It was in the the evergreen landscapes of Scotland and Ireland that the bagpipes reached their highest level of popularity. During the 14th century, the bagpipes could be found in nearly every village. In addition to providing music for enjoyment, bagpipes were also used to rally the clans to battle, usually against the English. The English found the pipes so disturbing that they banned the Scots and the Irish from playing them at any time. Yet, that didn't stop their use. Over the years, the bagpipes grew in sophistication. More pipes were added, enabling the musician to reach a wider range of notes. Mournful tunes were frequently played over the pipes following the death of a warrior. Villagers would gather around the body of their dead compatriot while the piper stood a distance away. It was said that the music was sign to God that a brave and loyal subject was on his way to sit at "the steps of the throne."