William Oliver (songwriter)
| William Oliver | |
|---|---|
| Born |
5 February 1800 The Side, Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Died | 29 October 1848 (aged 48) |
| Occupation(s) | Poet, singer, songwriter |
William Oliver (5 February 1800 – 29 October 1848) was a Tyneside poet, singer and songwriter from Newcastle upon Tyne. Possibly his best known work is the song "Newcassel Props", an example of Geordie dialect.
He was born in The Side, near the Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne. His father was a cheesemonger and had his own business.
Oliver became a draper and hatter, working for a Mr Bowes of The Bridge End, Gateshead, and staying there for many years. For a short while, he ran his own business as a hatter, but this was unsuccessful. He eventually left the business around 1830 and joined his brother Timothy working in his grocery shop situated at the corner of Cloth Market and High Bridge, and there he stayed until his death.
Oliver was popular as both singer and songwriter in his time. His 1829 collection of songs was dedicated to Robert Bill, Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne.
He was politically motivated, sympathized with the protestors for reforms, and was a keen supporter of the 1832 Reform Bill. Oliver was also 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).
William Oliver, like his brother Timothy, was unmarried. He died 29 October 1848 and was buried in Westgate Hill General Cemetery,Arthur's Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne.
His works include:
...
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