I understand that singing in choruses in folk music is quite a recent development in the UK, for instance. There certainly is a long tradition of harmony singing in classical choral music. Then I suppose there are cross-over genres, as it were--like Sacred Harp in the US and West Gallery singing in the UK. West Gallery singing, I understand did sometimes combine tunes from the pub (actually I think the tune from Rosin the Beau--I think that's how they spell it)--is used in Sacred Harp)--but West Gallery singing uses more pub tunes. The west gallery in the church was where the hired choir members sat--who sometimes slipped out to the pub during the sermon. At least that's what I've heard.

Anybody from the UK who can confirm, deny or otherwise elucidate this topic?