Thursday 14 October, at 7.30pm BST (online)

John Balshaw’s Jigge by Dr Jenni Hyde – online book launch of the latest Lancaster University Regional Heritage Centre publication (joint event with Friends of Lancashire Archives)

This new book presents the first published transcription of a little-known manuscript, originating in 17^th century Lancashire and now held by the British Library (Add. MS  68891). 

The document is the script for a stage jig (essentially an early modern musical) which is sung throughout to ballad tunes, and it was written in the small village of Brindle sometime shortly after the Restoration of the monarchy.

John Balshaw’s Jigge is a rare occurrence of the form from the north of England, and possibly the only example which can be attributed to the north west. The text reflects contemporary concerns including the Civil War and the religious and political divisions within Lancashire at the time of the Restoration. 

Dr Hyde will give a short talk, explaining the significance of the Jigge; and Dr Bill Shannon, will give us some insights into Brindle at the time that the Jigge was written and, presumably, performed. 

The book is now available to purchase from Lancaster University’s Online Store priced at only £12.99 www.lancaster.ac.uk/regional-heritage-centre