A New Song, for the Year 1764
By Mr William Sutton
On the banks of the Tees, at Stockton of old,
A castle there was of great fame we are told,
Where the Bishops of Durham were wont to retreat,
And spend all their summers at that gallant seat.
Derry down &c.
’Twas once on a time, that King John being there,
The chiefs of Newcastle did thither repair;
Humbly pray’d that his Highness would deign for to grant
Them a charter, of which they were then in great want.
The King highly pleas’d with the Bishop’s grand treat,
(Abounding in liquors, and all sorts of meat,)
Their prayer he comply’d with, the charter did sign,
Owing then, as ’twas said, to the Bishop’s good wine.
Old Noll, in his day, out of pious concern,
This castle demolish’d71, sold all but the barn;
When Nilthorp and Hollis, with two or three more,
Divided the spoils, as they’d oft done before.
The town still improving, became the delight
Of strangers, and others, so charming its sight,
That a bridge cross the river being lately propos’d,
The cash was subscrib’d, and the bargain soon clos’d.
The King, Lords, and Commons approving the scheme,
The bridge was begun, and now’s building between72
Two counties, when finish’d, no doubt ’twill produce
Fairs, markets for cattle, and all things for use.
Let us drink then a bumper to Stockton’s success,
May its commerce increasing ne’er meet with distress;
May the people’s endeavours procure them much wealth,
And enjoy all their days the great blessing of health.
Derry down, &c.
Notes
71 The castle and demesnes were sold during the government of the common wealth, 1647, for 6165l. and soon after was dismantled, and the materials disposed of.
72 The act of parliament for building a bridge, by subscription, was got in 1761, was immediately begun, and was finished in April, 1771, and cost about 8000l.