himself, though evidence suggests he was a fiddler living in or near Newcastle upon Tyne
As he played, the patrons of the tavern couldn't help but tap their feet to the rhythm. William's music was a reflection of the region's rich cultural heritage, with influences from Scottish, English, and Irish folk traditions. He had spent years traveling throughout the countryside, attending ceilidhs and dance gatherings, and jotting down the tunes that caught his ear. himself, though evidence suggests he was a fiddler
William Vickers manuscript (AD 1770) , later published as The Great Northern Tune Book William Vickers manuscript (AD 1770) , later published
Vickers' work has acted as a bridge between the 18th century and modern folk revivals. It was a primary source for the famous 19th-century anthology "Northumbrian Minstrelsy" You will find entries marked "Allemande," "Minuet," "Jig,"
: Unlike later 19th-century collections that were often "sanitized" for polite society, Vickers' book captures a working musician's repertoire as it was actually played.
For each tune, he often wrote the specific type of dance it accompanied. You will find entries marked "Allemande," "Minuet," "Jig," or "Rant." This makes the an essential primary source for: