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William the Trapper

from Role Call by Jan and Paul Ramsey

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about

The Victorians saw child labour as a normal part of working life and some as young as five years old would work underground, often as a “Trappe”. The “Trapper’s” job was to open and close the wooden doors (trap doors) that allowed fresh air to flow through and any gases to be cleared from the mine. Mine owners, with little or no concern for their workforce, believed that a system involving a series of these doors throughout the mine would also contain the blast of any explosion. Conditions were appalling. The “Trapper” would work in a tight space for up to 18 hours at a time, six days per week, in total darkness and often in at least knee deep dirty cold water. I If a “Trapper” fell asleep the safety of the mine could be endangered. Many “Trappers” were killed or maimed i n accidents or died young or died young as a result of accidents or as a result breathing in coal dust (‘black lung disease’).

lyrics

Little William lies a sleeping, curled up in his bed
Mam shakes him hard, time to head for the pit
With a lump of bread he trudges towards his shift
Walks with men, smells of slums there's no hope in the air

Little Trapper William, is only five years old

Cage drops, always bent double, walks way beneath the earth
To pull a string back and forth, anxious from the start
He’s a trapper giving air helping crawlers to descend
Can’t sleep nor fail as on him the lives of men depend

For 14 hours he’s crouching in waterdeep and rank
Just ears and nose for sensing can’t afford to fail
He rarely sees the sun, is always tired and cold
Never time to play, dreading every gloomy day

Loose, loose, all done the Guvnor calls, shift changing
Back to the shaft, William’s face a sickening black
There’s nothing in the future but working on the seam
When eight he gets a happeny rise, not much of a dream

Goes to church on Sunday thanks his God for nowt
Wants to learn to read and write, to sign his name or something
Feels guilty that he prays for marbles, not food for all his family
Nor less chance of death or surviving a fall

Thinks he’s lucky to share as bed with his brother
Though soon he’s told, they’ll be a third and probably more
Glad for a cellar for slops and a shared pump at the back
Grateful that he’s not crippled, even though his lungs are black

But William’s luck will run out, and he’ll not make six

credits

from Role Call, released January 11, 2023
Ramsey

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Jan and Paul Ramsey Grimsby, UK

Jan and Paul first began singing together when they were students. Jan plays guitar and sings lead vocals, and Paul plays single reed harmonica and vocals. They are renowned for their close harmonies. Over the years they have performed extensively in the UK and overseas. They have held various residencies in UK folk clubs and are currently residents at Grimsby Folk Club. ... more

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