Alexander Hay

Alexander Hay (1826 – post 1891) was a Newcastle songwriter and poet. of the 19th century. His most famous song was probably "Board of Trade, Ahoy!" Life Alexander Hay was born in Newcastle on 11 December 1826. After serving out his apprenticeship to a cabinet-maker, his restless nature came to the fore and he began a long period of roving. He first went to sea as a ship’s carpenter, followed by a spell in Liverpool as a tutor in a school, being connected with the press whilst in Liverpool, and later he turned up in London being involved in the construction of the Great Exhibition of 1862, and again, working as a journalist. He returned to Newcastle and became active in the community. He was involved in the local historical research into the location of graves of writers. He joined in the search at Ballast Hills burial grounds and St Johns’ Westgate Hill graveyard, assisting in the location of the graves of John Selkirk, Robert Gilchrist and Thomas Thompson. He was also involved in the location of a manuscript (described as mutilated) of a song by Robert Nunn.