A 360° video series immersing you in the world of Ulster’s Rhyming Weavers – Ulster-Scots poets who flourished over the 18th & 19th Centuries. This episode is about Thomas Given, one of the last and also one of the least well known of the writers from the genre known as the Rhyming Weavers. Born in 1850 in Cullybackey near Ballymena in County Antrim, Thomas Given died in 1917 during the time of the Great War. Rapid changes in society, education and industry in the 20th century really marked the tapering off of writing in Ulster-Scots – up until the current revival – so Given’s writing forms an important epilogue. Thomas’ verse owes much to his love of the poetry of Robert Burns. He chose similar verse forms and poetic conventions to Burns and wrote of the beauties of the countryside; sympathised with the oppressed and impoverished weavers and tenant farmers; observed human conduct; commented on local politics; and praised virtue and the simple pleasures of life. Enjoy a reading of “A Nicht Wae a Cottier” (a night with a peasant farmer). The poem has a pastoral opening reflecting Given’s love of birds; and it depicts a wintry morning when the cottier, Joe, poorly clad, heads to the field with his spade. Although his conditions are poor, his character is upright and cheerful and his virtuous life and happy family are all the reward he seeks. As he digs the land, his life is far from the pride, deceit and ambition of other, wealthier people, and he wishes only for a better and kinder world for his children. Produced with the support of Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, the series has been filmed using a 360° camera. You can use your mouse (or a VR headset) to look all around you. For best experience, watch using a desktop, laptop, tablet or VR headset.