The Rarest Old Ballad that ever was seen of the Blind Beggar's Daughter of Bethnal-Green.
London: Howard and Evans, 41, Long-lane, West-smithfield, London, (1800-1811?). Broadside. An English broadside ballad telling the story of a blind beggar's beautiful daughter. She is beset by suitors but as her father is impoverished, all but one fall away. He is a knight and still willing to marry her. The beggar father turns out to a blinded war veteran with hidden wealth of his own. The father mentions that he served Henry III of England in his wars in France. In an 18th-century variation of the ballad, Bessee's father is identified as the historical figure Henry de Montfort (1238 –1265), a son of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester. In the ballad, Henry apparently survived his reported death in the Battle of Evesham. (wikipedia)
This edition printed by Howard and Evans not listed on Broadside Ballads Online from the Bodleian Libraries Oxford. They have a few broadside printed by Howard and Evans, dated from 1800-1811, hence the date given here. It is not illustrated.
10 1/2 x 7 1/4", text in two columns printed in italics. Quite browned with some loss in margins and slt. text loss at the bottom. Fair. Item #28387
Price: $150.00