Linnetsdene is to the south of Salisbury, on what I think is called the Ridings Mead estate.
The roads on the estate are mainly named after birds. Typically with the name of the bird being joined to a word which is typically part of a road name. So other roads on the estate are Ravenscroft and Swallowmead.
Image from Amazon
Etymology of the Linnet
Both the English and the Latin names for the Linnet are derived from its favourite foods.
The word ‘linnet’ has the same root as linen [1] because linen flax seed is often part of the birds diet.
The second part of the Latin name ‘Carduelis cannabina is derived from the linnet’s fondness for hemp seeds[2].
The Linnet on the Curragh of Kildare
The linnet is mentioned in one of my favourite folk songs, the Curragh of Kildare. It’s known as an Irish folk song, but may have been written by Robbie Burns[3]. The Curragh of Kildare is the location both of an Irish Army camp and of the Irish Derby. The song is sung before the running of the Derby.
It’s been recorded by many artists, including Finbar and Eddie Furey, the Johnstons and Christy Moore. The Pogues used a speeded up version of the melody for their single ‘White City’.
Chorus:
And it’s straight I will repair
To the Curragh of Kildare
For it’s there I’ll find tidings of my dearAh the winter it is past and the summer’s come at last
And the birds they are singing in the trees
Their little hearts are glad, ah but mine is very sad
Since my true love is far away from meThe rose upon the briar and the waters running deep
Bring joy to the linnet and the bee
Their little hearts are blest, ah but mine can know no rest
Since my true love is far away from meFor those who are in love and cannot be denied
I pity the pains that you do endure
For experience lets me know that your hearts are full of woe
A woe that no mortal can cureA livery I’ll wear, ah and I’ll tie back my hair
And in velvet so green I will appear
And it’s straight I will repair to the Curragh of Kildare
For it’s there I’ll find tidings of my dear
At the time of writing the Johnstons version of the song is on Youtube here:
The Johnstons – Curragh of Kildare
Green Linnet Records
Green Linnet is a folk music label, specializing in Celtic music. It was founded 30 years ago, and has published music by dozens of musicians. [4].
Image from Amazon
The ‘Green Linnet’ in the Irish folk tradition was a euphemism for Napoleon Bonaparte, who was seen as an ally against the English [5]
A flighty bird
According to the RSPB, the linnet is a member of the finch family. They used to be kept as caged birds, because they both sing and look quite pretty.
In researching the linnet, I found that the RSPB website says that the linnet ‘can be flighty‘[6]. I’m sure this has some technical meaning which I’m unaware of but to a layman like me being ‘flighty’ seems part of the avian condition.
Wordsworth’s Green Linnet
William Wordsworth published his poem ‘The Green Linnet’ in 1803.
The Green Linnet
BENEATH these fruit-tree boughs that shed
Their snow-white blossoms on my head,
With brightest sunshine round me spread
Of Spring’s unclouded weather,In this sequester’d nook how sweet
To sit upon my orchard-seat,
And flowers and birds once more to greet,
My last year’s friends together!One have I mark’d, the happiest guest
In all this covert of the blest:—
Hail to thee, far above the rest
In joy of voice and pinion!Thou, Linnet! in thy green array
Presiding spirit here to-day
Dost lead the revels of the May;
And this is thy dominion.While birds, and butterflies, and flowers,
Make all one band of paramours,
Thou, ranging up and down the bowers,
Art sole in thy employment;A life, a presence like the air,
Scattering thy gladness without care,
Too blest with any one to pair,
Thyself thy own enjoyment.Amid yon tuft of hazel trees
That twinkle to the gusty breeze,
Behold him perch’d in ecstasies
Yet seeming still to hover;—There! where the flutter of his wings
Upon his back and body flings
Shadows and sunny glimmerings,
That cover him all over.My dazzled sight he oft deceives—
A brother of the dancing leaves;
Then flits, and from the cottage-eaves
Pours forth his song in gushes;As if by that exulting strain
He mock’d and treated with disdain
The voiceless form he chose to feign,
While fluttering in the bushes.
[7]