In the 1730s when the Spanish and British were battling for territory British general
James Oglethorpe established several fortifications on the barrier islands along the southeast
coast.
Fort St George which is located here on Fort George island was an earthwork and a palisade.
The continued harassment from the Spanish proved to make this fortification uh too challenging
for the British to maintain.
As we all try hard to maintain a work-life balance, so did the soldiers those that were
posted at Fort Frederica uh to the north of here on fort on St Simon's island um may have
spent time in some of the local watering holes along with the town's civilians singing well-known
tavern songs right here we have Carey who is dressed as a musician in James Oglethorpe's
42nd regiment of foot he's dressed in an orange uniform with a light green or pea green lapels
and a tricorn hat uh my name is Ted and I'm dressed um as July he was a free African who
led a group of uh negro and indian scouts along with the Oglethorpe's forces.
I'm dressed um in a knee-high white breeches I've got a brown poncho I have a brown bess
musket and a tri corn hat I also have my ammo box here with me I must have that if you're
a soldier I have a
and I'm Susie and I'm dressed as a tavern keeper's wife I'm wearing a green flowered
jacket a linen apron with stripes on it and a red skirt.
We're going to perform now one of the very well-known British 18th century tavern songs
about one of the most popular beverages of choice it's entitled
Nottingham Ale. (fife music begins)
When Venus, the goddess of beauty and love
Arose from the froth that swam on the sea Minerva sprang out of the cranium of Jove
A coy, sullen dame as most mortals agree But Bacchus, they tell us, that prince of good
fellows Was Jupiter's son, pray attend my tale They who thus chatter mistake quite the
matter He sprang from a barrel of Nottingham Ale Nottingham Ale, me boys, Nottingham Ale
No liquor on earth is like Nottingham Ale Nottingham Ale, me boys, Nottingham Ale No
liquor on earth is like Nottingham Ale You bishops and curates, priests, deacons and
vicars When once you have tasted, you all must agree That Nottingham Ale is the best
of all liquors And none understands a good creature like thee.
It dispels every vapor, saves pen, ink and paper For when you've a mind in your pulpit
to rail It'll open your throats, you may preach without notes When inspired with a bumper
of Nottingham Ale.
Nottingham Ale, me boys, Nottingham Ale No liquor on earth is like Nottingham Ale Nottingham Ale, me boys, Nottingham Ale No liquor on earth is like Nottingham Ale
Ye poets who pray on the Hellican brooke The nectar of Gods and the juice of the vine,
You say none can write well except they invoke The friendly assistance of one of the Nine.
His liquor surpassed the streams of Parnassus That nectar, Ambrosia, on which Gods regale
Experience will show it, naught makes a good poet Like quantum sufficients of Nottingham Ale
Nottingham Ale, me boys, Nottingham Ale No liquor on earth is like Nottingham Ale Nottingham Ale, me boys, Nottingham Ale No liquor on earth is like Nottingham Ale
And you doctors, who more executions have done With powder and potion and bolus and
pill Than hangman with halter, or soldier with gun Miser with famine or lawyer with
quill To dispatch us the quicker, you forbid us malt liquor Till our bodies consume, and
our faces grow pale Let him mind you, who pleases, what cures all diseases A plentiful
glass of good Nottingham Ale.
Nottingham Ale, me boys, Nottingham Ale No liquor on earth is like Nottingham Ale Nottingham Ale, me boys, Nottingham Ale No liquor on earth is like Nottingham Ale
Well thanks for joining us and come visit us at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.