Pitch-pipe

Pipe which was owned by "Wonderful" Walker, the Reverend Robert Walker, 1709-1802, who was celebrated by Wordsworth [in the Duddon Sonnets] and the early 'Lakers' for his faith, scholarship, frugality and humility. Sometime Curate of Torver, [near Coniston], he removed in 1736 to Seathwaite, [his native parish], on the other side of The Old Man of Coniston, in the Duddon valley. The pitch-pipe was used at Seathwaite church, which had no organ. He eked out his stipend by making chairs, some of which were carried over the Walna Scar Road and bartered for food and utensils in Coniston. It is possible that he made the pitch-pipe himself.