Pretty Polly

[Matusalem]

Anyone familiar with the origins of the classic bluegrass murder ballad "Pretty Polly"? I hear sometimes it's called 'The Gosport tragedy' or 'The Cruel Ship's Carpenter as known in England, as old english folk song. My understanding is that the song originated in England in the early 1700's, and was published in 1750. I have, in my collection, Ralph Stanley, The Byrds, and about a half dozen other artists singing it.

[pyrateleather]

Here's what Wikipedia has to say.

Folkinfo.org also has some historical info.

Good song, with tons of versions out there.