The First Noel

Writing in the Journal of the Folk-Song Society in 1915, Anne Gilchrist notes it was not recorded prior to Sandys' publication.

[9] Today, "The First Nowell" is usually performed in a four-part hymn arrangement by the English composer John Stainer, first published in his Carols, New and Old in 1871.

American folklorist James Madison Carpenter made audio recordings of several traditional versions of the song in Cornwall in the early 1930s, which can be heard online via the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.

They looked up and saw a star, Shining in the east, beyond them far: And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night: And then there did appear a Star, Whose glory then did shine so far: Unto the earth it gave a great light, And there it continued a day and a night.

This star drew nigh to the north-west; O'er Bethlehem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay Right over the place where Jesus lay: The Star went before them unto the North West, And seemed o'er the City of Bethlehem to rest, And there did remain by night and by day, Right over the place where Jesus Christ lay.

Then drawing nigh to the northwest, O'er Bethlehem town it took its rest; The wise men learnt its cause of stay, And found the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those Wise Men three, Full reverently upon their knee, And offered there in his presence, Their gold and myrrh and frankincense: Then enter'd in these Wise Men three, With reverence fall on their knee, And offer'd up in His presence The gifts of gold and frankincense.