Broadside entitled 'An Elegie'

Commentary

This memorial notice begins: 'AN / ELEGIE / Upon the much to be lamented Death of Colonel SARA, who departed this Life, at Leith, the 28th of August 1718.' The elegy begins: 'What mournful Sound is this doth reach mine Ears'.

It is now difficult to trace many of the people featured in broadside elegies - often the only personal information available on them is contained in the broadside. Here it would appear that Colonel Sara was infamous for her political opinions and her charitable work. It is more than likely, given the function of broadsides, that Colonel Sara would have enjoyed local celebrity status. Because of it's topicality and local interest it may have sold well.

Broadsides are single sheets of paper, printed on one side, to be read unfolded. They carried public information often for entertainment, such as memorials and eulogies. Cheaply available, they were sold on the streets by pedlars and chapmen. Although many of the people are now lost to researchers, their stories offer a valuable insight into many aspects of the society they were published in.

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