A Carol for Christmas

One of the earliest of all sung carols is known as the Anglo-Norman carol and was recorded in a manuscript from the 13^th century. It was said to have belonged to a group of travelling troubadours who would have visited great houses and castles such as Lydiard as part of the Yuletide celebrations. A modern version is reproduced here, with best wishes for Christmas!

Lordlings, listen to our lay

We have come from far away

To seek Christmas;

In this mansion, we are told

He his yearly feast does hold.

Tis today!

May joy come from God above

To all those who Christmas love!

 

Lordlings I now tell you true

Christmas bringeth unto you

Only mirth;

His house he fills with many a dish

Of bread and meat and also fish

To grace the day.

May joy come from God above

To all those who Christmas love!

 

Lordlings through our army’s band

They say – who spends with open hand

Free and fast

And oft regales his many friends

God gives him double what he spends

To grace the day.

May joy come from God above

To all those who Christmas love!

 

Lords by Christmas and the host

Of this mansion hear my toast-

Drink it well –

Each must drain his cup of wine

And I the first will toss back mine;

Thus I advise,

Here then, I bid you all wassail.

May joy come from God above

To all those who Christmas love!

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