Thomas Clerke (songwriter)

Thomas Clerke was a Sunderland singer/songwriter and poet from the seventeenth and/or eighteenth century.

Thomas Clerke was said to be a “Gentleman of powerful convivial talents and the author of several spirited, and Anacreontic¹ songs ” many of which are now attributed to others.

He was said to be always cheerful and an outgoing member of society. His works were poetical and full of ready wit and sparkling humour.

His works include :-
 * Sons of the Wear
 * Musical Club
 * Ode to Silver Street
 * Spottee – appears in The Bishoprick Garland by (Sir) Cuthbert Sharp and also A Beuk o’ Newcassell Sangs by Joseph Crawhall.
 * ’Tis all that I desire (actual title unknown) – an extract of which appears in The Bishoprick Garland.

¹ Anacreontic = in the manner of the Greek lyric poet Anacreon (?572–?488 BC), noted for his short songs celebrating love and wine - or (of verse) in praise of love or wine; amatory or convivial