9th January 2022
While trying to play a version of an old folk song called the Blacksmith I got the idea for a new melody. A few days later I was reading an article in the latest edition of the Ricardian Bulletin. It is titled 'The valiant squires of sacred Easter day.' This gave me the idea for some new lyrics to go with the tune which is about the young squires of the also young Richard Duke of Gloucester. These squires were killed at the battle of Barnet. They were both buried together in the prestigious London church of the Greyfriars. I think that Richard was deeply affected by their deaths. This is because their names are recorded in an indenture in which he instructs the recipients of an endowment to pray for his family, deceased members of the house of York and includes the names of the two squires.
The Valiant Squires
Young Thomas Parr killed on Easter day
As the morning mist slowly fades away
Revealing the dead bodies fallen on the ground
The aftermath of battle scattered all around
The valiant young Squires of sacred Easter day
For their souls young Richard he would pray
John Milewater killed on Easter day
As the morning mist slowly fades away
The humble and the mighty fallen on the ground
Including the Kingmaker whose name is so renowned
The valiant young Squires of sacred Easter day
For their souls young Richard he would pray
Buried in London's church of the Greyfriars
A noble resting place for the Duke of Gloucester's Squires
The valiant young Squires of sacred Easter day
For their souls young Richard he would pray