Hello!
I am a first year PhD student at Aberystwyth University researching into
the Welsh ballads of the eighteenth century. As well as reflecting Welsh
interests, many of these ballads reflect the style and themes found in
English ballads, the broadsides in particular. One such theme which I am
keen to learn more about its English counterparts involves visions of
heaven and hell.
Drawing on a long tradition of visions in European culture, these ballads
have a common narrative, telling the story of young women, mostly, who are
struck down by God. These women are either chosen because of their piety,
and faint whilst reading the Bible or in church, or because they are wicked
and in need of redemtion.
The earliest printed example I found is from 1716, and I would like to know
whether this theme was also popular in England at that time, as I suppose
it was since many of the Welsh ballads are set in London, Devon, Lancashire
and Cambridge.
I would be extremely grateful for any hints that could lead me in the
direction of such English texts,
Diolch yn fawr
Siwan Rosser
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