Holly and Ivy, Boars' Heads and Grete Pies

A talk by Kate Witney exploring the history of carols, seasonal songs, and hymns from mediaeval times to the Victorian period.

Kate Witney's talk sheds light on the history of seasonal songs and hymns, covering periods from mediaeval times to the Victorian era. The presentation explores the history of carols in general and the background of familiar and less well-known seasonal examples. Topics include dance songs from the pilgrim route to Compostela and historical references such as the Boar’s Head’s entry into an Oxford feast.