History
The earliest known mention of the song is in Samuel Pepys' diary for January 2. 1666 (ed. Robert Latham & William Matthews, Vol. vii, London:, p. 1.) where he recalls the fun and games at a New Years party
"... but above all, my dear Mrs Knipp with whom I sang; and in perfect pleasure I was to hear her sing, and especially her little Scotch song of Barbary Allen."
From this Roud & Bishop infer that the song was "brand new, or at least in vogue" and was quite possibly written for the stage as Elizabeth Knepp was a professional actress, singer and dancer.
Barbara Allen's cruelty: or, the young-man's tragedy. With Barbara Allen's amentation for her unkindness to her lover, and her self, was published as a broadside ballad in London c.1690. However, it appears to have been well known before since the song was to be sung 'To the tune of Brbara Allen.' Further editions were printed in Britain throughout the eighteenth century, several of which were printed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Edinburgh or Aberdeen indicating that the song was of Scottish or northern English origin. The ballad was first printed in the United States in 1836.
Read more about this topic: Barbara Allen (song)
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