William Oliver (songwriter)

William Oliver (5 February 1800 29 October 1848) was a Tyneside poet, singer and songwriter from Newcastle upon Tyne. He is arguably best known for the song “Newcassel Props”, an example of the Geordie dialect. Career Oliver became a draper and hatter, working for a Mr.Bowes of The Bridge End, Gateshead, where he stayed there for many years. For a short time, 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. Music 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. Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne. Works His works include: * “The Bonassus” – the tale of a buffalo in a wild animal show; to the tune of “Jemmy Joneson’s Whurry” * “The Clock Face” to the tune “Bold Dragoon” * “England Awake” – a political song * “The Lament” to the tune “The Bold Dragoon” * “The New Markets” – to the tune “Canny Newcassel” * “Newcassel Props” – in which we remember the passing of local characters,