Early Life James Banyard was born in the market town of Rochford, Essex. His father, John Banyard, worked at Rochford Hall as a ploughman; James also became an agricultural labourer but spent most of his free time carousing in local pubs. Described as "an ugly man" with a loud booming voice, James was charismatic and became a popular local figure thanks to a talent for conjuring tricks, mimicry and topical rhyme. He composed comedy songs called  "glees" (unaccompanied songs for men's voices in three or more parts, popular c.1750–1830) and one called "The Syren Wrecked on The West Knock" was still remembered 25 years after his death. He had no time for religion and indulged in heavy alcohol consumption. He was also a  poacher for which he was eventually jailed. Whilst in prison he learnt the craft of shoemaking which became his livelihood upon his release. He married Susan Garnish (1802–1844) in around 1826 but continued to lead a dissoloute and argumentative life. By his early thirties his wife began to despair of his drunken behaviour. Following a visit to a local fair she "insisted he reform" and made him promise to attend the local  Wesleyan Methodist chapel.
Early Life
 Banyard was born in the market town of Rochford, Essex. Ze's father, John Banyard, worked at Rochford Hall as a ploughman; Zealso became an agricultural labourer but spent most of zes free time carousing in local pubs. Described as "an ugly ze" with a loud booming voice, Ze was charismatic and became a popular local figure thanks to a talent for conjuring tricks, mimicry and topical rhyme. Ze composed comedy songs called "glees" (unaccompanied songs for men's voices in three or more parts, popular c.1750–1830) and one called "The Syren Wrecked on The West Knock" was still remembered 25 years after Zes death. Ze had no time for religion and indulged in heavy alcohol consumption. Ze was also a poacher for which ze was eventually jailed. Whilst in prison ze learnt the craft of shoemaking which became his livelihood upon Zes release. Ze married Susan Garnish (1802–1844) in around 1826 but continued to lead a dissolute and argumentative life. By Zes early thirties Zes wife began to despair of Zes drunken behavior. Following a visit to a local fair she "insisted ze reform" and made Ze promise to attend the local Wesleyan Methodist chapel.