William Oliver (songwriter)

William Oliver (5 February 1800 – 29 October 1848) was a Tyneside poet, singer and songwriter from Newcastle upon Tyne.

[1] Oliver became a draper and hatter, working for a Mr Bowes of The Bridge End, Gateshead, and staying there for many years.

He eventually left the business around 1830 and joined his brother Timothy working in his grocery shop situated at the corner of Cloth Market and High Bridge, and there he stayed until his death.

His 1829 collection of songs[3] was dedicated to Robert Bill, Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Oliver was also a member of several of the reformist societies, such as Sons of Apollo, Stars of Friendship, and the Corinthian Society (that held its meetings at the Blue Posts, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne).