The history of the Willis organ in Stony Stratford

Willis organ at St George's Church (Alex Hope archive, image also used in Rotunda article 1933 - reproduced with permission by Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham and British Institute of Organ Studies)

Willis organ at St George's Church (Alex Hope archive, image also used in Rotunda article 1933 - reproduced with permission by Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections, University of Birmingham and British Institute of Organ Studies)

The Willis pipe organ in St Mary and St Giles Parish Church in Stony Stratford has a fascinating history which encompasses two home locations (in Scotland and England) and reflects the social, economic and industrial changes in the United Kingdom from the Victorian era to the 21st Century. It is unique as it consists of pipes and action by the first 3 generations of the famous organ building family of Henry Willis & Sons Ltd and the professional advice and work of the fourth generation of that family.

For more information about the history of the organ read more about its time In Edinburgh and the circumstances which lead to it Coming to SMSG.  You can also discover more about of the Willis In use at SMSG and the fundraising campaigns to restore it in the work of PORAG, There is a list of organists who have played the Willis since 1882 on the record of music in church services and blog posts about the history research.

See also the History of the Willis Organ at SMSG - handout - January 2017

See A Pictorial History of Pipe Organs at St Mary & St Giles Church, Stony Stratford

Willis organ in St Mary & St Giles Church, 1975 (Parish of Stony Stratford with Calverton records box)

Willis organ in St Mary & St Giles Church, 1975 (Parish of Stony Stratford with Calverton records box)

Derek Savage plays the Willis organ in St Mary & St Giles Church, 1975 (Parish of Stony Stratford with Calverton records box)

Derek Savage plays the Willis organ in St Mary & St Giles Church, 1975 (Parish of Stony Stratford with Calverton records box)