Poetry and song at Boston Castle

They will read and perform poetry from Rob’s acclaimed pamphlet The Purging of Spence Broughton, published by Longbarrow Press, as part of the South Yorkshire Poetry Festival.

Spence Broughton was executed in 1792 for his part in robbing the Sheffield and Rotherham mail. His body was gibbeted at the scene of the crime on Attercliffe Common, where it hung for 36 years.

The event will include poems, songs and letters, illuminating the life and death of Broughton within the wider historical and political context of the most explosive — and oppressive — period of modern English history.

The South Yorkshire Poetry Festival follows two successful Sheffield Poetry Festivals in 2011 and 2013 which showcased work by local writers and established poets from the UK and Ireland.  

Rob’s poetry collections include Some Histories of the Sheffield Flood 1864, Neurosurgery in Iraq and Yoke and Arrows.  

An established songwriter and musician, he is well known for his appearances on regional television and weekly BBC Radio Sheffield broadcasts featuring his own and other writers’ poetry.

Born in Rotherham of Irish parents, Ray still lives and works in the town.  

His albums include Broad Street Ballads and The Wrong Sunshine.

The Purging of Spence Broughton: a Highwayman with Rob Hindle and Ray Hearnewill takes place at Boston Castle, off Moorgate, from 7pm to 9pm tonight.

Tickets are available on the door only and are priced at £4.

Further details are available at http://southyorkshirepoetryfestival.com/