The Bells of Paradise

Village Carols from Castleton in the Derbyshire Peak

In 1908 Ralph Vaughan Williams visited the remote Peakland village of Castleton to take down three rare and wonderful carols that he had been told were to be heard there. These became the cornerstone of his collection and were later included in The Oxford Book of Carols. They were, in fact, part of a much larger repertoire that the people of Castleton had nurtured over many years. Fortunately, these unusual carols have continued to be sung in homes and churches, and more especially in the pubs. This high-quality recording faithfully captures the unadorned beauty of the tradition as well as the festive atmosphere of a session in the pub. The tape is accompanied by a 48-page illustrated book which gives the words of the carols and tells their story. Each sale will help to generate funds for a local charity, the Hope Valley Medical Aids Fund.

Impossible to play ... without joining in.
(Bob Copper, Folk Roots)

Stereo Dolby -- C63 chrome cassette + 48pp book
Village Carols VC004
8 pounds sterling

[We regret that this recording is now no longer available]