The collection represents Roy Palmer's extensive research in the area of Sea Balladry. It is ordered and arranged by Palmer himself. The material primarily consists of secondary source material which includes songs, music, articles, images (some original) and other printed sources. Much of the material was used in the production of Palmer's books THE OXFORD BOOK OF SEA SONGS and BOXING THE COMPASS, however, the collection also contains material that was not chosen for the books and material accumulated since their publication. The sources are accompanied by Palmer's notes, and various correspondence.

The broad themes covered in the collection are: sixteenth century research, music, songs and images; seventeeth century research, music, songs and images; seventeenth century addendum- notes, songs and printed material; eighteenth century material divided into two parts plus addendum; nineteenth century material divided into three parts plus an addendum; twentieth century material plus an addendum; two sailor song books- songs plus research; background printed material; reviews/correspondence from both books, including reader's comments; visual illustrations (photographs and prints); further research notes on life and songs of Bob Roberts, a sailing bargemaster; songs in Nelson's Navy; songs of the sea; 'The Press Gang'; Nelson's death; songs against slavery; songs of the smugglers; emigrants all at sea; the Plimsoll Line; John Masefield and Sea Songs; Lost at Sea: Songs of Shipwreck (notes for a talk given at Lancaster Maritime Festival, 2003); Shipwreck Ballads, 1819-1914; the life and songs of Sam Larner, a fisherman; 'female sailor'; 'cannibalism at sea'; piracy; 'A Sea of Ink'; folklore of the sea; three parts concerning Palmer's shanties series.

Related Material
Related article compiled as part of RMG "Queer History club", revisiting collections for LGBTQi+ histories at: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/researching-queer-histories-fresh-look-female-sailors

Administrative / biographical background
Roy Palmer, a prolific writer of folksong and folklore produced more than 30 books on the subject, plus many published articles. He focused on bringing out the historical context of sea songs and adding the personal experiences of working people. The theme of illustrating social history through song continued with several examples and his maritime songs in The Oxford Book of Sea Songs (1986, revised as Boxing the Compass in 2001). His work was for general readership as well as for folksong enthusiasts to unravel the historical context of songs. Roy studied at Coalville grammar school, studying French at Manchester University (BA and MA degrees) and he then did national service in the army, followed by obtaining a teaching certificate. His career in teaching led him to attain the headship of Dame Cadbury school in Bournville, Birmingham. In 1983 he took early retirement which led to his full time pursuit of research and writing. Roy served on the editorial board of the EFDSS (English Folk Dance and Song Society) Folk Music Journal and frequently contributed to their magazine. He supported the work of EFDSS’s Vaughan Williams Memorial Library. In 2004 he received the Society’s Gold Badge award in recognition of his contribution to folk music. He also received an honorary degree in the same year from the Open University. Having a passion for poetry he was chairman of the Friends of the Dymock Poets.