'Cockhorse Boy' - anybody else heard of this expression?

[chrissiebee]

Hi Folks,

Was talking to my 85 year old Dad today, picking his brains for little bits of info. He then told me about his dad (who was born in 1885) and what his dad did when he was just a lad. It seems Grandad was what was called a 'cock-horse boy', which meant that he had to unharness the tram horses at the bottom of Muswell Hill, hitch up another pair of horses who would then trundle back up Muswell Hill. Grandad then was promoted to a tram-driver, still pulling two horses, and ended his working life as an electric tram driver.

Now, am I being fanciful or is this some connection with the nursery rhyme "Ride a Cock-horse to Banbury Cross", perhaps? Anybody know more about this expression of a 'cock-horse boy'? Interesting, eh?

Chris

[chrissiebee]

Thanks very much for that, Bob - you're probably right that it was a local saying in London. My Dad did tell me that Grandad did walk the spare horses back up Muswell Hill, but possibly astride one of them in the process?

Chris

[Little Nell]

Chris

Do ye mind the old horse / A Trace Boy on Ligoniel Hill mp3 midi free download beach motel Sechelt bed breakfast

is a poem about this occupation, the lads are called "trace boys" here as they sort out the traces.

[chrissiebee]

Chris

Do ye mind the old horse / A Trace Boy on Ligoniel Hill mp3 midi free download beach motel Sechelt bed breakfast

is a poem about this occupation, the lads are called "trace boys" here as they sort out the traces.

Oh Nell - that's a lovely poem! It really brought a tear to my eye, particularly when read in conjunction with my dear departed old Grandad. I have printed off a copy for my Dad, which no doubt will also reduce him to fill-up a bit.

Many thanks to you and Bob for your help - much appreciated!

Chris

[BC]

Purely for amusement: wanted to know the answer but as my Internet connection has gone for some reason, am using the ' Great Public ' etc. in the local library. When I tried to bring up the item it went into horror mode and called it Pornography !! Got to the item through FTF eventually but whoever compiled the porno list clearly has a problem !

[keldon]

There's one US reference to a "cock horse boy" in a stable.
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