Background
He was born in The Side, near the Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne. His father was a cheesemonger and had his own business.
He was born in The Side, near the Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne. His father was a cheesemonger and had his own business.
Possibly his best known work is the song "Newcassel Props", an example of Geordie dialect. William became a draper and hatter, working for a Mr Bowes of The Bridge End, Gateshead, and staying there for many years. Foreign a short, while he ran his own business as a hatter, but this was unsuccessful.
He eventually left ca.
He was very popular as both singer and songwriter, his songs were extremely popular in their day, but are now less popular, and less well-known. This is possibly due to them being written about real people and real events which are no longer known to, and have no relevance in today"s society.
He was politically motivated, sympathizing with the protestors for reforms, and a keen supporter of, the 1832 Reform Bill. His 1829 collection of songs was dedicated to Robert Bill, Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne.
He also attended many of the social gatherings with his fellow businessmen and tradesmen after business hours.
He died 29 October 1848 and was buried in Westgate Hill General Cemetery, Arthur"s Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Oliver was a member of several of the reformist societies, such as Sons of Apollo, Stars of Friendship, and the Corinthian Society (that held its meetings at the Blue Posts, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne).