Swarkestone lies in the Trent valley on the north bank of the River Trent. Its existence here is largely due to the presence of an ancient and important river crossing, possibly dating from the pre-Conquest period. Shallows in the River Trent at this point enabled a masonry bridge to be constructed in medieval times, although the current bridge over the river was built in 1795-97, as the medieval bridge had been washed away in a flood. This bridge, and its massive 14th century Causeway, continues to dominate the village and is located on the main trunk road south from Derby (the A514). For much of its history Swarkestone Bridge was the only bridge to cross the Trent for some 10 miles or so, the nearest being at Burton, and it was on a direct route to Derby on the King’s Highway from Coventry

We were contacted to see if anyone knew of a folk song which had been written about the building of Swarkestone Bridge. After a quick Google search the song was found – “The Bellamont Sisters” by a group called Moirai. We thought you might be interested in the lyrics, so here they are. Next time the river covers the flood plains, spare a thought for the victims of this sorry tale! Historians have found no proof of the story, but it is a well known folk tale with many echoes of actual events and people – so it makes for an interesting read.

The Bellamont Sisters

Lord Harpur and the Duke prepared for both their wedding days,
To sisters of the Bellamont House all in their fine array.
Untimely news of the Barons meet caused these two men to part
To cross the flood plains of the Trent and leave their own sweethearts.
So its fare thee well as the waters swell, beware the Trent so wide
And its fare thee well as the waters swell, beware the Trent so wide.

Oh stay at home the sisters cried, oh stay and married be
For the finest feast of all Derbyshire your own supper will be
Of all the feasts from all this land we simply cannot stay
For the Barons call we must attend we’ll be home break of day.
Oh if you go to old Melbourne Hall on this foul and fearsome night
Well the rains may come and the Trent will swell and you’ll drown in it’s might.
Oh the good steeds that we ride upon cost us a pound and ten,
And we’ll put trust in their swift feet to bring us home again.
So it’s off they go and its off they ride safe to old Melbourne Hall
Despite the sorrows and the cries the sisters after them called.
And the rains did come and the Trent did swell and became so full of might
As the Barons met their duty done worse still grew the night.
So its fare thee well as the waters swell, beware the Trent so wide
And its fare thee well as the waters swell, beware the Trent so wide.

So its back they come and it’s back they ride at the river they alight
For the rains have come and the Trent has swelled and looks so full of might.
Lord Harpur and the Duke ride on, tis to no avail
For the rushing of the Trent waters caused these two men to fail.
Its fare thee well as the waters swell, beware the Trent so wide
And its fare thee well as the waters swell, beware the Trent so wide.

So the rains did stop and the Trent subside and the waters washed away
And the true loves of the sisters young were ne’er seen to this day.
These sisters vow to never wed but spend their pennies all
The Swarkestone Bridge would be their cause, fine and ancient wall.
This monument serves to remind of lovers forced to part
Perhaps it brings folk safely home so they may follow their heart.
These sisters died unwed, unloved, not a penny to their name
At Prestwold Church they take their rest, this song their only fame.