In this part of the website we look at the language of the Anglo-Saxons. They spoke a language called Old English from which eventually became modern English. They produced beautiful manuscripts and wrote evocative poetry, but the letters and spellings they used were sometimes different, so we also have recordings and videos to help bring the language alive.

Members of the English Companions can also study a tutor-supported Correspondence Course to learn to read and speak Old English.

You can see the list of articles and recordings in the menu on the right, or use the search option to look for specific pieces.

We will be producing new items regularly so do come back to see what has been added.

Click on the link below to download a PDF file of fourteen traditional Christmas carols in English and translated into Old English by David Hinch.

Contents:

1. Silent Night
2. O Holy Night
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. In The Bleak Midwinter
5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
6. O Come All Ye Faithful
7. Once In Royal David’s City
8. Away In A Manger
9. Joy To The World
10. O Come O Come Emmanuel
11. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
12. The Holly And The Ivy
13. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
14. See, Amid The Winter’s Snow