Robertsbridge was home to the first ever written music for a keyboard

According to the British Library, two pieces of music in the Robertsbridge Codex date to 1360, making them the oldest surviving keyboard tablature in the World:

The Robertsbridge Codex is a bound manuscript comprising a set of documents relating to Robertsbridge Abbey from its formation in 1176 to its dissolution by King Henry VIII in 1538.

The Codex was unknown until the chance discovery of a large number of documents at nearby Penshurst Place in the mid-19th century.

The Codex is now housed at the British Library in London - catalogue reference: “MS Add 28550”.

Two of its leaves are “estamperies” – or musical pieces from the 14th century.

Other music in the Codex includes three vocal motets - and one more estampie from a later period.

The 1360 Estamperies:

The two early estampies are thought to be based on a Tricento – a dance form imported from Italy. One is in 3/4 time and the other in 6/8 time.

“Estamperie” is French for stamping – which fits with the 3 beat rhythms of the two dances.

They are for the most part written for 2 “voices” - with an occasional third note added.

The most likely keyboard instrument of the period would have been a small table-top pipe organ. You can hear what that sounds like using the links below - and see (or play) the music transcribed into modern format using an app called "MuseScore".

Two other tunes are probably later in date and include words. Their song titles are: "My name is Felix"; and "Spring Flower".

Robertsbridge Codex: Estamperie 1 – Anonymous ' Sheet music for Organ (Solo) | Musescore.com

Robertsbridge Codex: Estamperie 2 – Anonymous ' Sheet music for Organ (Solo) | Musescore.com

Robertsbridge Codex: Felix Namque – Anonymous ' Sheet music for Organ (Solo) | Musescore.com

Robertsbridge Codex: Flos Vernilis – Anonymous ' Sheet music for Organ (Solo) | Musescore.com

Contact us if you would like a copy of the booklet, music or MP3 versions of the music