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How did the ballad revival influence English Romantic poets?

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ballad Detail of an undated broadside ballad distributed in Boston following the execution of Levi Ames for burglary and intended to warn “thoughtless Youth.”

The ballad revival, which gained momentum in the 18th century through collections like Thomas Percy’s Reliques of Ancient English Poetry (1765), profoundly influenced English Romantic poets by providing a vital alternative to the rigid, outworn Neoclassical models of the time.12

This movement encouraged poets to move away from formal, sophisticated language in favor of the "language really used by men," focusing on everyday experiences and the emotions of humble, rustic people. By drawing inspiration from traditional folk poetry, Romantic poets sought to democratize literature and prioritize the expression of powerful feelings.34

Key impacts included:
* New Inspiration: Collections such as Sir Walter Scott’s Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border (1802) offered a fresh source of creative inspiration.1
* Literary Innovation: The publication of Lyrical Ballads (1798) by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge marked the beginning of English Romanticism, directly reflecting these new ideals of accessibility and emotional spontaneity.34