A stunning 13th Century Grade 1 listed building, Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum boasts a treasure trove of instruments for your enjoyment.
With over 120 sets of pipes on display from across Europe – including decorative sets from Scotland, Spain, Italy, France, Estonia and beyond – let us take you on a musical journey.
It is home to the extensive collection of master clock maker and pipe enthusiastic, William Alfred Cocks, a set of bagpipes said to have belonged to King Louis XIV of France, a miniature set made for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and pipes from the Jacobite Rising.
Alongside the amazing displays, visitors can also watch the museum come to life with regular live musical performances, ‘Learn to Play in a Day’ and ‘Meet the Piper’ sessions – fun for all the family. It’s a hive of creative activity, the Northern Poetry Library and Craft Centre are also located in the building.
The Chantry is an attraction in its own right. Did you know that in days gone by, local townspeople had to pay the local priest a toll to cross the river? You can still see the foundations of the town’s Medieval bridge in the river!
It’s a little-known fact that the building is also home to the oldest window in Morpeth too.
Be sure to visit the Peace Garden on your next visit. It was inspired by the ‘Father of English Botany’ William Turner, who studied in the chantry building back when it was a local grammar school in the 16th Century.
Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum is open Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 5pm.
T: 01670 624490
E: [email protected]
W: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk