What were broadside ballads, and how were they distributed?

Broadside ballads were descriptive or narrative verses or songs, typically written in a simple ballad form, that focused on popular themes such as recent crimes, disasters, executions, or the exploits of national heroes. Emerging shortly after the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, these works served as a primary source of news and entertainment for the public before the advent of newspapers.12

They were distributed as inexpensive, single-sheet handbills—often featuring a crude woodcut—that were hawked in streets, marketplaces, and country fairs by individuals known as balladmongers. Because these sheets rarely included musical notation, the sellers would sing the ballads aloud to a popular air so that potential buyers could learn the melody. While many of these topical pieces were ephemeral, others were incorporated into the oral tradition or adapted by the public, eventually influencing the broader body of folk music.123