Annotation:Offa's Dyke
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OFFA'S DYKE (Clawdd Offa). AKA and see "Cowslip (2) (The)," "Oswestry Square," "Sawdl y Fuwch." Welsh, Country Dance Tune (6/8 time). D Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABBCC. Constructed in the 780's, Offa's Dyke [1] is the rather formidable earthwork which stretches along the Welsh border from Dee down to Tidenham; some 170 miles. It is named after Offa, 8th century king of Mercia. The alternate title, "Oswestry Square," is the name of an English Country Dance set to the tune.
Source for notated version:
Printed sources: Barnes (English Country Dance Tunes), 1986.
Recorded sources:
See also listing at:
Hear the tune played on accordion on youtube.com [2]
See the dance performed on youtube.com [3]