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The "Great Northern Tunebook" is a cornerstone of English traditional music. It contains the William Vickers collection of dance tunes, dated to the year 1770. This historic manuscript provides an unfiltered window into the musical life of 18th-century Northumberland. Today, it remains an invaluable, freely accessible resource for musicians, historians, and folk music enthusiasts worldwide. Who Was William Vickers?

For musicians, historians, and folk enthusiasts looking to explore this historic repertoire, the good news is that the William Vickers collection is widely available for free online. Because the original manuscript was written in 1770, the music resides entirely within the public domain. The "Great Northern Tunebook" is a cornerstone of

The creation of the manuscript was a transitional moment in music history. The 18th century saw the explosion of the printed collection—most notably John Playford’s The English Dancing Master (1651). However, printed books were expensive. Manuscripts like Vickers’ represent the bridge between the oral tradition (tunes learned by ear) and the printed tradition. Vickers likely copied tunes from printed sources, broadsides, and other musicians, creating a curated playlist of what was actually popular on the streets of the North in 1770. Today, it remains an invaluable, freely accessible resource

The Great Northern Tune Book: William Vickers' Collection of Dance Tunes Because the original manuscript was written in 1770,

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