|
Old & New Cornish Christmas Carols Cornish Carols - A Tradition For The World
Helston
This engraving of Helston in 1860 was done by G. Townsend. It has been coloured using Corel photo paint by George Pritchard West Briton 2nd February 1838 During
the Christmas, as Mr. Linkey of Carminow, near Helston, sat amusing
himself by the fire one evening, his ears were suddenly assailed by cries
resembling those of an infant, which apparently proceeded from the chimney
where lay a huge log of wood on fire, as it had been for three successive
days, according to the universal custom with country folks at the season. The
cries continued to increase, and on examining the log of wood he
discovered a small hole incapable of admitting his finger. He split
the wood, and to his great astonishment, found a large toad entombed in
the centre. West Briton7 JANUARY 1853, Friday CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES, HELSTON. - On new-year's eve Mr. Roger FANING entertained a large party of tradesmen who have worked for him during the past year, numbering thirty-seven, to a sumptuous supper of England's good old fare, "roast beef, plum pudding, &c." Mr. Faning addressed his party in a very feeling and pleasant speech, and at the conclusion presented a handsome bible to each of the married men, and to the young persons, a testament. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED on Thursday night, the 6th of January, 1853, by Elizabeth HEARD, widow, Printer and Publisher, of No. 32 Boscawen-street, in the parish of St. Mary, in the Borough of Truro, in the County of Cornwall, and Printed and Published at her Residence and Printing Office, situated at No. 32 Boscawen-street, aforesaid. Davies Gilbert published this carol in his first collection in 1822 and it has remained a favourite where ever carols are sung. These words come from a broadside which had been posted up in Helston. This was a tradition used by printers to advertise for business.
|
