Northumberland's musical past features in new BBC series
13 May 2025
The musical history of Northumberland is in the national spotlight as part of a new BBC Radio 3 series “The Song Detectorists” which looks at the way music from the regions plays an important role in English cultural history.
At the heart of the Northumberland segment, to be aired on Friday 16 May, is the Henry Atkinson manuscript – a notable ‘fiddle tune’ book dating back to 1694.
Held in the Northumberland Archives, the manuscript is a focal point of the “Music, Heritage, Place” project - a major academic initiative funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and developed by music historians from Newcastle University and Royal Holloway, University of London.
Sue Wood, Northumberland County Council’s Head of Archives, said: “This manuscript is believed to have been compiled by Henry Atkinson, a hostman (a member of a Newcastle guild that controlled the coal trade on the River Tyne) and musician in the late 17th-century.
“It contains a rare cache of Northumbrian fiddle tunes and provides a glimpse into the musical tastes and social lives of people in the region more than 300 years ago.
“The tune book appears to have passed to Henry's grandson, Ralph Atkinson (who died in 1827) and then to Willliam Andrew Chatto, writer and editor. It later came into the possession of Sir Henry Bishop, Heather Professor of Music at Oxford University who presented it to The Society of Antiquaries to secure its future in Northumberland Archives.
Professor Kirsten Gibson of Newcastle University, one of the lead researchers, said: “The Atkinson collection is a vital piece of evidence showing how music was made, shared and enjoyed in the North-East of England.
“This project is not just about finding old tunes – it is about spotlighting communities whose musical lives have never been fully recognised.”
As part of The Song Detectorists, presenter Matthew Bannister travels to Northumberland to meet the research team, including Professor Gibson; folk musician and academic Nancy Kerr, Steph Carter and Andrew Frampton.
The show explores the historical significance of the Atkinson manuscript and brings the manuscript to life via performances by the Melrose Quartet, with the music reimagined for today’s audiences by Nancy Kerr.
Nancy said: “It reflects the musical identity of Northumberland at a time of intense social and industrial change. It is deeply rooted in the traditions of the region, yet also hints at musical influences that travelled much farther afield.”
Sue explained: “This project has sparked significant local interest, with plans for community workshops, educational outreach and live performances designed to reconnect modern audiences with their region’s musical heritage.
“We aim to inspire new generations of musicians and deepen local pride in part of our history that has been a somewhat hidden treasure in our archives.”
*The Song Detectorists is part of ‘The Essay’ series on BBC Radio 3, which started on Monday, May 12 at 9.45pm. it will also be available on BBC Sounds.