What is the history of the 'Wexford Carol'?
I think we can guess where the Wexford Carol originated! Yep that's right Wrexford County in Northern Ireland. Or to be more specific the town Enniscorthy in Wrexford County.
oIt is unknown who write the Irish carol but the style of its music and lyrics make scholars believe it dates back to the 15th or 16th century. In the early 20th century William Grattan Flood, organist and musical director at St. Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy, brought it to the public's attention by transcribing and publishing it in The Oxford Book of Carols.
It has been recored by many artists including Julie Andrews and Loreena McKennitt
'Wexford Carol' lyrics
Good people all, this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done In sending His beloved Son With Mary holy we should pray, To God with love this Christmas Day In Bethlehem upon that morn, There was a blessed Messiah born.
The night before that happy tide, The noble virgin and her guide Were long time seeking up and down To find a lodging in the town. But mark how all things came to pass From every door repelled, alas, As was foretold, their refuge all Was but a humble ox's stall.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep To whom God's angels did appear Which put the shepherds in great fear Prepare and go, the angels said To Bethlehem, be not afraid For there you'll find, this happy morn A princely Babe, sweet Jesus, born.
With thankful heart and joyful mind The shepherds went the babe to find And as God's angel had foretold They did our Saviour Christ behold Within a manger He was laid And by his side the virgin maid Attending on the Lord of Life Who came on earth to end all strife.
There were three wise men from afar Directed by a glorious star And on they wandered night and day Until they came where Jesus lay And when they came unto that place Where our beloved Messiah lay They humbly cast them at His feet With gifts of gold and incense sweet
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