This song is an example of an English patriotic song from the mid-Victorian era. The music is straightforward so its a good bet that it would have been the sort of piece performed at an informal social gathering -- after-dinner entertainment, for example The music and words are both by J.S Major. The piece may be self-published because its available both from the publisher, Jefferys and Nelson, and directly from the composer (his address is also listed). The song, 'Britain's Favored Isle' (the spelling of Favor without the 'u' is authentic) is also subtitled 'Manhood, Love and Beauty' and is 'Inscribed to his Friend, Captain Barton'. (Like all sheet music of this age it was quite expensive at two shillings, about a third of a week's wage for a laborer.) The copy has an inscription written on it --'Chas Ambrose, the Gift of his Friend, Captain Barton'. |