William Alfred Cocks (1892-1971) was a master clock maker from Ryton, County Durham.
He had a lifelong interest in the history and culture of the North-east of England, and particularly in the Northumbrian smallpipes and half-long pipes.
He was elected to the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1920, remaining a member until his death.
[1] In 1928, he was one of the earliest members of the Northumbrian Pipers' Society, being elected one of the technical advisers, with responsibility for smallpipes.
[2][3] He corresponded widely about the pipes, in particular with the organologist Anthony Baines[4] about historic instruments and with the piper Tom Clough[5] on playing style.