The Noëls Manuscript documents 69 songs with musical notation and playful decoration that were sung by families during Advent and Christmas in Normandy, France, capturing an important oral tradition that would otherwise have been lost 400 years ago. This book was recently acquired in honor of long-time Walters Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts, William Noel, who passed away suddenly in April 2024. Join Lynley Anne Herbert, Robert and Nancy Hall Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts, in exploring this unique manuscript, which, in the most literal sense, has Will’s name written all over it, as nearly every page begins with “Noel.”

Review our Accessibility Resources and contact tours@thewalters.org with any accommodation requests.