From Obscurity to Alternative Nation Anthem: The Story of Barwick Green - Sally Cadle

Welcome to the fifth series in the annual podcast programme from Academic Archers, bringing you papers from our 2024 conference.

Please note: the sound quality on this recording is not as clear as usual. We apologise for this and thank you for your understanding.

This episode tells the story of Barwick Green, from obscurity to becoming the alternative national anthem.

From Obscurity to Alternative Nation Anthem: The Story of Barwick Green - Sally Cadle

A hundred years after Barwick Green was first performed by the Court Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Hall, Harrogate, this paper explores the life and work of its largely forgotten composer, Arthur Wood. Drawing on sources including insights from former members of The Archers production team and cast, Sally explains how and why this little-known piece of music became the theme for an everyday story of country folk.

The paper also examines other appearances of Barwick Green in film, television, literature and media, tracing how these uses over the last 70 years have cemented its iconic status. Finally, Sally considers the different arrangements heard on The Archers – and some that were never used – to shed new light on the worldwide recognition of this familiar tune.

About the speaker

Sally Cadle has been listening to The Archers since childhood and has contributed to Academic Archers since the first conference, where she famously introduced knitting. Now a respected member of the Saturday Ambridgeology Study Society, her research covers a range of Archers-related topics. Beyond Ambridge, Sally knits, weaves, and makes costumes for her local community theatre. She once received a Police Commissioners Commendation for her quick response and first aid skills following a major stabbing.

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