Here is the first-ever book about Yorkshire's world-famous anthem, described by the author as 'surrounded by so much mystery, controversy and downright nonsense'. The tradition is that the comic dialect words sung to the rousing hymn tune originated with members of a Victorian chapel choir on an outing to Ilkley Moor. A couple wandered off from the main party to go 'courting', and got some good-natured teasing on their return.
But there are many unanswered questions. Where did the original singers come from, and when was the song first sung? Exactly what are the correct words, and what does it all mean? It may also come as a surprise to learn that the music of On Ilkia Mooar was composed by a boot-and-shoe maker from Canterbury. Having traced its unusual origins, the author discusses the curious mythology and widespread appeal of one of 'the hit-songs of history'. He even shows us intriguing links with Shakespeare, Darwin and Rossini.
What was originally a piece of leg-pulling has become synonymous with Yorkshire and spread to every corner of the world, and is now regarded as the county's unofficial 'anthem'. The song is unique and its success phenomenal, firstly-due to the robust and rousing tune, and secondly the curiosity value of the words, with a light-hearted love story ending up with . cannibalism sung in the only authentic Yorkshire dialect most people ever hear.
There really is no song like this in the world, and no-one who reads this book will ever feel quite the same again about On Ilkia Mooar baht 'at.