In Search of the Lincolnshire Bagpipe

This exhibition, in association with the City of Lincoln Waites band, explores the Medieval 'Moorby stone' and its image of a bagpiper and dancers

The bagpipe is an ancient instrument.  Although experts argue as to whether ancient Greek and Roman instruments can be classified as bagpipes, the instrument is certainly evidenced in England as far back as the 12th Century, and stone carvings from at least that date can bee seen on Lincoln Cathedral.  In the 14th Century, Chaucer mentions them in his Canterbury Tales.

The bagpipe enjoyed popularity as an instrument of the masses and a great variety of sizes and types are known.  This display examines a stone carving from Moorby in Lincolnshire, dating to around 1500 and depicting a bagpiper and three dancers, in the context of the Gresley Manuscript, a unique document of roughly the same period containing annotated music and dance steps.  It also features replica bagpipes and a costume worn by the City of Lincoln Waites band, based on a late 15th Century example.

We are also pleased to announce that to accompany this display the City of Lincoln Waites and Grantham Danserye will be performing Medieval music and dance at the museum, including those featured in the Gresley Manuscript.  Performances are free and will be held at 11.30am and 1.30pm on Tuesday 13th August, Tuesday 3rd September and Tuesday 17th September.  Performances will last approximately 30 minutes.

The Collection is indebted to Al Garrod of the City of Lincoln Waites band for his enthusiastic assistance and knowledge, and without whom this exhibition would not have been possible. Click here to find out more about the City of Lincoln Waites and click here to find out more about Grantham Danserye.