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This poem appears in Holloway Jingles, a collection written by militant suffragettes who were serving sentences in Holloway Jail in 1912. It is by Dr Alice Ker, and recounts her trial and sentencing.

Performers: The McNeill Sisters Duo

Air: ‘Annie Laurie’

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Newington Butts were lively,
When session’s time fell due,
For there sat Justice Lawrie,
With twelve good men and true:
And sat to sentence me—
And except for Justice Lawrie,
I’d be far away and free.

The lies piled up like snow drifts,
The women’s case looked wan;
Their answers were the bravest
That e’er judge frowned upon:
And a biassed judge was he—
And except for Justice Lawrie,
I’d be far away and free.

Hear the Jew as witness lying,
Measuring damages in feet;
And to hear the owner sighing,
When it proves too much, is sweet.
And all the world can see,
That except for Justice Lawrie,
I’d be far away and free.