The spelling of the word "noel" suggests the carol is French, but the more appropriate spelling is "nowell," an English word dating back to the time of Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400). The origin of "The First Noel" points to the Cornwall section of England and it was first published by Davies Gilbert in his Some Ancient Christmas Carols of 1823. Bob - hammered dulcimer and Autoharp (Autoharp is a registered trademark of Oscar Schmidt Instruments, Inc.); Beverly - keyboard and harmony hammered dulcimer.