Child states that the legend behind the tune is that Robert Aldridge, Bishop of Carlisle, seduced Hugh Graham's wife. In revenge Graham staged a raid and stole the bishop's horse. He was pursued by the Warden of Carlisle, John Scroope and was caught near Solway Moss. He was taken to Carlisle and convicted. Despite many pleas for clemency the sentence was carried out, and the last obstacle to the Bishop's pleasure was removed.
Child has seven versions of the ballad.
Tell her, she was the bishop's whore. Although Hugh does not appear among the first names of the Grahams of that time, Robert Aldridge was the bishop of Carlisle from 1537 to 1555 and Lord Scroope held the office of English warden of the West Marches in 1542. For a complete list of Child Ballads at this site go to Francis J. Child Ballads . Hughie Graham thou art a loun. If ye'll let Hughie Graham gae free.