William Bayliss

Photo by Cecil Sharp, with permission of the English Folk Dance and Song Society

Cecil Sharp visited William Bayliss on 7 April 1909 when William sang him the Wassail Song.

The birth of a George William Baylis was registered in Stow on the Wold Registration District in 1847. William’s grandparents were possibly Henry Baylis, born circa 1801 and his wife, Hannah, born circa 1797 of Stanton. They were living in Stanton in 1841, but by 1851 Henry was no longer living with Hannah so possibly had died. They had at least four children: Jane, Mary, Mark/Marko and Samuel born between 1827 and 1834. They also had another grandchild, Emma born circa 1848.

William Bayliss was born in Stanton, Gloucestershire about 1847 and in 1867 probably married Matilda who was born in Ashleworth, Gloucestershire. Their first child, Emma, was born in Stanton circa 1869 but they then moved to Laverton in the parish of Buckland, Gloucestershire where the rest of their children were born .They had eight children, Emma, Jane E. , Mary Ann, Mark W. and Henry/Harry, William, Edith and Samuel, seven of whom were still living by 1911. William worked as a general and farm labourer.

A William Bayliss’ death aged 79 was registered in the Registration District of Winchcomb, Glos. in 1926.

Note by Carol Davies November 2011