An author hopes to revive a lost Cumbrian Christmas carol that was probably last sung in public in the late 19th century.
Alan Cleaver discovered handwritten lyrics to Eskdale Christmas Carol at a historical exhibition in Whitehaven.
These words were recorded in the diary of the Reverend William Slater Sykes, vicar of Eskdale and vicar of Holy Trinity from 1895 to 1900.
Mr Cleaver, from Whitehaven, said “it would be great if it could be revived” because “caroling is a dying tradition”.
The carol references Eskdale folklore, including the holy well of St Catherine’s Church, a path known as the Priest’s Passage that runs along the holy well, and the statue of Christ outlined on a nearby hill.
Alan Cleaver discovers the lyrics to Eskdale Christmas Carol in a vicar’s diary [Alan Cleaver]
The lyrics include the line: “And the music of many waterfalls.
“St. Catherine’s Church and her Holy Well.
“A figure stretched out on the hill?”
While the lyrics were recorded, the tune was not.
However, after meeting Cumbrian composer Dave Camryn, Mr Cleaver hopes it will be back in time for next Christmas.
“He seemed very keen on the project,” Mr Cleaver told BBC Radio Cumbria.
The lyrics also reference Parson’s Passage, a popular walking route along the church. [Alan Cleaver]
Mr Cleaver, author of Christmas in the Lake District and a researcher of Cumbrian customs and traditions, hopes to form a choir and practice the song at St Catherine’s Church.
He said: “Anyone who was a little boy or girl in the 1930s who remembers their grandparents singing this song wants to come forward.
“It would be a great gift to give back to the people of Eskdale and tell them this is your song, don’t lose it this time.”
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