The Whistle in its earliest form can be traced back in French literary sources to the 12th Century, where references are made to the Flageolet, a three-holed pipe used alongside the tabor in dance traditions.

Excavations in High Street, Dublin have uncovered Viking artefacts from the same period, including several primitive four-holed bird-bone Whistles.

According to Grove’s Dictionary of Music, the true Flageolet was invented in 1581 by Sieur de Juvigny of Paris and was used in classical compositions of the time. This instrument, which became popular in England from the middle of the 17th Century, was of conical structure with four holes at the front and two at the back for the thumbs.

In 1711 Handel scored for the Flageolet in Rinaldo, while Pepys mentioned it in his diaries. In the 18th Century the instrument underwent various developments, including the placing of sponge behind the wind way to absorb moisture from the player’s mouth, while at the same time instruments started to appear in a variety of different keys.

In 1803 William Bainbridge of London began the manufacture of an “English Flageolet” pitched in D with six holes at the front, one at the back, and a sponge chamber. This became close to the Whistle we know today. The name “Penny Whistle”, which first appears in the 19th Century, refers to the instrument’s popularity with street musicians as much as its price (i.e. street musicians who would play for a penny). It is perhaps significant that the wholesale price for the instrument was already 4d by the first decade of the 20th Century.

At the turn of the century Whistles were made of either celluloid, tin plate or brass. Today many versions are available, chiefly in metal alloy with a moulded plastic head or totally plastic whistles (ABS). The tube of the Whistle is traditionally conical, later types were cylindrical with six holes of varying diameter. With a bit of practice the instrument can achieve a range of two octaves, with different octave ranges being obtained by blowing at different strengths, and accidentals or half notes obtained by half covering or shadowing the finger holes. It is possible to play a third (higher) octave with alternative fingering being used from that of the lower two common octave range - this practice can become anti-social so warn your neighbours before trying it!
 
There are many Whistle manufacturers nowadays with Clarkes and Generation being the most popular amongst beginners and experienced players alike. Generation produce instruments in six different keys in either nickel or brass finish. Clarke’s Sweetone, Meg and Original Whistles are also very popular as well as the impressive plastic bodied range of Susato whistles. Other manufacturers such as Feadog, Walton and Eagle also produce reasonably priced whistles of proven quality. Specialist manufactures such as Overton, Dixon, Howard, Rose and Shaw (there are many more) have developed more sophisticated instruments which in recent years has included the prolific development of the Low Whistle. There are other makers who produce excellent hand-made Whistles, such as Jon Swayne in England, Chris Abell in the USA and Cillian O Brain in Ireland.