Padstow Card

The picture is ‘The Padstow Schooner’.by Arthur Hogg. who was born in Kendal, Westmorland and studied in South Kensington and Paris. Lived in London and exhibited RA etc.

Padstow is a port on the North Cornish coast and in the 18th and 19th centuries many people crossed the Atlantic in Padstow Schooners to find a new life in farming on the plains of Canada and they took their carols with them. On the return journey the ships would be loaded with timber for use in the mines.

West Briton 2 JULY 1841, Friday

EMIGRATION. The fine A 1 Ship "CLIO," Thomas BROWN, master, of the burthen of 900 tons, is expected to take passengers from Padstow for Quebec, about the 25th of July next. Apply at Mr. AVERY's Offices, in Boscastle, or Padstow. June 18th, 1841.

The Carol is "Harky Harky" which has been sung in the west of Cornwall for hundreds of years. It was adapted by Padstow in 1912 and has become a favourite amongst the singers. The words may be familiar but the tune is said to go back to the middle ages.

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the new born king,

Peace on Earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,

Hallelujah, Praise the Lord

Joyful all ye nations rise,

Join the Triumph of the sky's;

With the angel host proclaim,

Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,

Hallelujah, Praise the Lord

Hallelujah, Praise the Lord.

Christ, by highest heaven adored,

Christ, the everlasting Lord,

Late in time behold Him come,

Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,

Hallelujah, Praise the Lord

To read an article by John Buckingham of Padstow an to listen to more of Padstows carols sung and recorded on the streets of the town click here.

Federation of Old Cornwall Societies