Probably the introduction of a common hymn book. There were/are still little pockets of resistance where the traditional songs were sung 'because we'd allus sung 'em thik way' but these have migrated from church to pub and house session.

With the introduction of a common hymnal, be it the 'English Hymnal', 'Hymns Ancient and Mediaeval', sorry, 'Modern' or the good old 'Songs of Praise', a standardised version of the tunes and words was available throughout the country. The demise of the 'West Gallery' players probably hastened the end of their type of caroling; as each former member grew older and less able, they might not all have been so diligent in passing on song books, word sheets and instruments. New organs in churches wanting to look 'progressive' and organists who learned from the books rather than from the aural tradition would have hastened the end of the quire.

Funny though, with all the new hymns and songs of worship that are being produced every year, hardly any of the carols we sing regularly are less than 80 years old.

LTS