1-158-873 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Scene from The Babes in the Wood, 1878. Away they went the pretty babes/Rejoicing at that tide. The orphaned babes are taken off to be murdered by ruffians hired by their wicked uncle. A ballad of c1600 tells the story of the owner of Wayland Hall, Norfolk, who died leaving his infant son and daughter in the care of his brother. If both children should die before the uncle he would inherit their wealth. After a year, greed overcame duty and family affection. From The Babes in the Wood, published by Frederick Warne and Co. (London, 1879).