Gathering peascods

This tune was first published by John Playford in his 'English Dancing Master' of 1651. The title may refer to the old custom of 'peascod wooing'. A woman shelling peas might find a pod containing nine peas; she might then leave the pod by the door. The first man to visit would be her future husband.  Men would also pick pea pods, guessing that they might contain the auspicious number nine, and present the pod to the one they wish to court.

Here in two versions;


Gathering peascods for piano

Cecil Sharpe's arrangement


Gathering Peascods For Piano Pdf
PDF – 391.1 KB 4 downloads

Gathering peascods LEADSHEET

(melody and chords)


Gathering Peascods LEAD Pdf
PDF – 561.1 KB 4 downloads

Listen to an audio sample here;