The word carol comes from the Old French word carole, a circle dance with singers, and began in medieval times. Some were written to go with religious mystery plays such as the Coventry Carol.

Many of our most popular carols date from the nineteenth century. Some of these copy medieval styles, for example Ding Dong Merrily on High and Masters in this Hall.

Modern composers have written works based on carols, for example Benjamin Britten (A Ceremony of Carols) and Ralph Vaughan Williams (Fantasia on Christmas Carols).

Curriculum Visions has many carols in the music section. To go there click here.