[Note 279.7] The incident described is typical of many accidents due to the reckless behaviour of steamer captains and the lack of regulations controlling navigation on the river. See also bar112 ~ Excursion to Putney. The song exhibits the robust humour of the age.
1 note
1 note
[Note 112.2] The place friend Mug that you like best Is down by Putney quarter" :- The steamer pier at Putney Bridge A rowing race is in progress (at least three crews, so not the University Boat Race) and many rowing boats with pleasure parties.
[Note 112.4] "Our heads spun round like Brixton Mill" :- Brixton windmill was built in 1816.
[Note 112.3] But scarcely had we reached Wauxhall" : - Vauxhall is on the south bank of the Thames. The narrator syas earlier that "we'll set off unto the vest" so our heroes may started from the Strand (see Note 112.7) which is not fare from Vauxhall.
[Note 112.7] "Arriving safely at the Strand" :- The picture below shows the Adlephi Buildings that stood between the Strand and the river before the embankment was built in the 1860s
