The symphonie in England

Whilst these days the hurdy-gurdy is usually traditionally associated with France, Spain and Hungary, there is evidence that they were once found throughout Europe - but their popularity declined as more sophisticated instruments evolved.

In England, they were known from their inclusion in "angel choirs" - collections of minstrels depicted in religious buildings. The degree to which they were played and heard is unclear. What is clear is that there were a variety of instrument shapes and possibly means of playing - sometimes the keys are depicted at the top of the instrument -somewhat similar to the more ancient organistrum, and sometimes below as in the modern instruments.

The instruments I have found are detailed below - the date of all these instruments pre-dates the adoption of the name "hurdy-gurdy" after 1749, so I have referred to them all as symphonie (not symphonia which was also used at various times in referring to bagpipes, drum and clavichord !!)