A bit of history

Sea shanties, also called 'chanteys', were work songs that were originally performed by sailors on large merchant ships. The term 'shanty' refers to a specific style belonging to this particular maritime age, but over time it has also been applied to 'maritime work songs' in general.

The etymology of the term is uncertain, but it probably first appeared during the mid-19th century in reference to specific maritime work songs that had been developed aboard merchant vessels in the years prior to the American Civil War (1861-1865).

However, they probably originated from the working chants of British sailors, and other maritime traditions, and were partly influenced by the working songs of African Americans during the slave years, often while loading vessels with bales of cotton in parts of the southern United States, and also by popular marching

Shanties helped to synchronise labour, thus making workers more efficient when engaged in 'push-pull' type tasks, such as weighing anchor and setting sail. They quickly became popular and were ubiquitous during the era of packet and clipper ships.

The Steepholmers are endeavouring to capture the richness and flavour of the traditional style, aided by several members interest in maritime history and the powerful, positive and rewarding experience of singing together as good friends in good heart and strong voice.

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A bit of history ​

The Steepholmers are endeavouring to capture the richness and flavour of the traditional style, aided by several members interest in maritime history and the powerful, positive and rewarding experience of singing together as good friends in good heart and strong voice.

This website uses cookies.

A bit of history