Llef (O Iesu Mawr)
Chartist songs
Attending church or chapel was the regular practice of most Chartists. The recently discovered National Chartist Hymn Book in Calderdale, Lancashire is evidence that Chartist sympathisers would sing the popular hymn tunes of the day adapted with lyrics which expressed Chartist sentiment.
These are passionate, rousing and thoughtful songs echoing the sentiments of the Chartist Movement and the words bring to life the poverty and injustices experienced by the Chartists. The hymn tune used here as an example of Chartist practice may have been written later than the time of the Chartists.
