers; leaving to ride north and then dying before his work can be finished. The chorus is centered around a repetition of the Kyrie eleison (in fact spelled 'elaison' in the sleeve notes), presumably suggesting that this would have been sung by the canons themselves.
Steeleye Span
Steeleye Span are an English folk-rock band, formed in 1969 and remaining active today. Along with Fairport Convention they are amongst the best known acts of the British folk revival, and were among the most commercially successful, thanks to their hit singles "Gaudete" and "All Around My Hat"....
. It was released as the B-side of the single "Somewhere in London" in 1985. It then featured on their 1986 album Back in Line
Back in Line
Back in Line is an album by the electric folk band Steeleye Span.This album, the band's 12th, was released in 1986, after a hiatus of almost 6 years. It was their first album without founding member Tim Hart, who quit the music business entirely...
and was later included on the 1999 A Rare Collection 1972-1996.
"Lanercost" was written by Maddy Prior
Maddy Prior
Maddy Prior is an English folk singer, best known as the lead vocalist of Steeleye Span.-Early life:...
(who sings the lead vocals on the piece) and Rick Kemp
Rick Kemp
Rick Kemp is an English bass player, songwriter, vocalist and record producer, best known for his work with the pioneering electric folk band, Steeleye Span.-Projects:...
.
Lyrics and content
LanercostLanercost
Lanercost is a village in the northern part of Cumbria, England. The settlement is in the civil parish of Burtholme, in the City of Carlisle local government district. Lanercost is known for the presence of Lanercost Priory and its proximity to Hadrian's Wall.-History:Lanercost Priory was founded...
is a village near to a priory
Lanercost Priory
Lanercost Priory was founded by Robert de Vaux between 1165 and 1174, the most likely date being 1169, to house Augustinian Canons. It is situated at the village of Lanercost, Cumbria, England, within sight of Naworth Castle, with which it long had close connections.It is now open to the public and...
of the same name in the north of Cumbria
Cumbria
Cumbria , is a non-metropolitan county in North West England. The county and Cumbria County Council, its local authority, came into existence in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972. Cumbria's largest settlement and county town is Carlisle. It consists of six districts, and in...
, close to the Scottish border. The lyrics describe part of the life of English King Edward I, who fought to subdue the Scottish. Towards the end of his life, the King spent time at Lanercost Priory, directing a campaign against Robert the Bruce.
The King, although ill, caught and hanged three of the Bruce's (four) brothers. Ultimately, however, he died when leading his army north.
Each of the four verses begins by describing the actions of the canons
Canon (priest)
A canon is a priest or minister who is a member of certain bodies of the Christian clergy subject to an ecclesiastical rule ....
(priests) at the priory - fishing; praying; working in the scriptorium
Scriptorium
Scriptorium, literally "a place for writing", is commonly used to refer to a room in medieval European monasteries devoted to the copying of manuscripts by monastic scribes...
and finally carrying the King's coffin. The rest of each verse then discusses Edward and his actions - lying in bed "cursing fate" (as he is too ill to fight); delighting at his capture and execution of the Bruce's brothers; leaving to ride north and then dying before his work can be finished. The chorus is centered around a repetition of the Kyrie eleison (in fact spelled 'elaison' in the sleeve notes), presumably suggesting that this would have been sung by the canons themselves.