About Agnes Lyle
Lived 1700 – 1800. Agnes Lyle was a British singer.
Agnes Lyle or Agnes Lile (1700s – 1800s) was a British ballad singer who lived in Kilbarchan in Renfrewshire. Her songs which she had learnt from her father were transcribed by William Motherwell and published by Francis James Child.
Life Lyle was born to a weaver who lived from about 1731 to about 1811. His name is unknown and Lyle's birth date is only estimated to be about 1775. She is only known because in 1825 she met William Motherwell several times. Lyle's neighbours in Kilbarchan supplied other songs.
Legacy Her songs came to wider notice when Motherwell's gatherings were included in Harvard Professor Francis James Child's publication, English and Scottish Popular Ballads, 1882–98.
In 1978 her ballads were republished by Indiana University.
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Important facts
People in Agnes Lyle's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Agnes Lyle's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Agnes Lyle?
Lyle [Lile], Agnes (fl. 1825), ballad singer
When was Agnes Lyle born?
Agnes Lyle was born in 1700.
When did Agnes Lyle die?
Agnes Lyle died in 1800.
What was Agnes Lyle's occupation?
Agnes Lyle was a singer.
What nationality was Agnes Lyle?
Agnes Lyle was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Agnes Lyle. https://biography.guide/agnes-lyle/
MLA: "Agnes Lyle." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/agnes-lyle/.
Chicago: "Agnes Lyle." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/agnes-lyle/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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