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The Secret of Chapel Field

from Circles in Time by John Holden

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about

Some years ago, when visiting my village church, I was intrigued by a fading inscription on an early Victorian gravestone;
'To the Memory of MARY MALPAS the beloved daughter of JOHN & ANNE MALPAS who at the early age of 15 years & 10 months was, on the night of June 28th 1835, most basely and cruelly murdered in CHAPEL FIELD HUNSTERSTON by THOMAS BAGGULEY an elderly
married man. He escaped the punishment of the law by adding his own Death to that of his INNOCENT VICTIM.’
This startling and unusual account encouraged me to research the story.
It became obvious however that there were many questions left unanswered. Libby and I wanted to write a song that captured the mystery and atmosphere of a Victorian ghost story. It is a tale inspired by the tragic deaths of real people but we have put a different twist on the relationships and events of that fateful night. The lyrics of the ensemble choruses are inspired by a dramatic verse inscribed on Mary’s gravestone;
‘Lone was the place and dark the midnight hour, which gave
sweet MARY to the Ruffian’s power. Steadfast in faith and strong in virtue’s might, she fell a Martyr on that awful night. Now safe from sin and harm she rests secure, among the blessed who in heart
are pure.’

lyrics

Early summer’s morning 
In dawning light revealed 
The secret of a woman 
Found on Chapel Field

Gaze concealed 
A dark and silent eve 
Shadows cast  
Two figures as they leave

Game so clear 
A heart as black as sin 
Foolish girl
He seeks to lure you in 

I’m here my darling
Meeting as you asked 
Why linger here?
We’re together at last 
Let’s steal away and
Start our life anew 
When we are married
I’ll give myself to you

Silent screams  
Chilling now the ghostly air
Maiden found  
With neck and ankle bare

Fireflies 
In the meadow watching crow
Mary’s corpse  
Weighs upon the grass below
A humble girl
told to be discreet 
Whispered words hid
A cruel and dark deceit  
You had promised to
Make me your true wife 
I only wanted your
Love to fill my life

Strong in faith and virtue 
A heart and mind so pure 
Her innocence was taken 
Sweet Mary breathes no more

All things lost  
All that I did not tell 
Tears of shame 
A bitter last farewell

Forgive me now  
Heart filled with looming dread 
Mortal sins  
Left hanging by a thread 
 
I sometimes saw you watching from afar 
Now I know your secret kept us far apart 
I always wanted to love and care for you
I always longed for you to know our truth

Darling daughter with eyes of violet blue
Why did fear and pride keep me away from you?
Dearest father you came to me too late 
Forever now on Chapel Field victims of our fate

credits

from Circles in Time, released March 19, 2021

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