Frederick George Gardner

Frederick George Gardner (1821-1910), fiddle player for the Ruardean Morris dancers, was born about 1821 in Gloucester, probably in the Wooton area near the town centre (near where Gloucester Royal Hospital stands) although at one point he did give his birthplace as Chosen, an area outside Gloucester towards Churchdown.

27 Aug 1909 (4)
2323 Ruardean Sword Dance
"Dance of the man who accompanied the Morris dancers at Ruardean (Forest of Dean) for whom Allen played down to about 1871-2. He held the swords in his hands and manipulated them as he danced. It was very difficult. He did not place swords on the ground and dance over them."
2324 Morris Dance

Paul Burgess

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References

(1) Wortley MSS., interview with Elizabeth Watkins, 1 September 1957, cited in a letter from Wortley, dated 12 November 1974, in the Forest of Dean Morris Men collection.
(2) Sharp MSS., 'Folk Dance Notes' 1, ff.86-87, interview with Henry Allen, Stratford-on-Avon, 27 August 1909.
(3) Sharp MSS., field notebook (words) 4 (14 August - 3 September 1909), interview with Henry Allen, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, 27 August 1909.
(4) Sharp MSS., 'Folk Tunes', 11 (April - September 1909), nos.2323-4, interview with Henry Allen, Stratford-on-Avon, 27 August 1909.