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The replica William Smith English single manual harpsichord has been made by Robert Deegan Workshops in Lancaster and was funded by a bequest of £10,000 plus another £6,450 raised through other means.

Keith Jackson playing the harpsichord

The installation of the harpsichord is the completion of a major refurbishment project to Wordsworth House, that began in 2003, to recreate William Wordsworth's 18th Century childhood home.

Throughout the house's open season, there will be many chances for visitors to hear the harpsichord, as volunteer musicians will be playing on various days through the year.

So why buy a new harpsichord for Wordsworth House and not an original 18th Century model?
The builder, Robert Deegan, says it was decided to have a new one, rather than an antique one, as that might well be too precious to play.

But this isn’t the first time Robert’s heard it play.
In November the harpsichord was taken to the Royal Naval College in Greenwich and used in a concert there. “And it was stunning” says Robert “It was absolutely mind-blowing!”

If you want to hear it for yourself, then you can visit Wordsworth House in Cockermouth, when it reopens for the summer, from Monday, 26 March.
The house is open daily except Sundays, from 11am till 4:30pm. Or you can watch the video that's on this page!