| "Van Diemen's Land" | |
|---|---|
| English Folk Song by Unknown | |
| Other name | "Henry the Poacher", etc. |
| Catalogue | Roud 221 |
| Genre | Transportation ballad |
| Text | Traditional |
| Published | 1800s: England |
| Publisher | Many broadside printers |
Van Diemen's Land or Henry the Poacher, Young Henry's Downfall, Beware Young Men (Roud 221).[1] is an English transportation ballad. It was widely published in broadsides during the 19th century, and was collected from traditional singers in England during the twentieth century. It has been recorded by many singers influenced by the British folk revival.
It is a cautionary tale describing the fate of a man convicted of poaching and sentenced to transportation to the British penal colony in Van Diemen's Land, (modern day Tasmania).
There is another song also called "Van Diemen's Land" which has been collected in England, Scotland, Ireland and the USA. It has a different story and tune.[2] This song is also called "The Gallant Poachers", "The Poacher's Song" and "Poacher Joe".