The Sussex Mummers Carols
The Sussex Mummers Carols

Traditionally in Sussex, the performance of a Mummers Play ends with the singing of songs, such as "The Moon Shone Bright". The most popular songs seem to be carols that have become associated with the Mummers Play. Two of these Mummers Carol's have been collected by Lucy Broadwood, and are shown below. They have their similarities and it should be noticed that the last verse of each carol is a blessing to the house in which the play was performed and the players had received money from. A note dated 1889 with the second carol reads : "Sung by Mummers, called in Sussex 'Tipteerers', after their play of 'St. George, the Turk and the Seven Champions of Christendom'. Words put into shape from two very illiterate versions written down from memory by two of the actors."

Mummers Carol Score
1. When righteous Joseph wedded was, Unto a virtuous/virgin maid,
A glorious angel from heaven came, Unto that virtuous/virgin maid,
Unto that virtuous/virgin maid.
2. O mortal man remember well, When Christ our lord was born,
He was cricified betwixt two theives and crown'ed with the thorn,
And crown'ed with the thorn.
3. O mortal man remember well, When Christ died on the rood,
'Twas for our sins and wicked ways, Christ shed his precious blood,
Christ shed his precious blood.
4. O mortal man remember well, When Christ was wrapped in clay,
He was taken to a sepulcre, where no man ever lay,
Where no man ever lay.
5. God bless the mistress of this house,
With gold all/chain round her breast,
Where e'er her body sleeps or wakes,
Lord send her soul to rest.
6. God bless the master of this house,
With happiness beside,
Where e'er his body rides or walks,
Lord Jesus be his guide.
7. God bless your house, your children too,
Your cattle and your store,
The Lord increase you day by day,
And send/give you more and more.
 
1. A Glorious angel from heaven came unto the Virgin Maid,
Strange News and tidings of great joy the humble Mary had,
the humble Mary had.
2. Each mortal man remembers well, When Christ came down from Heaven,
'Twas for our sins and wicked ways, His precious blood was given,
His precious blood was given.
3. Each mortal man remembers well, When Christ was put to scorn,
He was taken to the judgement seat, and crowned with the thorn,
and crowned with the thorn.
4. Each mortal man remembers well, When Christ our Saviour died,
He was crucified upon the tree, With theives on either side,
With theives on either side.
5.Each mortal man remembers well, When Christ died on the rood,
'Twas for our sins and wicked ways, Christ shed his precious blood,
Christ shed his precious blood.
6. Each mortal man remembers well, When Christ was wrapped in clay,
He was taken to a sepulchre, Where never man did lay,
Where never man did lay.
7. God bless your house, your children too, Your cattle and your store,
The Lord increase you day by day, And give you more and more,
And give you more and more

Bibliography Bibliography
  Jones, Lewis (ed) : Miss Broadwood's Delight, Ferret Publications 1998
Jones, Lewis (ed) : Sweet Sussex, Ferret Publications 1995


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