The tune Cranbook first appeared in print in "A Set of Psalm and Hymn Tunes" in 1805 and the original text as stated earlier was "Grace 'tis a Charming Sound". Cranbrook was later used as the tune for While Sheperds and then for Ilkley Moor

Infact While Sheperds has been set to more different tunes than any of the other traditional carols. Among the tunes that have been used are "The Song of the Angels"-Michael Beasley 1746, "Bethlehem"- William Biillings 1778, "Old Foster"-John Foster 1817,"Pentonville"- William Marsh 1816 and "Winchester Old"-the tune most commonly heard today.
The Grace Darling Singers sing While Sheperds to many different tunes and inlude at least two different versions in each of their concerts. We have considered doing a whole concert of While Sheperds to different tunes - but that's probably a bit too much.