The History of the Bagpipes

Scotland is probably the most common country that people think about when they think of the Bagpipes. However, the instrument does not originate from this country. The Bagpipes can be traced back to before the birth of Christ. A version of this instrument was actually made in the middle East. The first type of Bagpipes were probably just some reeds stuck into a goatskin bag. Primarily, they were used for entertainment purposes, and they were also used as solemn music at burials.

Later, when the Romans went on their travels through Europe, they also brought along their musical instruments. Eventually the Romans, and their version of the Bagpipes traveled to the British Isles. Scotland and Ireland were very taken with the introduction of the Bagpipes. It was during the 14th century that the instruments were most popular.

The pipes were used again for entertainment purposes, but they also played a major part when the Scots and Irish went to war. The sound of the Bagpipes is very shrill, and could be heard up to 10 miles away, making them an ideal instrument for the battlefield. Pipers and drummers would lead brave soldiers into battle. The music was like a heros call, calling the soldiers into battle with the enemy. Even though the English found the music from the Bagpipes so disturbing that they banned them, they were still continued to be played.

The Bagpipes became more modern through the years. Bones were used instead of reeds, with holes drilled in different places on the bones for a better quality sound. The Bagpipes consist of a bag with a chanter and one, or maybe two drones. Although, original pipes probably had only a single drone. It was not until the mid 1500's that a second drone was added. A piper would play following the death of a brave warrior. This particular music became a somber, but proud form of burial music for the Scottish and Irish people. Before the Bagpipes were introduced to Scotland the music was never composed. The pipers made up their own tunes before the Scottish people began composing their own tunes for this interesting, and highly entertaining instrument. The MacCrimmons are the most famous pipers ever known. This family had a school in Scotland where they would teach the playing of the Bagpipes.

Following the death of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 the Bagpipes, and the kilt were banned from usage. The instruments were outcast as pipes of war. However, in 1739 The Black Watch regiment was formed. This group of people were formed by the English Hanoverian King. Men from the Highlands of Scotland were given the task of "watching" the Highlands at "night time", hence the name, The Black Watch. From then, until this day the pipers play an important role in leading The Black Watch regiment.