George “Pop” Maynard (January 6, 1872 – November 29, 1962) was an English folk singer and marbles champion. Born in Smallfield, Surrey, Maynard lived in Copthorne for his entire life. Maynard learned traditional songs from family members and augmented his repertoire via broadsides and material collected during annual migrations to Kent hop fields. His recorded repertoire comprised 65 songs, including “The Banks of Claudy” and “The Brave Irish Soldier”, though his complete memory reportedly contained hundreds. Maynard served as a bridge between the first and second British folk revivals, performing at the Royal Festival Hall in 1958. His style influenced artists such as Bert Lloyd, Martin Carthy, and Shirley Collins, who recorded his songs. Maynard’s recordings appeared on the album Ye Subjects of England. He earned the nickname “Pop” as a world-champion marbles player. Maynard died in 1962.
