Robert Emery (songwriter)
Robert Emery (1794–1871) was a Tyneside songwriter, born in Edinburgh in Scotland. Possibly his best known work is "Hydrophobie" (sometimes called "The skipper and the Quaker"), an example of Geordie dialect.
Robert Emery was born in Edinburgh on 26 September 1794. His family moved to Newcastle upon Tyne when he was young. He served his apprenticeship as a printer with Mr Angus, bookseller and printer, of The Side, Newcastle, and continued as a journeyman printer for many years in the town.
His early professional writing was of children's nursery rhymes for penny and halfpenny books. In 1814 he wrote the first two verses of a song about the great frost of 1813 with co-writer Thomas Binney.
He moved to Lamberts in Grey Street and whilst there, apparently wrote a song each year for his fellow work mates for their annual trip. He became self-employed, forming his own printing company about 1850, with premises in Silver Street, Newcastle upon Tyne. He continued here until about 1870 when he moved the larger premises at the foot of Pilgrim Street.
He died a year later, 28 March 1871 at the age of 77. He was buried in All Saints' cemetery.
His works include –
His songs are included in many collections including :-
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