These recordings embody the spirit of seafaring and coastal life. There are songs in praise of fish, tales of press-ganged sailors and their lovers, and deep water working shanties. Traditional fishermen’s hymns ensured the crew’s safe return, which was often an occasion for music or stepdancing in a harbourside pub.

These are traditional performers recorded in their locality, whose songs and tunes have been passed down to them by their families and communities.

2. Will Your Anchor Hold - Staithes Fishermen's Choir (2.22)

3. The Topman and the Afterguard - Walter Pardon (2.01)

4. A-Rolling Down the River - Stan Hugill & Stormalong John (2.57)

5. Pretty Maids of Greenwich - Bob Lewis (2.03)

6. Cromer Stepdance Medley - Bob Davis (1.45)

7. The Bargeman's Alphabet - Harold Smy (3.29)

8. A Sailor from Dover - Mabs Hall (1.51)

9. Beyond the Sea - Staithes Fishermen’s Choir (3.20)

10. Stormy Weather Boys - Harold Smy (0.57)

11. The Herring's Head - Ted Chaplin (2.23)

12. Caroline and her Young Sailor Bold - Gordon Hall (5.25)

13. The Captain and the Mate - John 'Dusso' Winter (4.00)

14. The Watchet Sailor - George Withers (2.22)

15. Live Herrings /Fine Yarmouth - Johnny Doughty /Fred Whiting (2.21)

16. Jesus at Thy Command - Staithes Fishermen's Choir (2.57)

17. Early, Early in the Spring - Norman Perks (2.40)

18. Scarborough - Harold Smy (2.28)

19. The Leaky Ship - Stan Hugill & Stormalong John (1.33)

20. The Diving Bell - Tommy Morrissey (3.27)

21. A Lad and a Lass Once Stood - Ted Quantrill (5.04)

22. Old Grey Noddle - Mabs Hall  (1.32)

23. Who Will Man the Lifeboat - Staithes Fishermen's Choir (3.25)

24. Shoals of Herring - Fred Whiting (1.54)

25. Spanish Ladies - Walter Pardon (3.44)

26. Yarmouth Hornpipe - Percy Brown & Dick Hewitt (1.31)

27. Windy Old Weather - Johnny Doughty (2.51)

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