Folk music in the truest sense, The Testimony Of Patience Kershaw tells the story of a 17-year-old girl’s life working in the mines. Based on the actual testimony Patience Kershaw gave to the Children’s Employment Commission in 1842, the song was written by Frank Higgins in the 60s but was popularised by the Unthanks on their 2009 album Here’s The Tender Coming in a version which is surely one of great achievements to come out of the British folk scene in recent years. The original testimony, which can be read here, is just as moving.
New folk music recommendations
