E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Billy Barlow.
A street droll, a merry Andrew; so called from a half-idiot of the name, who fancied himself “some great personage.” He was well known in the East of London, and died in Whitechapel workhouse. Some of his
sayings were really witty, and some of his attitudes really droll.
