"B" profiles

"B" profiles

B., A. (Anon) (-)


from BACH, JOHANN SEBASTIAN (1685-1750)

Born: 21st March, 1685 in Eisenach, Germany
Major composer of music of all current 18th century music.

Almost certainly the greatest composer / organist of all time.
Died: 28th July, 1750 in Leipzig, Germany


BACKHOUSE, JEREMY (20th cent.)


BACON, Revd ROBERT (c.1716-1759)

Born: (?), c.1716 in Ripon, North Yorkshire
Graduated BA(Oxon) in 1738. Was probably the unsuccessful candidate for the curacy of St Sepulchre, Cambridge, 19th March 1759. Priest Vicar at Salisbury Cathedral (1753) until his death in 1759.

Composed a few anthems.
Died: (?), 1759 in Salisbury, Wiltshire


BAGGE, H. (-)


BAGSHAW, PENELOPE (20th cent.)


BAILEY, (?) (-)


BAILEY, D. S. (-)


BAILEY, FRANK EDWIN (1911-?)

Born: (?), 1911 in Liverpool
Died: (?)


BAILEY, J. (JOHN) (1750-1823)

Born: (?), 1750 in Chester
Died: 26th November, 1823 in Chester


BAILEY, Revd MICHAEL BUCKWORTH (1852-1899)

Born: 10th April, 1852 in Kottayam, India
Scholar and exhibitioner of St Catherine's College, Cambridge. Took Holy Orders in 1854. Various appointments including Chaplain at Yokohama (1861-1874). Curate of Hampstead, London (1874-1875). Clerk in Holy Orders, St Mary's Church, Stoke Newington, London in 1885. Rector of Cold Norton, Essex in 1898.
Died: 6th December, 1899 in Cold Norton, Essex


BAINES, (?) (-)


BAINES, ARTHUR WILLIAM (1909-?)

Born: (?), 1909 in Mexborough, South Yorkshire
Died: (?)


BAIRSTOW, Sir EDWARD CUTHBERT (1874-1946)

Born: 22nd August, 1874 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Attended Nottingham High School and the Grocers' Company School, Hackney Downs, London. Studied music with John Farmer and Sir John Frederick Bridge to whom he was articled in 1903. Graduated BMus(Dunelm) in 1894 and DMus(Dunelm) in 1900. He was awarded the honorary degrees of DLitt(Leeds) in 1936 and DMus(Oxon) in 1945. FRCO. Organist of All Saints' Church, Norfolk Square, Paddington, London (1894-1899), Wigan Parish Church, Lancashire (1899-1906), Leeds Parish Church, West Yorkshire (1906-1913) and Organist of York Minster (1913-1946). He was knighted in 1932. Succeeded Dr Joseph Coxe Bridge as Professor (non-resident) of Music at Durham University (1929-1946).
Died: 1st May, 1946 in York


BAKER, Dr ARTHUR JAMES (1882-1965)

Born: (?), 1882 in Bristol
He was trained locally. Organist and choirmaster of St George's Church, Brandon Hill, Bristol (1897-1911) and of Holy Nativity Church, Knowle, Bristol from 1911.
Died: 15th June, 1965 in Bristol


BAKER, HENRY (1835-1910)

Born: 16th June, 1835 in Nuneham Courtenay, Oxfordshire
Son of Revd James Baker, the rector of Nuneham Courtenay, Oxford. Educated at Winchester College then trained as a civil engineer. He received some musical training from Revd John Bacchus Dykes and graduated from Exeter College, Oxford in 1867 with a BMus(Oxon). He worked for a period of time on the Indian Railways.
Died: 1st February, 1910 in Wimbledon, London


BAKER, Revd Sir HENRY WILLIAM(S) (1821-1877)

Born: 27th May, 1821 in London
Educated at Cambridge University and graduated BA(Cantab) in 1844 and MA(Cantab) in 1847.

Vicar of Monkland, Leominster, Herefordshire in 1851. Succeeded his father (Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Loraine Baker, CB) as Baronet in 1859.

He was the originator and one of the compilers in 1858 of 'Hymns Ancient and Modern'.
Died: 12th February, 1877 in Monkland Vicarage, Herefordshire


BAKER, JOHN LAWSON (1939-2015)

Born: 4th July, 1939 in Dorking, Surrey
John Lawson Baker sang with the choirs of Dorking, Surrey and Hampstead Parish Church, London together with Ashwell Festival Choir, was a deputy and supernumary Lay Clerk at Rochester Cathedral, and in various other places. Several choral organ compositions published by Animus and Fagus. Retired architect who lived in Ely and was a regular worshipper at the cathedral.
Died: (?) January, 2015 in Ely, Cambridgeshire


BAKER, Captain PERCY (1880-1975)

Born: 28th March, 1880 in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Educated privately and at the Royal College of Music. FRCO, LMusTCL. Assistant Organist of Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire and Sub Organist of St James's Church, Piccadilly, London; St Thomas's Church, Regent Street, London; St Matthew's Church, Upper Clapton, London, and Walton Church, Cardiff, Wales since 1910. Conductor of the Tewkesbury Festival. Conductor of the Philharmonic Society. He taught music in several schools. He served in WW1 and was awarded the Military Cross. Active in the 1930s and 1940s as a teacher of diploma paper work by correspondence. He was organist of Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucester on 10th August 1910 but was given three months notice to quit his post as Organist and Choirmaster, probably because of his intention to change to the Roman Catholic faith. He and his wife were received into the Roman Catholic faith in 1944.
Died: 20th April, 1975 in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire


BALDWIN, ANTHONY JOHN (20th cent.)

Born: 30th May (?), in London
A former chorister at Southwark Cathedral. Organ scholar at Trinity College, Oxford and also studied at Durham University. Organist of St Stephen's Church, Lewisham, London and latterly of the American Church, Marble Arch, London.


BALDWIN, DEREK J. (20th cent.)


BALL, A. (?) (-)


BALL, CLIFFORD EVANS (1899-1986)

Born: 27th June, 1899 in Birmingham
Educated at King Edward's School, Camp Hill, Birmingham. Served in the Navy during WW1 but upon being released from military duty in 1919 he went to study at the Birmingham School of Music under Sir Granville Bantock. Graduated BMus(Hons) in July 1922.

George Cadbury, one of the founding brothers of Cadbury Brothers Ltd, appointed him in 1922 as Organist and second Carillonneur of Bournville. George Cadbury then sent him to the National School of Carillon Art in Malines, Belgium where he studied for three months under the master Carillonneur, Jef Denyn before being appointed Carillonnuer of St Rombout's Cathedral. He became the first Englishman to be awarded the Diploma of the School and won first prize. He won three international carillon competitions: at Amsterdam in 1934, at Utrecht in 1953, and at Hilversum in 1959.

He retired in 1965 and achieved the world-wide reputation of being an outstanding Carillon player. He had been invited by the New Zealand government to give an inaugural recital on the Wellington Carillon on Anzac Day, 25th April, 1932 (he had played the same bells in Hyde Park in 1930 before they were relocated).
Died: 22th April (?), 1986


BALL, W. C. (-)


BAMBRIDGE, WILLIAM SAMUEL, JP (1842-1923)

Born: 18th July, 1842 in The Waimate, New Zealand
Moved to England when aged six. A chorister in St George's Chapel, Windsor, Berkshire. Educated Privately. BMus(Oxon) in 1872. Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, London. Alderman and ex-mayor of Marlborough. Organist of Clewer Church, Windsor (1853-1864) and of Marlborough College Chapel (1864-1911).
Died: 10th January, 1923 in Marlborough, Wiltshire


BAMFORD, E. (-)


BANISTER, HENRY CHARLES (1831-1897)

Born: 13th June, 1831 in London
Studied first under his father and later at the Royal Academy of Music, London where he won a King's Scholarship in 1846 and again in 1848. He mostly studied with Cipriani Potter. In 1851 he became Assistant Professor and in 1853 Professor of Harmony and Composition at the Royal Academy of Music, later becoming a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music. As a boy he sang with many famous singers including Miss Dolby and Miss Sabilla Novello at the Reading Festival of 1846. A Member of the Philharmonic Society. He was also a professor at the Guildhall School of Music, London and Professor of Harmony at the Royal Normal College of the Blind, London.
Died: 20th November, 1897 in Streatham, Lambeth, London


BANKS, RALPH (1762 or 1767-1841)

Born: 8th November, 1762 or 1767 in Durham
A chorister at Durham Cathedral under Thomas Ebdon. Organist of Houghton-le-Spring Parish Church, Tyne and Wear and then assistant organist and master of the choristers at Durham Cathedral until 1789. Organist of Rochester Cathedral 1792-1841.

Buried in the Rochester Cathedral Yard (or Nave).
Died: 20th September, 1841 in Rochester, Kent


BANNISTER, JOHN (20th cent.)


BARBER, GEOFFREY HOPWOOD (1913-1974)

Born: (?), 1913
On leaving military service after the WW2 he abandoned his pre-war career in business and became a student at the Manchester College of Music. He became Director of Music at Stockport School and Organist of St Paul’s Church, Heaton Moor. From 1958-1962 he was on the Royal School of Church Music's Musical Advisory Board and became a Special Commissioner from 1959.

He maintained a very high standard of choral music at Heaton Moor and between 1960 and his death in 1974, directed 51 RSCM courses. He was appointed Commissioner for the North in 1971. In 1973 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Manchester College of Music.
Died: 29th April, 1974


BARBER, GRAHAM DAVID (20th cent.)

Born: 30th December, (?) in London


BARCROFT, LEONARD (1913-1974)

Born: 20th October (?), 1913
Died: 29th April, 1974 in St Paul's, Heaton Moor, Stockport, Greater Manchester


BARFORD, FRANK (-)


BARHAM, GEORGE (1831-1914)

Born: (?), 1831 in Halesworth, Suffolk
A school teacher and Organist of Wrotham Parish Church, Kent.
Died: 20th January, 1914 in Wrotham, Kent


BARKER, Revd JOHNSON (1831-1895)

Born: (?), 1831 in Hull
Possibly a private pupil of William Marshall (a lawyer). A student at New College, Hampstead, London (1852-1858). Graduated BA(Lond) in 1854 and LLB(Lond) in 1855. A minister of the leading Congregational Church in Leicester, the Bond Street Chapel (1858-c.1867). He returned to London at the end of 1867 to become minister of New College Chapel and served there for 21 years from 1868-1889. He returned to the Church of England in 1890 and was ordained priest in the same year and as curate in the parish of St Aubyn, Devonport, Plymouth, Devon (1890-1892). His final living was at St Mary's Parish Church, Kentisbeare, Cullompton, Devon until he died.
Died: (?), 1895 in Kentisbeare, Devon


BARKER, STEPHEN (20th cent.)


BARLOW, G. (GEORGE?) (-)


BARNARD, Sir ANDREW FRANCIS, GCB (1773-1855)

Born: 17th January, 1773 in Fahan, County Donegal, Ireland
Entered the army in Scotland as an ensign in the 90th Regiment of Foot, August 1794 and became a lieutenant in the 81st Regiment of Foot in September and captain in November of the same year.

Clerk Marshall to HM Queen Victoria (please Google for all his promotions, battles etc).
Died: 17th January, 1855 in Chelsea, London


BARNARD, JOHN (20th cent.)

Born: 20th April, (?) in Wealdstone (?), Middlesex
Educated at the John Lyon School, Harrow, London (1959-1966) and later studied modern languages at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He remained as a dedicated and loyal German and French teacher at the John Lyon School, Harrow, London and was Deputy Headmaster for the last 15 years of his 28 year tenure.

MA(Cantab). FRCO. Associate of the Royal School of Church Music (ARSCM) and an active developer of church music as a composer, arranger, choir director and organist in north west London.

Composed many hymn tunes of which is the quite magnificent tune 'Guiting Power' is in most modern hymn books.


BARNBY, Sir JOSEPH (1838-1896)

(younger brother of Robert Barnby)

Born: 12th August, 1838 in York
A chorister in York Minster under Dr John Camidge (1846-1852). Student under William Dorrell, Cipriani Potter, Charles Lucas and Dr Charles Steggall at the Royal Academy of Music. Organist and Choirmaster of St Andrew's Church, Wells Street, Marylebone, London (1861-1869) in succession to Henry Robert Bennett. Organist of St Anne's Church, Soho, London in 1869. Conductor of the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society in 1872. Original Member of the Musical Association (1874-1876). Succeeded Dr Charles Maclean as Precentor and Music Professor at Eton College, Berkshire (1875-1892).

Buried in Norwood Cemetery, London.
Died: 28th January, 1896 in Pimlico, London


BARNBY, ROBERT (1821-1875)

(elder brother of Sir Joseph Barnby)

Born: 28th October, 1821 in York
A Lay Clerk and Copyist at Westminster Abbey in 1745 and a Gentleman (alto) of the Chapel Royal Choir in 1847, succeeding Enoch Hawkins. He continued in these posts until his death in 1875.
Died: 1st June, 1875 in Westminster, London


BARNES, (?) (-)


BARNES, A. B. (-)


BARNES, (FREDERICK) EDWIN LUCY (1856-1880)

Born: 1st November, 1856 in London
A chorister at the Chapel Royal, St James's under Revd Thomas Helmore in 1865.

Organ-Pupil under his father. Studied at the Royal Academy of Music under William Dorrell, W. Hill and Henry Charles Banister. Later, pianoforte-pupil under Frederick Westlake.

Organist of All Saints' Church, Paddington, London (1873-1876), St Margaret's Church, Liverpool (1876-1878), Christ Church Cathedral, Montreal, Canada (1878-1879). Assistant Organist and Choirmaster, Trinity Church, New York, USA in 1879.

He died following a discharge from a pistol he was handling and is buried in Montreal Cemetery, Canada.
Died: 21st September, 1880 in Montreal, Canada


BARNES, MATTHEW B. (-)


BARNES, PHILIP VICTOR (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
Compiler of The Bowdon Chant Book. Educated at Manchester Grammar School, Bristol University (classics), the University of Manchester (music) and King's College, London (education). Sometime tenor choral scholar at Bristol Cathedral, deputy lay clerk at St Paul's Cathedral, London, vicar choral at Wells Cathedral and lay clerk at Hereford Cathedral. He is currently Artistic Director of the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus in America.


BARNES, RICHARD (20th cent.)

(formerly of publishers Cathedral Music)

Born: (?)
A chorister at Westminster Abbey. Sometime bass lay clerk of Guildford Cathedral. Organist, conductor and accompanist. Former owner of the publishing house Cathedral Music, West Sussex.


BARNETT, WILLIAM HENRY (1809 or 1810-1895)

Born: 7th March, 1809 or 1810 in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Sometime organist of Settle Parish Church, North Yorkshire.
Died: 26th June, 1895 in Settle, North Yorkshire


BARNICOTT, ORLINTHUS ROBERTS (1842-1908)

Born: 2nd November, 1842 in Taunton, Somerset
Composed a Te Deum in D major, hymn tunes and some anthems.
Died: 11th March, 1908 in Stratton-le-Fosse, Somerset


BARNICOTT, REGINALD SLATER (1876-1944)

Born: (?), 1876 in Taunton, Somerset
Composed a few anthems, hymn tunes and songs.
Died: 19th May, 1944 in Taunton, Somerset


BARRATT, Dr WILLIAM ALEXANDER (1836-1891)

Born: 15th October, 1836 in Hackney, London
A chorister in St Paul's Cathedral, London (1846-1849). A pupil of William Bayley, George Cooper junior and Sir John Goss. Lay clerk of St Andrew's Church, Wells Street, Marylebone, London in 1858, then of Magdalen College, Oxford (1861). Organist of St John's, Cowley, Uxbridge, London (1863-1866). Assistant Vicar Choral at St Paul's Cathedral, London (1867) then Vicar Choral in 1876.

Buried in Nunhead Cemetery, London
Died: 17th October, 1891 in Hackney, London


BARRELL, BERNARD CLEMENT(S) (1919-2005)

Born: 15th August, 1919 in Sudbury, Suffolk
Educated at Woodbridge School, Suffolk (1928-1936). Studied at Trinity College, London. A music teacher (specialising in harmony, counterpoint and composition) living in Ipswich, Suffolk. He held various positions including tutorships for the Workers' Educational Association from 1949-1985.
Died: 2nd January (?), 2005


BARRINGTON, Y. A. (19th cent?)


BARROW, ISAAC (1836-1896)

Born: (?), 1836
Died: (?), 1896


BARROW, THOMAS (1712 or 1722-1789)

('The Bell Chant' founded on the bells of St Margaret's Church, Westminster, London)

Born (?), 1712 or 1722 in Monmouth, Wales or Westminster, London
A chorister at the Chapel Royal under Bernard Gates (1735-1745). Counter-tenor Gentleman of the Chapel Royal (1746). BMus(Oxon) in 1743. Lay clerk at Westminster Abbey (c.1749). Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey. Secretary of the Royal Society of Musicians (1784).

Buried in the North Cloister of Westminster Abbey on 17th August, 1789.
Died: 13th August, 1789 in Westminster, London


BARRY, CHARLES AINSLEY (1830-1915)

Born: 10th June, 1830 in Bloomsbury, London
Educated at Rugby (School?), Warwickshire then at Trinity College, Cambridge. A pupil of Dr Thomas Attwood Walmisley and subsequently studied under Weber, Frank and Hiller in Cologne. Later under Moscheles, Plaidy and Richter in Leipzig. Organist and Choir Master at the Forest School, Leytonstone, Waltham Forest, London (1858-1860).
Died: 21st March, 1915 in Sydenham, Surrey


BARRY, Dr WILLIAM HENRY VIPOND (1827-1872)

Born: (?) March, 1827 in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland (?)
Appeared in Belfast as a pianist. Studied under Franz Liszt and graduated MA and PhD (honoris causi, Göttingen University). Organist at Trinidad Cathedral, Port of Spain.
Died: 13th March, 1872 in Port of Spain, Trinidad


BARTLETT, PHILIP (-)


BARTON, DAVID CHARLES MICHAEL (20th cent.)

Born: 5th December, (?) in Winchester, Hampshire
Studied with Paul Derrett and John Wright in Gloucester. Over the past 13 years, David has worked extensively in the sphere of the performing arts as a private teacher, composer, arranger, organist, accompanist and music education specialist in and around Gloucester. His many and varied compositions are published in the UK, Canada and the USA, where regular performances take place.

Organist of St John’s Northgate Methodist Church, Gloucester since 2005.


BARTON, ROGER (20th cent.)


BARTRUM, A. C. (-)


BATCHELOR, CHAPPLE (1822-1884)

Born: 22nd June, 1822 in Southwell, Nottinghamshire
A chorister of Southwell Minster (1830-1838). Elected as King's Scholar at the Royal Academy of Music in 1838. Student there of Cipriani Potter, Sir John Goss and others (1839-1841). Sometime pupil of Vincent Novello. Succeeded Frederick Gunton as Rector Chori at Southwell Minster (1841-1857). Sometime Professor of Music (?). Resided successively in Belper and Derby.
Died: 11th January, 1884 in Derby


BATCHELOR, Dr. CHRISTOPHER (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
Organ scholar at Hertford College, Oxford, where he was taught the organ by James Dalton. Upon graduation he moved to Cambridge where he took MPhil(Cantab) and PhD(Cantab) degrees. During this time he held positions at both Downing and Gonville & Caius Colleges. MA, ARCO(CHM), ARCM. Succeeded Christopher Bowers-Broadbent as Director of Music and Organist of St Pancras Parish Church, London. Taught at a number of institutions, including University College School and the Royal Military School of Music (Kneller Hall) where he was Professor of Orchestration and Arranging.

Founded the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music in 2002. Head of re-established London College of Music in 2006. Awarded HonFLCM. Managing Director of organ builders Harrison and Harrison (2011-2017).


BATCHELOR, S. (-)


BATE, HORACE ALFRED J. (1899-1995)

Born: (?), 1899 in Chatham, Kent
Studied under Charles Hylton Stewart at Rochester Cathedral and with Dr Henry George Ley and C. H. Kitson at the Royal College of Music. Organist of St Margaret’s Church, Rochester in 1921 and St James’s Church, Muswell Hill, London in 1923. He specialised in training organists. He wrote the tune 'Collingwood'.
Died: 2nd June, 1995 in London


BATES, Dr FRANCIS (AKA FRANK) (1856-1936)

Born: 13th January, 1856 in March, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire
Educated at March Grammar School, Cambridgeshire and it appears that he was musically mostly self-taught. Organist of St Baldred's Episcopal Church, North Berwick, Scotland when only 17. Whilst there he took the degree of MusB(Dubl) in 1880 and MusD(Dubl) in 1884. Organist of Norwich Cathedral (1886-1928). There were 168 applicants for this post and he was in a short list of three. During his retirement he was granted the title of Organist Emeritus.

He is buried in Trinity Churchyard, Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Died: 11th May, 1936 in Ripon, North Yorkshire


BATES, Dr GEORGE (1802-1881)

Born: 6th July, 1802 in Halifax, West Yorkshire
Bates was in office when Ripon Minster acquired cathedral status. Organist of Ripon Cathedral (1829-1873).

He is buried in Trinity Churchyard, Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Died: 24th January, 1881 in Ripon, North Yorkshire


BATES, MARY (-)

(wife of Dr George Bates)


BATH CHANT, THE *


BATSON, Revd ARTHUR WELLESLEY (1853-?)

Born: (?), 1853
Student in Oxford in 1881. BMus(Oxon) in 1878. Appointed Precentor of St Anne's Church, Soho, London in 1888 and conducted a Lenten performance of J. S. Bach's 'St John Passion'. A friend of the architect E. W. Godwin, he was an artist and exhibited a landscape picture at the Grosvenor Gallery in 1890.
Died: (?)


BATTEN, ADRIAN (c.1590-1637)

Born: (?); baptised 1st March or May, c.1590 in Salisbury, Wiltshire
Died: (?), 1637 in London


BATTIE, (?) (-)


BATTISHILL, JONATHAN (1738-1801)

Born: 1st May, 1738 in London
A chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, London under William Savage (1748-?). Member of the Royal Society of Musicians from 1761 but later expelled for non-payment of his subscription. Sometime Organist of the United (?) Parishes of St Clement, Eastcheap, London and St Martin, Ongar, Essex (1767). Organist of Christ Church, Newgate Street, London (1767-1801).

He is buried in the Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral, London near to Dr William Boyce.
Died: 10th December, 1801 in Islington, London


BATTLEY, HENRY HARFORD (1846-1916)

Born: (?), 1846 in Islington, London
Spent much of his life working in the City of London as a Commercial Clerk in Tobacco Broker. An amateur pupil of Dr Edward John Hopkins. Around 1901 he was a newspaper publisher in Canterbury, Kent.

He held organist positions at St Andrew's Church, Mottingham, Kent; Fetcham, Surrey; St John's Upper Norwood, London and lastly in Canterbury.
Died: (?) 24th December, 1916 in Canterbury, Kent


BATTYE, JAMES (1803-1858)

Born: (?), 1803 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Parish Clerk of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. A freelance teacher and composer. His anthem 'My soul truly waiteth' won the Gresham Prize in 1845. He published 'Twelve Glees for four and five voices' in 1854.
Died: 10th October, 1858 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire


BAUMER, HENRY (1835-1888)

Born: (?), 1835
Succeeded Edward Augustus Giraud as Organist of the Chapel of Dulwich College, London in 1858 but resigned in 1870. Sometime Headmaster of Watford School of Music and retired in 1886.
Died: 29th July, 1888 in Watford, Hertfordshire


BAYLEY, WILLIAM (1810-1858)

Born: 7th January, 1810 in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, London under William Hawes in 1819. Organist of St John's, Horsleydown, Southwark. Vicar Choral and Master of the Boys at St Paul's Cathedral, London in 1846 when he succeeded William Hawes. A composer of songs.
Died: 8th November, 1858 in Houghton Street, Ampthill Square, London


BAYNES, SYDNEY (1879-1938)

Born: 1st February, 1879 in Sudbury, Middlesex
Died: 9th or 23rd March, 1938 in Willesden, London


BEACHCROFT, Dr RICHARD OWEN (-)

Born: (?)
Active in Clifton, Bristol.
Died: (?)


BEALE, GEORGE GALLOWAY (1868-1936)

Born: (?), 1868 in London
A chorister of Westminster Abbey and educated at Marlborough College, Wiltshire. Studied music at Westminster Abbey under Sir John Frederick Bridge. Organist of and Assistant Master at St John's School, Leatherhead, Surrey. Organist of St John's Church, Paddington, London before moving on to be organist of Llandaff Cathedral from 1894 until his death in 1936.
Died: 7th September, 1936 in Llandaff, South Glamorgan, Wales


BEALE, WILLIAM (1784-1854)

Born: 1st January, 1784 in Landrake, Cornwall
A chorister at Westminster Abbey (1792) under Dr Samuel Arnold and Robert Cooke. Gentleman of the Chapel Royal (1816-1820). Organist of St John's, Cambridge and Trinity College, Cambridge (1820-1821) where he succeeded Dr John Clarke-Whitfield. He resigned in 1821 and moved back to London as Organist of Wandsworth Parish Church (1821), St Ann's Church (1822) and St John's Church, Clapham Rise (1842-1851).
Died: 3rd May, 1854 in Paradise Row, Stockwell, London


BEAMS, TERRY (20th cent.)


BEARD, KENNETH BERNARD (1927-2010)

Born: 9th June, 1927 in Royton, Lancashire
Educated at Kingswood School, Bath. Studied at the University of Manchester and the Royal Manchester College of Music (1946-1949). MusB(Cantab) in 1949. Organ scholar of Emmanuel College, Cambridge (1949-1952) and read for part ii of the music tripos. BA(Cantab) in 1951 and MA(Cantab) in 1955. FRCO(CHM) in 1954. Organist and Choirmaster of St Michael's College, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire (1952-1959). He was in charge of the music at the time of the college's centenary celebrations. Rector Chori of Southwell Minster (1959-1988). On his retirement from Southwell he accepted the post of Organist of Mold Parish Church, Cheshire.
Died: 8th July (?), 2010


BEAUMONT, KERRY JASON (20th cent.)

Born: 5th April, (?) in Cambridge
Formally a chorister and lay clerk. Studied with J. B. Weaver in Philadelphia, USA and was Organist of Paoli, Pennsylvania for eight years. He returned to England in 1988 and was appointed Organist of St David's Cathedral, Wales until 1999 when he became Organist of Ripon Cathedral until 2002. Organist of Cheltenham College (2004-2006) and Organist of Coventry Cathedral from 2006.


BEAVEN, PETER (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
Organist and Director of Music at the Royal Memorial Chapel, Camberley, Surrey.


BEAZLEY, JAMES CHARLES (1850-1929)

Born: 21st September, 1850 in Ryde, Isle of Wight
Studied privately initially then became a pupil of Henry Charles Banister (harmony), Dr Charles Steggall (counterpoint) and Sir William Sterndale Bennett (composition) at the Royal Academy of Music. After leaving the Academy he was appointed Music Master at the King's School, Sherborne, Dorset but poor health drove him back to the Isle of Wight. During Sir William Sterndale Bennett's last few weeks, Beazley acted as his private secretary.
Died: 20th June, 1929 in Ryde, Isle of Wight


The Beckwith Dynasty

BECKWITH, Revd EDWARD GEORGE AMBROSE (1796-1856)

(son of Edward James Beckwith)

Born: (?), 1796
Singing clerk at Magdalen College, Oxford in 1818. Chaplain of Bromley College, Kent in 1820. Minor canon at St Paul’s Cathedral, London and Westminster Abbey (1825). Succentor of St Paul's Cathedral, London (1833). Rector of St Michael, Bassishaw, London (1835).
Died: 27th September (?), 1856


BECKWITH, Revd EDWARD JAMES (1772-1833)

(father of Edward George Ambrose Beckwith)

Born: (?), 1772 in Norwich, Norfolk or Essex
Chorister at Magdalen College, Oxford (1779) then a lay clerk there from 1787. BA(Oxon) in 1790 and MA(Oxon) in 1793. Minor Canon at St Paul's Cathedral, London in 1797. Rector of St Alban's, Wood Street, London in 1800. Vicar of Tillingham, Essex in 1815.

Buried in the Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral.
Died: 7th January, 1833 in London


BECKWITH COLLECTION 1809 *


BECKWITH, Dr JOHN CHRISTMAS (c.1750 or 1759-1809)

(uncle of Revd Edward James Beckwith)

Born: 25th December (c.1750 or 1759) in Norwich, Norfolk
Pupil of Dr William and Dr Philip Hayes and for many years their Assistant Organist at Magdalen College, Oxford. Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich, Norfolk (1794-c.1807) in succession to his father, Edward. BMus(Oxon) and DMus(Oxon) in 1803. Organist of Norwich Cathedral from 1808 until his death in 1809.

Buried in the Church of St Peter Mancroft, Norwich, Norfolk
Died: 3rd June, 1809 in Norwich, Norfolk


BEDSMORE, THOMAS (1833-1881)

Born: 26th December, 1833 in Lichfield, Staffordshire
A chorister at Lichfield Cathedral (1841-1845) and an articled pupil under Samuel Spofforth. Assistant Organist of Lichfield Cathedral (1849) and full Organist and Master of the Choristers (1864-1881) and of St Chad's Parish Church, Stow, Lichfield (1854). Also, organist of St Mary's Parish Church, Lichfield in 1869. FCO (1865).

Private organist of M. A. Bass, Esq. MP, Rangemore Church, Staffordshire County Asylum. Organist of Barton-under-Needwood Parish Church, Staffordshire from (?).

Buried in Lichfield Cathedral churchyard.
Died: 9th June, 1881 in Lichfield, Staffordshire


BEECHEY, Dr GWILYM EDWARD (?-2015)

Born: 12th January, (?) in London
Studied at the Royal College of Music and at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was 'John Stewart of Rannoch' Scholar in Sacred Music. Well-known as an editor of 17th and 18th century church music and writer about church music. He taught at Hull University. From 1986-1993 he edited the Dolmetsch Foundation Journal 'The Consort'. He wrote a very large amount of music.
Died: 29th December, 2015


BEECROFT, GEORGE ANDUS BEAUMONT (1845-1873)

Born: (?), 1845
His father was MP for Leeds. Educated at Oxford and graduated BA(Oxon) 1868, MA(Oxon) 1872 and BMus(Oxon) in 1867.
Died: 3rd May, 1873 in Oxford


BEER, DAVID (20th cent.)


BEER, E. STUART (20th cent.)


from BEETHOVEN, LUDWIG van (1770-1827)

Born: (?); baptised 17th December, 1770 in Bonn, Germany
Top rank classical composer of all genres.

He is buried in the Wählringer Cemetery, Vienna, Austria.
Died: 26th March, 1827 in Vienna, Austria


BELCHER, Dr WILLIAM THOMAS (1827-1905)

Born: 8th March, 1827 in Birmingham
BMus(Oxon) in 1867 and DMus(Oxon) in 1872. Organist of several churches in Birmingham: Great Barr Church (1856); St Silas, St George, Handsworth; Holy Trinity, Bordesley from 1884. A pupil of James Stimpson and William Thomas Best.
Died: 6th May, 1905 in Birmingham


BELL, JOHN MONGOMERIE (1837-1910)

Born: 28th May, 1837 in Edinburgh, Scotland
Educated at Edinburgh Academy and later, at the University where he read law and music.

He was a writer, botanist and musician. Served on the committee for the compilation of the 'Church Hymnary' of 1896.
Died: 8th June, 1910 in Edinburgh, Scotland


BELL, SIMON (20th cent.)


BELLAMY, RICHARD (c.1743-1813)

Born: (?), c.1743
A bass Gentleman of the Chapel Royal (1771-1801)

Lay Vicar of Westminster Abbey (1773-1801). MusB(Cantab) in 1775. Vicar Choral at St Paul's Cathedral, London (1777), also Almoner and Master of the Choristers in succession to Robert Hudson from 1793-1800.

He was buried in the Cloisters of New College, Oxford.
Died: 11th September, 1813 in Oxford


BELLAMY, WILLIAM HENRY (1799-1880)

Born: (?), 1799
Died: 3rd March, 1880 in London


BELLERBY, Dr EDWARD JOHNSON (1858-1940)

Born: 29th May, 1858 in Pickering, North Yorkshire
A pupil and assistant to Dr Edwin George Monk at York Minster. Graduated with BMus(Oxon) in 1879 from New College, Oxford. Organist of Selby Abbey, North Yorkshire (1879-1881), the Margate Parish Church, Kent (1881-1884) and of Holy Trinity, Margate, Kent from 1884 for thirty-three years.
Died: 2nd May, 1940 in Southborough, Kent


BELLRINGER, HENRY (or HARRY) (1901-?)

Born: (?), 1901 in Windsor, Berkshire
Died: (?)


BENEDICT, Sir JULIUS (1804-1885)

Born: 27th November, 1804 in Stuttgart, Germany
Studied with Carl Maria von Weber in Germany and worked in Austria and Italy before settling in England in 1835. Conductor of Drury Lane and Her Majesty's Theatres in London. He was knighted in 1861.
Died: 5th June, 1885 in London


BENGER, RICHARD N. (20th cent.)

Born: 11th April, (?) in Slough, Berkshire
Studied at Trinity College, London. A school teacher and had been organist of St Michael's Church, Amersham, Buckinghamshire from (1976-1995). Organist of Holy Trinity Church, Bembridge, Isle of Wight.


BENNETT, ALFRED WILLIAM (1805-1830)

(eldest son of Thomas Bennett)

Born: (?), 1805 in Chichester, West Sussex
BMus(Oxon) in 1825. Organist of New College and of the University, Oxford (1825-1830). Co-editor with Dr William Marshall of 'Cathedral Chants' (c.1830).

Killed in a stage-coach accident on his way to attend the Worcester Festival. He was buried in the Cloisters of New College, Oxford on 18th September, 1830.
Died: 12th September, 1830 near Worcester


BENNETT, GARETH (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
(a friend of Frikki Walker)


BENNETT, Dr GEORGE JOHN (1863-1930)

Born: 5th May, 1863 in Andover, Hampshire
A chorister at Winchester College and after leaving the Quiristers' School he studied at the Royal Academy of Music. He studied music in Berlin and Munich where he studied composition under Joseph Rheinberger. These foreign studies were made possible by a sponsorship from Messrs Novello and Co. Ltd. In 1887 he joined the staff of the Royal Academy of Music and from 1890 held various London appointments including St John's Church, Pimlico.

MusB(Cantab) in 1888 and MusD(Cantab) in 1893. FRCO. Organist of Lincoln Cathedral (1895-1930). Whilst at Lincoln he conducted the musical festivals of 1896, 1899, 1902, 1906 and 1910. He was Sheriff of the City of Lincoln in 1925 and in 1927 he was Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

Buried in Lincoln Cathedral where there is a memorial plaque.
Died: 20th August, 1930 in Lincoln


BENNETT, HENRY ROBERT(S) (1807-1861)

(brother of Alfred Bennett)

Born: (?), 1807
A chorister at Magdalen College, Oxford. Organist of Chichester Cathedral (1848-1861). He resigned 10th October, 1860 but carried on as Organist until January, 1861. He moved to St Andrew's Church, Wells Street, Marylebone, London in 1861 to replace his successor at Chichester (Dr Philip Armes).
Died: (?), 1861


BENNETT, JAMES (1804-1870)

Born: (?), 1804 in Salford, Lancashire
Died: (?) June, 1870 in Brighton, East Sussex


BENNETT, ROBERT (1788-1819)

(father of Sir William Sterndale Bennett)

Born: late January, 1788; baptised 6th February, 1788 in Bakewell, Derbyshire
A chorister at King's College, Cambridge and articled to Dr John Clarke-Whitfield later becoming a lay clerk in the same place. Appointed Organist of the Parish Church of Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1811.
Died: 3rd November, 1819 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire


BENNETT, THOMAS (c.1779-1848)

(father of Alfred Bennett)

Born: (?), c.1778 in Fonthill (Fontwell?), West Sussex
A chorister in Salisbury Cathedral under Joseph Corfe (c.1786). Organist of Chichester Cathedral and St John's (Episcopal) Chapel (1803 or 1804-1848).

Buried in the cathedral graveyard.
Died: 21st March, 1848 in Chichester, West Sussex


*BENNETT, THOMAS JOHN WILLIAM (-)

(brother of Alfred Bennett)

Born: (?)
Organist of St Paul's Church, Chichester, West Sussex.
Died: (?)


BENNETT, THOMAS junior (-)


*BENNETT, T. J. (-) (same person?)


BENNETT, Sir WILLIAM STERNDALE (1816-1875)

(son of Robert Bennett)

Born: 13th April, 1816 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire
A chorister at King's College, Cambridge (1824-1826) and studied at the Royal Academy of Music. For a short time after 1834 he was organist of Wandsworth Parish Church, London. MusD(Cantab) in 1856, MA honoris causâ (Cantab) in 1867. DCL(Oxon) in 1870. Succeeded Dr Thomas Attwood Walmisley as the professor of music in the University of Cambridge in 1856. He then succeeded Charles Lucas as the Principal of the Royal Academy of Music in 1866. He received his knighthood on the 24th March, 1871.

Buried in the North Aisle in Westminster Abbey.
Died: 1st February, 1875 in St John’s Wood Road, London


BENSON, JOHN ALLANSON (1848-1931)

Born: 8th February, 1848 in Ripley, North Yorkshire
Taught at Ashville College (a school for the sons of the ministers) and was choirmaster of the Congregational Church in Harrogate, North Yorkshire from 1869. His wife was organist of Harrogate Parish Church for twenty five years. He was conductor of the Philharmonic Society in Harrogate but retired to Bromley, Kent in 1906 due to ill health. During WW1 he deputised at Hither Green Methodist Church, London.
Died: 17th April, 1931 in Bromley, Kent


BENSON, Dr JOHN S. (20th cent.)

Born: (?) in Wigan, Lancashire (?)
Educated at Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire. He gained his FRCO at sixth form and gained many prizes and the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. He went on to Pembroke College, Cambridge on an organ scholarship. After graduating he went into television as a recording assistant in music and drama at ATV studios, Elstree. On returning to Wigan he embarked on a teaching career, holding post at Bolton School and Rossall School before becoming self-employed. Returned to Cambridge for an external MusB degree and recently completed a PhD in music composition and research at Salford University. He recently branched out into the field of brass band music.

For over 20 years he was the accompanist to 'The Lydian Singers' and has played for them in churches and cathedrals both here and overseas. John currently teaches privately in his music studio as well as co-directing the family business.

He has held a commission for over 18 years in the Royal Air Force VR(T).


BENSON, S. G. (-)

Born: (?)
Sometime organist of Holy Trinity, Tredegar Square, Stepney, London (after competition) and  may have moved to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (by 1898) where he was organist of St Andrew's Uniting Church, Cleveland, Brisbane (1907-1913).
Died: (?)


BENTALL, EDWARD GEORGE (1848-1914)

Born: (?), 1848 in Newbury, Berkshire
Organist of Weston-super-Mare Parish Church, Somerset from 1883 until his death.
Died: 9th May, 1914 in Weston-super-Mare


BENTALL, E. M. (-)


BENTINCK, Rt Hon GEORGE CAVENDISH (1821-1891)

Born: 9th July, 1821 in Westminster, London
Educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge. Whilst at Westminster School became an outstanding cricketer who once faced the MCC. In 1840 he joined the Grenadier Guards but retired in 1841. On the 11th June 1840 he joined the MCC to play against Oxford University – his debut first-class match.

He was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1846 and became an equity draftsman and conveyancer. In the General Election of 1859 he unsuccessfully stood for the borough of Taunton. He was elected Member of Parliament in August of that year.

He was Trustee of the British Museum from 1875 until his death and a Justice of the Peace for Cumberland and Dorset.
Died: 9th April, 1891 on or near to Brownsea Island


BENTLEY, (?) (-)


BENTLEY, FREDERICK (-)

Born: (?)
Sometime organist of Holy Trinity Church, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire.
Died: (?)


BENTLEY, JOHN (c.1754-1813)

Born: (?), c.1754
Died: 10th November, 1813 in Quebec City, Canada


BERESFORD, P. (-)


BERKELEY, Rt Hon FRANCIS HENRY FITZ-HARDINGE (1794-1870)

Born: 7th December (?), 1794
The seventh child of the 5th Earl Berkeley. Educated at Christ Church, Oxford. One of two Members of Parliament from Bristol in 1837 and held this position until his death.

Buried in St Dunstan's churchyard in Cranford, Middlesex.
Died: 10th March, 1870


BERKELEY, MICHAEL (20th cent.)

Born: 29th May, (?) in London
Son of Sir Leonard Randall Francis Berkeley. A chorister at Westminster Cathedral, London and a pupil of George Malcolm. Studied at the Royal Academy of Music and with Richard Rodney Bennett. He is now a mainstream composer.


BERORIATH, HEN (-) (see Old Melody)


BERRIDGE, ARTHUR (1855-1932)

Born: (?), 1855 in St Pancras, London
Organist of Highbury Hill Church and then for 25 years until his death he was organist of Westbourne Grove Baptist Church in London. For almost 30 years he was secretary of the Free Church Choir Union and a prolific composer of church anthems.
Died: 9th October, 1932 in Marylebone, London


BERRY, ALEXANDER (20th cent.)


BERTALOT, Dr JOHN (20th cent.)

Born: 15th September, (?) in Maidstone, Kent (?)
He held an organ scholarship at the Royal College of Music then moved up to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge (1955-1958). He read music and proceeded to MA(Cantab) in 1961. CHM in 1953 and FRCO. in 1955. Organist of St Matthew's Church, Northampton (1958-1964). Organist of Blackburn Cathedral (1964-1983). Organist of Trinity Church, Princeton, New Jersey, USA (1983-).


BERVON, JOHN INGLIS (1837-1891)

Born: 1837
Died: 1891


BERWICK, ALISTAIR (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
Sometime lay clerk at Lincoln Cathedral in the late 1980s.


BEST, WILLIAM THOMAS (1826-1897)

Born: 13th August, 1826 in Carlisle, Cumbria
Organist of Pembroke (Episcopal) Chapel, Liverpool from 1840; of the Church for the Blind, Liverpool from 1847; St Martin-in-the-Fields, London from 1852; Lincoln's Inn Chapel, London in 1854; St George's Hall, Liverpool from 1855; Wallasey Parish Church, Birkenhead from 1860 and Holy Trinity Church, near Liverpool in 1863.

Buried in Childwall Cemetery, Liverpool.
Died: 10th May, 1897 in Liverpool


BEVAN, DAVID (20th cent.)


BEVAN, FREDERICK CHARLES (1856-1939)

Born: 3rd July, 1856 in London
A chorister at All Saints’, Margaret Street, London in 1866. Successively organist of St Martin’s Church, Haverstock Hill, London; St Margaret Pattens Church, Rood Lane Fenchurch Street, London. A member of the Chapel Royal Choir, Whitehall from 1877. A Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, St James in 1888. Appointed Head Professor of Singing at the Conservatorium, Adelaide, South Australia in June 1898.
Died: 27th March, 1939 in Adelaide


BEVAN, MAURICE GUY SMALMAN (1921-2006)

Born: 10th March, 1921 in London or Shropshire
The son, grandson and great-grandson of Anglican Clergymen. Educated in Shrewsbury and read Greats at Magdalen College, Oxford but was called up after only a year and spent five years in the army. BMus(Cantab?). By the end of the war he was in Germany working in broadcasting and remained there until he became a vicar choral in 1949. He later met Alfred Deller. Part of the founding of Kent Opera. In 1984 Bevan retired but continued to deputise at St Paul’s well into his seventies. A freelance concert singer (baritone). Editor of 17th and 18th century english music both sacred and secular.
Died: 20th June (?), 2006


BEVAN, SIDNEY (1838-1901)

(see also 'Trent')

Born: (?), 1838
The chant is named after his house ('Trent') in London.
Died: (?), 1901


BEXFIELD, Dr WILLIAM RICHARD (1824-1853)

Born: 27th April, 1824 in Norwich
A chorister at Norwich Cathedral in 1831 then pupil and assistant organist to Dr Zecharia Buck. Awarded BMus(Oxon) in 1846 and MusD(Cantab) in 1849. A lecturer by profession. Organist of St Botolph's Parish Church, Boston, Lincolnshire in 1845 until he took up the position of organist of St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate, London in 1848. He composed the oratorio 'Israel Restored' which was performed at the Norwich Music Festival in 1852.

Buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Paddington, London.
Died: 29th October, 1853 in London


BIAZECK, SIMON (20th cent.)

Born: 19th September (?) in Australia (?)
Melbourne-born tenor and composer whose musical interests encompass early music to contemporary performance art and include a deep commitment to the fields of Grand Opera, Lieder and English Song. He has performed in concerts at the Aldeburgh Festival, the Royal Opera House and the Wigmore Hall.


BIELBY, JONATHAN LEONARD (20th cent.)

Born: (?) in Oxford
Educated at Magdalen College and studied with Dr Bernard William George Rose before going up to St John's College, Cambridge (1963-1967) as organ student under Dr George Howell Guest. He also studied with Peter le Huray. Graduated BA(Cantab) in 1966, MusB(Cantab) and MA in 1970. FRCO.

Assistant organist of Manchester Cathedral (1968-1970) before being appointed organist of Wakefield Cathedral (1970-2010).

First borough organist of Kirklees, West Yorkshire (1974-1988) during which time he gave recitals at Huddersfield Town Hall and elsewhere. From 1979 he was senior lecturer at the City of Leeds College of Music.


BILLING, ANNIE E. (19th/20th cent.)


BINFIELD, B. L. (1805-1870)

Born: (?), 1805 in Reading, Berkshire
An organist in Reading. Some connection with the Triennial Festivals. He was the first to set Dean Milman’s 'Martyr of Antioch' to music, Milman being the vicar of St Mary's, Reading from 1818-1835.
Died: 8th June, 1870 in Reading, Berkshire


BINNIE, R. (-)


BIRCH, EDWARD HENRY (1841-?)

Born: (?), 1841
Died: (?)


BIRD, GEORGE (?-1894)

(father of Henry Richard Bird)

Born: (?)
Appointed Organist of the Parish Church, Walthamstow, Essex on 26th March 1829 on probation and full post 30th November until his death in 1894. Edited 'A Collection of 100 Chants' published by Novello.
Died: 14th August, 1894 in Walthamstow, London


BIRD, HENRY RICHARD (1842-1915)

(son of George Bird)

Born: 14th November, 1842 in Walthamstow, Essex
Studied with James Turle for a number of years at Westminster Abbey. Acting organist of St John's Church, Walthamstow, London (1851-1858) (appointed in 1854), St Mark's Church, Clerkenwell, London (1858), Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, London (1860), St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico, London (1866) and of St Mary Abbots, Kensington, London in (1872). Organist at the Festivals of the London Church Choir Association at St Paul's Cathedral (1880-1881). He was appointed accompanist to the Monday and Saturday Popular Concerts at St James's Hall in 1891. A professor of piano at the Royal College of Music and at Trinity College, London.
Died: 21st November, 1915 in Kensington, London


BIRD, JOHN (fl. 1790)

Born: (?)
A bookseller in London?
Died: (?)


BIRD, W. C. (-)

Born: (?)
Founder of Chafyn Grove School, Salisbury, Wiltshire in 1879 (?).
Died: (?)


BIRKBECK, JOSEPH (1802-1872)


BISHOP’S COLLECTION (-)


BISHOP, Sir HENRY ROWLEY (1786-1855)

Born: 18th November, 1786 in London
Studied piano and violin and was a pupil of composition under Francesco Bianchi. In London, Director of Music at the Drury Lane Theatre (1810-1811). Founder of the Philharmonic Society in 1813. Director of Music at Covent Garden Theatre (1810-1824), Conductor of the Drury Lane Theatre (1825-1826). A professor of the Royal Academy of Music (1826-?), Director of Music of the Vauxhall Gardens from 1830. Composer to Queen Victoria in 1838. Professor of Music at Edinburgh University (1841-1843). Graduated BMus(Oxon) in 1839 and DMus(Oxon) in 1853. Knighted in 1842. Professor of Music at Oxford University (1848-1855) where he succeeded Dr William Crotch.

Buried in St Marylebone Cemetery, Finchley, London.
Died: 30th April, 1855


BISHOP, JOHN (1665-1737)

Born: (?), 1665
A pupil of Daniel Roseingrave. In 1687 he became a lay vicar at King's College, Cambridge and in 1688 he was appointed teacher of the choristers. A lay vicar at Winchester Cathedral from June 1697. Organist of Winchester College (1729-1737) in succession to Jeremiah Clark and in 1729 succeeded Vaughan Richardson as Organist of Winchester Cathedral.

Buried in the cloisters of College Chapel, Winchester Cathedral.
Died: 19th December, 1737


BISHOP, MICHAEL (20th cent.)


BLACK, GORDON (-)


BLACK, JOHN MAGNUS (1930-1998)

Born: (?), 1930 in South Shields, Tyne and Wear
Organ scholar at Exeter College, Oxford. Organist of Doncaster Parish Church (now Minster) (1957-1994).
Died: 27th February, 1998 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire


BLACKALL, Dr ALLEN KEET (1877-1963)

Born: 13th November, 1877 in Ryde, Isle of Wight
Studied at the Royal Academy of Music (1894-1897). Assistant Organist of St Anne's Church, Soho, London (1897-1898), Organist and Choirmaster of Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone, London in 1898. Organist of St Mary's Collegiate Church, Warwick (1898-1945). A lecturer in music at the University of Birmingham (1919-1945). Conductor of the Birmingham Bach Choir (1930-1933) and Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor of the Birmingham Festival Choral Society (1905-1923). Principal of the Birmingham and Midland Institute School of Music (1934-1945). From 1945 was Sub-Warden of the College of St Nicolas (now the Royal School of Church Music).
Died: 3rd April, 1963 in Canterbury, Kent


BLACKBOURN, JOHN (1793-1854 or 1855)

Born: (?) August, 1793 probably in London
A chorister at St Paul's Cathedral under John Sale (1800-1808). Organist of Wandsworth Parish Church, London (1818) and Clapham Parish Church, London (1821). He was an unsuccessful candidate for the organist's post of St Paul's Cathedral, London in 1838. A Member of the Madrigal Society and the Glee Club. He was secretary to the latter (1818-1825).
Died: 18th December, 1854 or 1855 in Clapham, London


BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL, (Anon) *


BLACKBURN, J. (-)

Born: (?) of Brightlingsea, Essex
Died: (?)


BLACKBURN, H. H. (-)


BLACKMAN, G. (20th cent.?)


BLAIR, Dr HUGH (1864-1932)

Born: 25th May, 1864 in Worcester
The son of Revd R. H. Blair, Rector of St Martin's Church, Worcester.

Educated in Yorkshire and at Worcester Cathedral under William Done at the King's School. Organ scholar at Christ's College, Cambridge in 1883. Studied with Dr George Mursell Garrett and Sir George Alexander Macfarren and graduated in 1866. MA(Cantab) in 1896, MusB(Cantab) in 1887 and MusD(Cantab) in 1906. Deputy Organist at Worcester Cathedral from 1886 under William Done. Acting Organist in 1889 and full Organist from 1895 until 1897. Before the age of thirty Blair played a major part in the Three Choirs Festivals, conducting at Worcester in 1893. He encouraged the musical development of Sir Edward William Elgar with whom he played golf. In July 1895, Elgar's Organ Sonata in G major was first performed by Blair at a recital. Organist and Choirmaster of Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone, London from 1898. Director of Music at the Borough of Battersea, London (1900-1904). Worked for some time for the Novello publishing house.
Died: 22nd July, 1932 in Worthing, Sussex


BLAKE, Revd Dr EDWARD (1708-1765)

Born: (?), 1708 in Salisbury, Wiltshire
Studied at Balliol College, Oxford from where he graduated BA(Oxon) in 1733, MA(Oxon) in 1737, BD(Oxon) in 1744 and DD(Oxon) in 1755. Perpetual curate of St Thomas's, Salisbury from 1740. Vicar of St Mary the Virgin Church, Oxford (1754), Prebendary of Salisbury Cathedral and Rector of Tortworth, Gloucestershire (1757).
Died: 11th June, 1765 in Salisbury, Wiltshire


BLAKE, LEONARD JAMES (1907-1989)

Born: 7th October, 1907 in Hendon, London
Attended the County School in Hendon then studied at the Royal College of Music. Graduated BMus(Lond). Organist and Choirmaster at All Saints' Church, Child’s Hill, London (1926-1929) and Holy Trinity Church, Marylebone, London (1929).

Taught music at Twyford School near Winchester (1929-1935). Director of Music at Worksop College, Nottinghamshire (1935-1945) and at Malvern School (1945-1968). Conductor of the Malvern Music Society from 1949.

Editor of 'English Church Music' from 1948-1958 and a Special Commissioner for the Royal School of Church Music.
Died: 2nd August (?), 1989


BLAKE, T. A. (?) (-)


BLAKE, Revd WILLIAM (?-1780)

Born: (?)
Died: (?), 1780


BLAKELEY, PHILIP (19th cent.)

Born: (?) in Batley, West Yorkshire
Died: (?)


BLAKELEY, WILLIAM ARTHUR (1852-1938)

Born: 12th February, 1852 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Studied under Dr William Spark and Sir John Frederick Bridge. Graduated BMus at the University of Toronto, Canada. Organist and Choirmaster of St Thomas's Church, Crookes, Sheffield (1863-1870); Thornes Church, Wakefield, West Yorkshire; St Stephen's Church, Sheffield (1870-1877); St Peter's Parish Church, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire (1877); Morningside United Presbyterian Church, Edinburgh, Scotland (1881-1890) and of Queen's Park Parish Church, Glasgow, Scotland from 1890. Professor of Music, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Died: 17th November, 1938 in Los Angeles, USA


BLEWITT, JONAS (c.1740 or 1757-1805)

Born: (?), c.1740 or 1757
The father of Jonathan Blewitt. A pupil of Samuel Jarvis. Organist of St Margaret Pattens Church and St Gabriel's Church, Fenchurch Street, London (c.1795).

It is suggested that he may have had very poor eyesight.
Died: (?), 1805 near Bermondsey, London


BLEZZARD, Dr JUDITH HELEN (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
A university lecturer in music.


BLISS, (?) (could be Philip Paul senior or another Bliss) (1838-1876)

Born: (?), 1838
Died: (?), 1876


'BLOGGS' *


BLOUNT, FREDERICK STANLEY (fl. 1810-1840)

Born: (?)
Organist of Wimbourne Minster, Dorset (1835-c.1863).
Died: (?)


BLOW, Dr JOHN (1649-1708)

Born: (?); baptised 23rd February, 1649 at North Collingham, Nottinghamshire
A chorister at the Chapel Royal under Captain Cook after the Restoration. Pupil successively of John Hingston and Dr Christopher Gibbons. Gentleman of the Chapel Royal in 1673 or 1674. Master of the Choristers at the Chapel Royal in 1674. Member of the Royal Band of Musicians, and Composer in Ordinary to King James I in 1685. Almoner and Master of the Choristers at St Paul's Cathedral, London. Organist of Westminster Abbey (1668-1679) and re-appointed immediately after Henry Purcell's death (1695-1708).

Buried in the North Aisle of Westminster Abbey.
Died: 1st October, 1708 in London


BLOW, Revd WILLIAM (1819-1886)

Born: (?); baptised 14th September, 1819 in St Michael-le-Belfry, York
A descendent of Dr John Blow. MA (?). Rector of Layer Breton, Essex (1855-1886). He had a valuable collection of violins and was an amateur player of the same.
Died: 25th December, 1886 in Layer Breton, Essex


BLY, ARTHUR (-)

Born: (?)
Some connection in Westminster Abbey. MusB(Dunelm) in 1892.
Died: (?)


BOAL, Dr JOHN (20th cent.)


BOAL, SYDNEY (20th cent.)


BOARDMAN, JOHN GEORGE (1819-1898)

Born: 10th July, 1819 (probably in London)
A chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, London under William Hawes in 1828 and whilst there, organist of the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary, London. A pupil of Dr Thomas Attwood Walmisley. Organist successively of Carlisle (Episcopal) Chapel, Kennington Lane, London; Sydenham (Episcopal) Chapel, London; All Saints’ Church, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, London; Clapham Grammar School Chapel, London (1846-1876); St John's Church, Clapham Rise, London (1858); St John's Church, Angell Town, Brixton, London; St Mark's Church, Kennington, London (1866) and resigned in 1894. Assistant Organist to James Coward and Alfred James Eyre at the Crystal Palace and organist of the National Choral Society, Exeter Hall, the conductor being George Walter Martin.

Buried 6th July, 1898 in Norwood Cemetery, London.
Died: 2nd July, 1898 in Clapham, London


BODDINGTON, W. H. (-)

Born: (?)
Sometime organist of St Anne's Church, Sale, Cheshire.
Died: (?)


BOISSIER, RICHARD ALLNUTT (1843-?)

Born: (?) January, 1843 in Penshurst, Kent
Died: (?)


BOLTON CHANT, THE *


BOND, HUGH (c.1710 or 1735-1792)

Born: (?) in Exeter, c.1710 or 1735
Lay Vicar of Exeter Cathedral (1762) and sometime organist of St Mary Arches. A professor of music. A number of his pupils later became famous in the music world.
Died: (?), 1792 in Exeter, Devon


BONNOR, P. M. D. (-)


BOOTH, JOSIAH (1852-1929)

Born: 27th March, 1852 in Coventry, Warwickshire
Studied under Edward Simms of Coventry and later with James Taylor at Oxford. Attended the Royal Academy of Music, studying with Brinley Richards and Sir George Alexander Macfarren. Organist of the Banbury Wesleyan Chapel, Warwickshire (1868-1876), Park Chapel Congregational Church, Crouch End, London (1877-1918). Edited parts ii & iii of the 'Congregational Church Hymnal' 1888. Composed more than one hundred hymn tunes. He also composed around 18 double and 10 single chants.
Died: 29th December, 1929 in Hornsey, London


BOND, CHRISTOPHER (20th cent.)


BOSKERCK, HARRIET ANNA van (1829-1908)

Born: (?), 1829
Died: (?), 1908


BOSWORTH, THOMAS (c.1847-1888)

Born: (?), c.1847
Died: (?), 1888


BOTTOMLEY, JOSEPH (1786-1850 or 1858)

Born: (?), 1786 in Halifax, West Yorkshire
Studied in Manchester under Grimshaw, Watts and Yaniewicz. He also had further study in Leeds under Lawson to whom he was an articled pupil. He moved to London to study the piano under Wölfl. Organist of Bradford Parish Church 1807 and Sheffield Parish Church (later the cathedral) in 1820.
Died: (?), 1850 or 1858 in Eccleshall Bierlow, Sheffield, South Yorkshire


BOULTBEE, Revd JAMES (1827-1914)

Born: 31st May, 1827 (probably in Cheswardine, Shropshire)
Educated at Cheswardine, Uppingham School and to King William's College, Castletown, Isle of Man. Articled to Alfred Jee as a Civil Engineer. In 1850 his father sent him to the Theological Department of King's College, London where he stayed for two years. His first curacy was at Trinity Church, Nottingham (1852-1854) then he moved to East Leake near Loughborough, Leicestershire where he remained for five years in quasi sole charge under Revd John Bateman, rector of East and West Leake. He moved to the large parish of Kingswinford in Wordsley, Staffordshire. As the rector, Revd Charles Girdlestone was not residenta and James became senior curate. He remained there for seven years until the Bishop of Ripon presented him with the living at Wrangthorn, Leeds, West Yorkshire and he became the first vicar of St Augustine of Hippo where a new church was built. He and his wife Mary retired to Reading, Berkshire.

There is a family tradition of growing begonias.

Buried in Reading.
Died: 15th December, 1914 in Reading


BOULTON, HARRY (20th cent.)

Born: 16th November, (?) in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Sang as a young treble and his love for music has grown  – specifically choral music. He has sung in various cathedrals across the UK in a visiting choir and has been singing bass from the early age of 13! Harry is very keen on maths and hopes to study mathematics or music at university. As well as playing the guitar, he is an enthusiastic pianist and one of his wishes is to take up the organ. Another of his hobbies includes a strong interest in computer graphics and web design. Harry regularly plays tennis and considers himself an athletic person who loves almost any sport.


BOUSFIELD, VIVIAN (-)


BOVILL, (?) (-)


BOWDLER, Dr CYRIL WILLIAM (1839-1918)

Born: 28th September, 1839 in Kingston-upon-Hull, East Yorkshire
The family were Welsh on his mother's side. As a boy he studied music under Dr John Camidge and later under Sir Robert Prescott Stewart. BMus(Dubl), MA(Dubl), LLB(Dubl) in 1864 and LLD(Dubl) in 1896. Organist of All Saints' Church (The Royal Garrison Church), Aldershot, Hampshire (1877-1879).
Died: 5th November, 1918 in Camberley, Surrey


BOWER, E. D. (-)


BOWER, WILLIAM (-)


BOWES, CHARLES FREDERICK (1866-1945)

Born: (?), 1866 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Graduated with BMus(Dunelm) in 1892. He was chairman of the firm of John Bowes Ltd. Organist of Jesmond Wesleyan Church (1883-1891) and of the People's Hall, Newcastle (1897-1919). Taught at the Northern School of Music (1891-1893). Honorary Secretary and Organist of the Wesleyan Service of Song (1889-1911).
Died: 18th August, 1945 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear


BOWLES, Revd WILLIAM LISLE (1762-1850)

Born: 24th September, 1762 in King's Sutton, Northamptonshire
His father was the vicar in King's Sutton, Northamptonshire. At the age of 14 he entered Winchester College. In 1781 left as captain of the school and went up to Trinity College, Oxford where he had won a scholarship. In 1789 he published 'Fourteen Sonnets' which was very well received.

After taking his degree he entered the church and was appointed as Vicar of Chicklade, Wiltshire in 1792. He received the vicarage of Dumbleton, Gloucestershire in 1797 and then of Bremhill, Wiltshire in 1804. He became Chaplain to the Prince Regent in 1818 and was elected a residentiary canon of Salisbury Cathedral in 1828. Apparently he was of a kind disposition but rather absent minded and eccentric. A poet and writer of pamphlets.
Died: 7th April (?), 1850


BOWLING, JAMES WHEWALL (1860-1888)

Born: 6th January, 1860 in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Principal of the Leeds College of Music. Organist of Skelton Parish Church (near Ripon), North Yorkshire.

Died whilst trying to save an ice-skater who had fallen through the ice on a lake in Switzerland.
Died: 13th September, 1888 in Engardin Valley, Switzerland


BOYCE, Dr WILLIAM (1711-1779)

Born: (?); baptised 11th September, 1711 in London
A chorister in St Paul's Cathedral under Charles King. An articled pupil of Dr Maurice Greene until 1734 and later with Johann Christoph Pepusch. Graduated with DMus(Oxon) in 1749. Organist of Oxford Chapel (now St Peter's Church, Vere Street), London in 1734; St Michael's, Cornhill, London (1736-1768) where he succeeded Thomas Kelway at All Hallows' Church, Thames Street. London (1749-1764/9). Composer to the Chapel Royal in 1736. Nominated Master of the King's Band 1755 and Master of the King's Musick in succession to Dr Maurice Greene and sworn-in during 1755. He succeeded John Travers as one of the three organists of the Chapel Royal (1758-1779). A prolific composer of all current genres.

Suffered with slight deafness in his youth which steadily grew worse.

He gave up his organ playing later in life and concentrated on his three volumes of 'Cathedral Music'.

He is buried in the Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral.
Died: 7th February, 1779 in Kensington, London


BOYLE, MALCOLM COURTENAY (1902-1976)

Born: 30th January, 1902 in Windsor Castle, Berkshire
A son of a lay clerk of St George's Chapel, Windsor.

A chorister at Eton College and upon completing his education there, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music. An organ pupil of Sir Walter Parratt. He held the John Goss scholarship from 1918. FRCO in 1921. He graduated from Queen's College, Oxford with BMus(Oxon) in 1932. Early appointments were held at Holy Trinity, Windsor, Berkshire (1915-1924) with a short period between at St Mary’s Church, Datchet, Berkshire (1917-1918). From 1924 he was Acting Organist of St George's Chapel, Windsor until Sir Henry Walford Davies' appointment in 1927. Organist of Chester Cathedral (1932-1949). He became Director of Music at the King's School, Canterbury (1951-1954). Organist of St Giles' Parish Church, West Bridgford, Nottingham (1957-1961).
Died: 3rd April (?), 1976


BOYLE, WILLIAM (-)

Born: (?), maybe in Loughrea, Galway, Ireland
Died: (?), maybe in Newark, New Jersey, USA


B, R. (Anon) (-)


BRADBURY, WILLIAM BATCHELDER (1816-1868)

Born: 6th October, 1868 in York, Maine, USA
He moved with his parents to Boston and met Lowell Mason. By 1834 he was a well-known organist and began teaching in Brooklyn, New York in 1840. He studied harmony, composition, vocal and instrumental music with the best masters in Germany, 1847.

With his brother, Edward, he started the Bradbury Piano Company in 1854. He was the author and compiler of fifty nine books from 1841.

Buried in Bloomfield Cemetery in Bloomfield, New Jersey, USA.
Died: 7th January, 1868 in Montclair, New Jersey, USA


BRADLEY, CHARLES (1846-1915)

Born: 20th October, 1848 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Taught by Dr Philip Armes, Robert Senior Burton and Francis William Davenport. Held Yorkshire appointments including St Michael's Church, Wakefield (1856-1866) and St Paul's Church, Middlesborough, North Yorkshire (1871-1882). Organist of St George's Church, Edinburgh, Scotland (1882-1885), (Holyrood?), Abbey Parish Church (1885-1887) and South Leith Parish Church, Edinburgh, Scotland from 1887. Conductor of the Edinburgh Choral Union.
Died: 16th March, 1915 in Edinburgh, Scotland


BRADLEY, ISAAC (-)


BRADLEY, M. (-)

Born: (?)
Active in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada (?)
Died: (?)


BRADLEY, RONALD (-)


BRADLEY, Dr WILLIAM (1877-after 1936)

Born: 12th December, 1877 in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Privately educated and graduated with BMus(Dunelm) in 1902 and DMus(Dunelm) also in 1902. Organist and Choirmaster of Temple Newsam, Leeds, West Yorkshire from 1893 and of the Leeds churches of St Matthew's in 1896, Christ Church, Upper Armley from 1902 and of St Aidan c.1936.
Died: (?), after 1936


BRAGGE, H. (19th cent.)

Born: (?)
Died: (?)


BRAILESFORD, (B?) (?-1842)

Born: (?)
Sometime organist in Leeds, West Yorkshire and in Doncaster, South Yorkshire since the opening of the organ at until his death. A celebrated violinist who has performed at the York Music Festival of 1823. Sometime singer or organist at the Chapel Royal.
Died: (?), 1842 aged 75


BRAINE, FRANK (-)


BRAMMA, HARRY WAKEFIELD (20th cent.)

Born: 11th November, (?) in Shipley, West Yorkshire
Educated at Bradford Grammar School with organ lessons from Melville Cook. Organ scholar at Pembroke College, Oxford (1955-1960) where he took the honour school of music and a BA(Oxon) in 1958 and later MA(Oxon) (?), followed by the honour school of theology in 1960. In 1958 he took the FRCO. diploma with the Harding Prize. His first post was as Director of Music at King Edward VI Grammar School, Retford, Nottinghamshire and then Assistant Organist of Worcester Cathedral and Director of Music at the King's School there (1963-1976). Organist of Southwark Cathedral, London (1976-1989), then he succeeded Dr Lionel Frederick Dakers as the Director of the Royal School of Church Music (1989).


BREDOW, JONATHAN von (20th cent.)


BREILLAT, GEORGE (1752-1824)

Born: (?), 1752
Died: (?), 1824


BREMRIDGE, T. J. (-)

Born: (?)
Clerk of the Peace in Exeter, Devon.
Died: (?)


BRENT-SMITH, ALEXANDER E. (1889-1950)

Born: 8th October, 1889 in Brookthorpe, Gloucestershire
Attended the King's School in Gloucester. An articled pupil for two years under Sir Ivor Algenon Atkins, Organist of Worcester Cathedral. Director of Music at Lancing College, Sussex (1913-1934) where he succeeded Revd William Harold Ferguson. He served on the committee of the Gloucester Three Choirs Festival.

A music critic and writer on various musical subjects.
Died: 3rd July, 1950 in Brookthorpe, Gloucestershire


BREWER, Sir ALFRED HERBERT (1865-1928)

Born: 21st June, 1865 in Gloucester
A chorister at Gloucester Cathedral (1877-1880) and studied under Dr Charles Harford Lloyd. Held two Gloucester appointments for a short time, St Catherine's Church and St Mary-de-Crypt. Organist of St Giles's Church, Oxford (1882-1885). His first important post was that of Organist of St Michael's Church, Coventry (later to become Coventry Cathedral) in 1886. At this time he won an organ scholarship at the Royal College of Music and for one year organ scholar at Exeter College, Oxford (1883-1885). Music Master at Tonbridge School, Kent (1892). MusB(Dubl) and DMus(Lambeth) in 1905. He received his knighthood in 1926. Sheriff of the City of Gloucester (1922-1923). Organist of Gloucester Cathedral (1897-1928).

He trained many successful pupils including Ambrose Probert Porter, R. Tustin Baker, Sir John Dykes Bower and his own successor, Dr Herbert William Whitton Sumsion.
Died: 1st March, 1928 in Gloucester


BRIANT, ROWLAND (1861-1933)

Born: (?), 1861 in Lambeth, London
A pupil at Royal Academy of Music. Associate and professor of the organ there. Organist of the following London churches: Eccleston Square Church; Westbourne Park Chapel; New Court Chapel, Tollington Park. A conductor of various choral societies.
Died: 26th December, 1933 in Epsom, Surrey


BRIDGE, Sir JOHN FREDERICK (1844-1924)

(elder brother of Dr J. C. Bridge)

Born: 5th December, 1844 in Oldbury, Worcestershire
A chorister at Rochester Cathedral (1850-1859) where his father was a lay clerk under Dr John Larkin Hopkins. Studied under John Larkin Hopkins (of whom he was articled), Sir George Job Elvey and Sir John Goss. Organist of Shorne Parish Church, Kent in 1861 and then of Strood Parish Church, Kent in 1862. Organist of Holy Trinity Church, Windsor, Berkshire (1865-1869). He succeeded Joseph John Harris at Manchester Cathedral (1869-1875). Whilst in Manchester he taught harmony at Owen's College (now the University) where he was appointed Professor of Music in 1872. In the autumn of 1875 he became permanent Deputy Organist of Westminster Abbey and formally succeeded James Turle as Organist (1882-1918). In 1876 he joined the staff of the National Training School for Music and became one of the original professors of the Royal College of Music on its foundation in 1883. He became Gresham Professor of Music in 1890 and also the King Edward Chair of Music in 1902 and was its first occupant.

Bridge directed the music for Queen Victoria's Jubilee Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey in 1887. He was also in charge of the music for the two Coronations of 1902 and 1911. He conducted the Royal Choral Society from 1896.

Sometime conductor of the Old and Western Madrigal Societies.

He took the FRCO diploma in 1867, BMus(Oxon) in 1868 and DMus(Oxon) in 1874. He was awarded by decree the MA(Dunelm) in 1905. He was awarded the Jubilee Medal in 1887 and knighted in 1897. Appointed MVO (4th Class) in 1902 and advanced to CVO in 1911. On his retirement in 1918 he was accorded the title Organist Emeritus.

There is a memorial to him on the west cloister wall in Westminster Abbey.
Died: 18th March, 1924 in London


BRIDGE, Dr JOSEPH COX (1853-1929)

(younger brother of Sir J. F. Bridge)

Born: 16th August, 1853 in Rochester, Kent
The son John Bridge, a lay clerk at Rochester Cathedral. A chorister at Rochester Cathedral under Dr John Hopkins. Assistant to his elder brother Sir John Frederick Bridge at Manchester Cathedral. He went up to Oxford as undergraduate organist of Exeter College (1871-1876). He took the degrees of BA(Oxon) in 1875, BMus(Oxon) in 1876, MA(Oxon) in 1878 and DMus(Oxon) in 1885. After a year as assistant to Frederick Gunton at Chester Cathedral he was elected Master of the Choristers and Organist there (1877-1925). He took the FRCO diploma in 1879. The same year he revived the Chester Musical Festival and directed them until 1900. In 1908 he was appointed (non-resident) Professor of Music at the University of Durham following after Dr Philip Armes as Professor of Music. On his retirement as Organist of Chester Cathedral he took up the post of Director of Studies at Trinity College of Music and retained this and the Durham post until his death.

There is a plaque under the organ-loft of Chester Cathedral and a memorial window at the Trinity College of Music.
Died: 29th March, 1929 in St Albans, Hertfordshire


BRIDGE, W. F. (-)


BRIDGES (née WATERHOUSE), MARY, MONICA (1863-1949)

(wife of Robert Bridges)

Born: 31st August, 1863 in Manchester
Died: 9th November, 1949 in London


BRIDGES, ROBERT SEYMOUR (1844-1930)

(husband of Mary Monica Bridges and Poet Laureate)

Born: 23rd October, 1844 in Walmer, Kent
Educated at Eton College, Berkshire. He went on to study medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital, in London and had the intention of working until he was forty then retiring to write poetry. He practiced as a casualty physician at his teaching hospital and made a series of highly critical remarks about the Victorian medical establishment.

He became a full physician to the Great (later Royal) Northern Hospital. He was also a physician to the Hospital Sick Children.

A lung condition caused him to retire in 1885 and from then devoted his time to writing and literary work.

In 1884 he married Mary Monica Waterhouse (daughter of Alfred Waterhouse RA) and then spent the rest of his life in seclusion. He moved to Yattendon, Berkshire and later to Boar's Hill, Berkshire where he died.
Died: 21st April, 1930 in Boar's Hill, Berkshire


BRIND, E. (-)


BRISCOE, ERNEST (c.1880-?)

Born: (?),  c.1880.
Died: (?)


BRISTOW, SAMUEL (20th cent.)

Born: 8th September, (?) in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Organ scholar at Cirencester Parish Church. Studying at Birmingham Conservatoire as at 2015.


BRITCHER, CLIVE (20th cent.)


BROADLEY, Revd R. (-)


BROCKLESS, GEORGE FREDERICK (1887-1957)

Born: 21st January, 1887 in London
A pupil of Dr Herbert Norman Howells and Matyás Seiber. A professor of the Royal Academy of Music. Organist of St Bartholomew-the-Great, Smithfield, London and St Mary Aldermary, London.

Head of music at Battersea College of Technology.
Died: 18th December, 1957 in London


BROOKE, HENRY PHILIP GEORGE (1836 or 1837-1898)

Born: (?), 1836 or 1837 in Lincoln
A chorister and pupil at Lincoln Cathedral. Taught at schools in Lampeter, Llandovery and Carmarthen. Sometime lay clerk at Lincoln Cathedral. Organist of St James Church, Weybridge, Surrey. Editor of 'A Book of Single Chants' (cannot find its date of publication).
Died: 14th August, 1898 in Southsea, Hampshire


BROOKS, Revd (JAMES) WILLIAM LUPTON (1900-1984)

Born: 21st August, 1900 in Brooklyn, Shipley, West Yorkshire
A music teacher and accomplished organist.
Died: 21st December, 1984 in Bradford District Hospital, West Yorkshire


BROOKSBANK, HUGH (1854-1894)

(elder brother of Oliver Oldham Brooksbank)

Born: 13th September, 1854 in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
A chorister at St George's Chapel, Windsor, Berkshire and a pupil of Dr Haydn Keeton at Peterborough Cathedral. Early appointments as organist of St John's Church, Peterborough and Trinity College, Glenalmond after which he went up to Oxford as organ scholar at Exeter College. MusB(Cantab) and was awarded the FRCO diploma in 1874. Organist of St Alban's Church, Birmingham (1881) for one year then as Organist of Llandaff Cathedral (1882-1894).
Died 28th April, 1894 in Cardiff, Wales


BROOKSBANK, Dr OLIVER OLDHAM (1859-1934)

(younger brother of Hugh Brooksbank)

Born: 17th May, 1859 in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
A chorister at St George's Chapel, Windsor. A pupil of Dr Haydn Keeton at Peterborough. Organist of Tonbridge School, Kent and several churches in Surrey, and St John's Church, Torquay, Devon (1905).
Died: 1st December, 1934 in Marazion, Cornwall


BROTHERTON, T. H. (1852-1914)

Born: (?), 1852 in Bishop Auckland, County Durham
Died: 14th December, 1914 in Bishop Auckland, County Durham


BROUGH, MICHAEL (20th cent.)


BROUGHTON, ALFRED (1853-1895)

(younger brother of James Broughton)

Born: 12th January, 1853 near Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
Studied first under his brother (James), then under Lebert, Tod and Attinger at Stuttgart University.

In 1872 he was appointed Organist to the Leeds Philharmonic Society and in 1884 he was Conductor. Accompanist of the Leeds Festival and trained groups of the Leeds choristers. Associated with the Worcester Festival of 1887 and Hereford in 1888.

A pianist of very high repute.
Died: 12th June, 1895 in Leeds, West Yorkshire


BROUGHTON, JAMES (1833-1887)

(elder brother of Alfred Broughton)

Born: (?), 1833 near Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
Went to Leeds when he was thirteen and was appointed Organist of St Ann's Roman Catholic Church where he remained for twenty years. He was chorus-master of the Leeds Festival from 1874 until 1883 and for ten years he gave series of classical chamber concerts in Leeds.
Died: 12th March, 1887 in Leeds, West Yorkshire


BROWN, ARTHUR HENRY (1830-1926)

Born: 24th July, 1830 in Brentwood, Essex
Almost entirely self-taught but did have some formal organ lessons. Organist of several churches in Essex and was organist of Brentwood Parish Church for forty years. He was an active organist for eighty-four years! Strongly influenced by the 'Oxford Movement' and a supporter of the revival of plainchant to Anglican worship.

He amassed over eight-hundred hymn tunes and carols. Composed around 6 double, 95 single and half a dozen Benedicite chant-settings.
Died: 15th February, 1926 in Brentwood, Essex


BROWN-BORTHWICK, Revd ROBERT (1840-1894)

Born: 18th May, 1840 in Edinburgh, Scotland
Ordained deacon in 1865 and priest in 1866. Curate of Sudely Manor, Gloucestershire and chaplain to the Winchcomb Union. Curate in Evesham, Worcestershire and Assistant Minister of the Quebec Chapel, London.

On his marriage in 1868 he assumed the additional name of Borthwick. Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Grange-in-Borrowdale, Cumbria (1869-1872). Vicar of All Saints' Church, Scarborough, North Yorkshire from 1872. Chaplain for a year to the Bishop of Aberdeen. Vicar of St John's Church, Clapham, London.
Died: 17th March, 1894 (probably in London)


BROWN, Dr CHRISTOPHER ROLAND (20th cent.)

Born: 17th June, (?) in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A former choral scholar at King's College, Cambridge. MA(Cantab). Studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Lennox Berkeley and in Berlin (1973-1975) under Boris Blacher. A professor at the Royal Academy of Music 1969-(?). Conductor of the Huntingdonshire Philharmonic (1976-1991). Composer-in-Residence, Nene College, Northampton (1986-1988). Conductor of the Dorset Bach Choir from 1988.


BROWN, Dr CLAUDE EGLEFIELD (1901-?)

Born: 23rd April, 1901 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Died: (?)


BROWNE, D. (G.?) (-)


BROWN, Dr EDWARD (c.1852-1941)

Born: (?), c.1852
BMus(Oxon) in 1878 and DMus(Oxon) in 1893. Organist and Choirmaster of St James' Church, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria (1871-1930) and St Paul's Church, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria. Choirmaster of the Furness Association of Church Choirs. Conductor of Choral Societies at Barrow, Ulverston and Grange. He published a small amount of music.
Died: (?), 1941


BROWN, GERALD EDGAR (1942-1981)

Born: 15th November, 1942 in Crosby, Merseyside
Taught at C. F. Mott College in Liverpool. Organist of St Michael's, Blundellsands, Merseyside.
Died: 18th November, 1981 in Formby, Merseyside


BROWN, J. S. (?-1931)

Born: (?)
Died: (?), 1931


BROWN, RAY FRANCIS (1897-1965)

Born: 23rd June, 1897 in Roxbury, Vermont, USA
Graduated from Oberlin College, Ohio, USA and became an Associate of the American Guild of Organists. Upon graduating he became director of the Music School of Fisk University, Nashville, USA. In 1935 he became instructor in church music and organist at the General Theological Seminary in New York, USA and held this post until his retirement in 1963.

Oxford University Press [New York] published 'The Oxford American Psalter' in which his pointing of the psalms reflected his advocacy of 'speech rhythm' chanting.
Died: (?), 1965 in New York City, USA


BROWN, WALTER WILLIAM (-)


BROWN, W. (WILLIAM?) (-)


BROWNSMITH, JOHN LEMAN (1809-1866)

Born: 18th August, 1809 in Mortlake, London
A chorister at Westminster Abbey under George Ebenezer Williams and Thomas Greatorex. Organist of Stockwell (Episcopal) Chapel, London (1825-1829) and succeeded Benjamin Jacob as Organist of St John's Church, Waterloo Road, London in 1829. Lay Vicar at Westminster Abbey (1839). Organist to the Sacred Harmonic Society in 1848 when he succeeded W. Miller. He became the first organist of St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico, London in 1853.

He is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, London.
Died: 14th September, 1866


BROWSE, J. S. (20th cent.)


BRUCE-PAYNE, DAVID MALCOLM (20th cent.)

Born: 8th August, (?) in Banbury, Oxfordshire
A chorister at King's College, Cambridge he moved on to Bryanston School and then on to the Royal College of Music as the William Thomas Best scholar (1964-1968). He took the FRCO and CHM diplomas in 1962 and the degree of BMus(Lond) in 1969. After leaving the Royal College of Music he became second assistant organist at Westminster Abbey until his appointment as Organist of Birmingham Cathedral (1974-1977). From 1974-1976 he was Director of Music at King Edward's School, Birmingham. He is currently a senior lecturer at the Birmingham School of Music and Director of Music at St George's Church, Edgbaston, Birmingham.


BRYAN, ROGER S. (20th cent.)

Born: (?), in Cheshire
Educated at Manchester Grammar School. He studied the organ with Jonathan Leonard Bielby before going up to Trinity Hall, Cambridge as organ scholar to read music. Returned for further study at the Royal Northern College of Music also teaching at Chetham's Hospital School of Music and Manchester Grammar School. He received specialist organ tuition from Dame Gillian Weir, Lionel Rogg and Flor Peeters in Belgium.

Assistant organist of Lincoln Cathedral (1975-1992). In 1992 he was appointed Organist and Master of the Song School in Newark, Nottinghamshire and developed pre-Reformation Choral Foundation.

Musical Director of both the Newark Choral Society which he established in 1996 and of the Trent Chamber Academy, a new chamber orchestra based on Newark's internationally famous School of Violin Making which he was instrumental in founding in 2002. He was the first appointed Associate Conductor and also Accompanist of the Nottingham Bach Choir in 2001 and took up the baton for the choir in the summer of 2011.


BRYANT, Dr GILES BRADLEY (20th cent.)

Born: 20th June, (?) in Weybridge, Surrey
A boy chorister and Assistant Organist at St George's College in Weybridge, Surrey. BA (University College, London) in 1957, ARCO in 1978 with the John Brook Prize, HonDLITTS (Wycliffe, Toronto) in 1988.

From 1954 until 1959 he served as a cantor (tenor) at St James's, Spanish Place, London. He emigrated to Canada in 1959 and settled in Toronto. Became Assistant Organist (later full Organist) at Grace Church-on-the-Hill and (until 1970) a member of the Festival Singers. Organist and Choirmaster at St Mary the Virgin Anglican Church (1966-1968), St Andrew's Presbyterian Church for short time then succeeded Healey Willan in 1968 at St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church and assumed the directorship of the St Mary Magdalene Singers.

In 1968 he formed the 'Clerks', an all-male voice ensemble who performed under his direction until 1975. Organist at Massey College (1965-1975) and Choirmaster at Trinity College (both University of Toronto). He taught from 1971-1972 at York University and was music director from 1972-1975 at Upper Canada College.

He returned to England in 1975 and was appointed Director of Music at Cranborne Chase School, near Salisbury, Wiltshire.

He worked for the BBC as a freelance lecturer and broadcaster.

He returned to Canada in 1978 to be Music Director of the Festival Singers and led them until they disbanded in 1979. The same year he became Organist and Choirmaster at St James' Cathedral in Toronto and founder-conductor of the Sine Nomine Singers. Joined the staff of the Royal St George's College, Toronto in 1981. Here he directed the Repertory Chorus and the Conservatory Singers (1986-1989) and 1990 continued to teach choral music at the RCMT Summer School.

He succeeded David Ouchterlony as Executive Director of the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto in 1987. An active choral clinician and adjudicator. In 1990 he became national president of the RCCO.


BRYDEN, ANDREW JOHN (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
Organ scholar at Aberdeen University, Scotland and specialised in performance and editorial techniques. Among his teachers were Roger Bevan Williams, Prof Dr George McPhee and Timothy Byram-Wigfield. Towards the end of his university studies Andrew was appointed Organ Scholar and subsequently Assistant Organist of St Andrew's Cathedral, Aberdeen, Scotland

After his graduation he moved to Sheffield as director of music at St John's Church, Ranmoor. Here he maintained and developed the historic music tradition established by his predecessors. He then studied for a PGCE at Bretton Hall, West Yorkshire and had further study with David Sanger.

In 1994 he became Organ Scholar at Canterbury Cathedral and held this post for an unprecedented three years, including a brief spell as acting Assistant Organist, combining this work with the post of Head of Academic Music at St Edmund's School, Canterbury. Organist and Director of Music at Ripon Cathedral (2003-).

As an accompanist and recitalist, he has played at many of the major venues in the UK and has undertaken tours to Holland, Germany, Austria and North America. He has broadcast on both BBC and independent radio and television and has made a number of CD recordings.

An active composer with some of his choral works published by Encore Publications.


BRYDON, CLARK (20th cent.)

Born: 5th September, (?)
Educated at Kirkham Grammar School. He studied Music, Latin, History and Politics for his A levels. Awarded the school's first Organ Scholarship in his 5th year, studying under Alistair Mackenzie. Founder and Director of Music of Cantabimus. Former Assistant Director of Music at Preston Minster. Bass Choral Scholar at Blackburn Cathedral from September 2015 and Bass Choral Scholar at Hereford Cathedral under the musical directorship of Geraint Bowen.

Alongside playing the organ, piano and singing, his compositions have been performed to various audiences all around the world. He is reading music at the University of York, with the ambition to further his professional cathedral music career.


BRYSON, ERNEST (1867-1942)

Born: (?), 1867
Died: (?), 1942


BUCK, DUDLEY (1839-1909)

Born: 10th March, 1839 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA
Studied at Trinity College, Hartford and in Leipzig and Dresden, Germany

Organist of the North Congregational Church, Hartford; St James', Chicago; St Anne's and Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn, New York. A well-known recitalist and a composer of cantatas and a comic opera. He also composed a large amount of organ music.
Died: 6th October, 1909 in West Orange, New Jersey, USA


BUCK, Sir PERCY CARTER (1871-1947)

Born: 25th March, 1871 in West Ham, London
Educated at the Merchant Taylor's School, London (1881-1888) and then studied at the Guildhall School of Music with a scholarship. In 1891 he went up to Worcester College, Oxford, taking BMus(Oxon) in 1892, MA(Oxon) in 1893 and DMus (Oxon) in 1897. He also held the FRCO diploma.

On leaving Oxford he spent a short time on the staff of Rugby School but in December 1895 he was offered the post at Wells Cathedral (Sir Alfred Herbert Brewer and Dr Mark James Monk were also candidates). Organist of Wells Cathedral (February 1896-1899) and of Bristol Cathedral (1899-1901). A career change led him to Harrow School as Director of Music (1901-1917) and a senior position on the staff of the Royal College of Music. Professor of Music at Trinity College, Dublin (1910-1920), King Edward Professor of Music at the University of London (1925-1937), later Professor Emeritus; Professor of Music at the University of Sheffield (1927-1928), music advisor to the London County Council (1927-1936). In 1920 he was made a fellow of Worcester College, Oxford. He had many articled pupils including, Robert Janes, Frederick Cook Atkinson, George Gaffe, Dr Alfred Robert Gaul and Dr Edward Bunnett.
Died: 3rd October, 1947 in Hindhead, Surrey


BUCK, WILLIAM HENRY (19th cent.)

Born: (?)
Organist of St Peter's, Dublin, Ireland.
Died: (?)


BUCK, Dr ZECHARIAH (1798-1879)

(known as 'Thrasher')

Born: 10th September, 1798 in Norwich
A chorister at Norwich Cathedral in 1808 under Thomas Garland who heard the lad singing in the street. After leaving the choir in 1815 he served articles under Dr John Christmas Beckwith. Assistant Organist at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich (1818-1821). Succeeded Dr John Christmas Beckwith as Organist of Norwich Cathedral 1819 and resigned in 1877. In 1853 he was awarded the degree of MusD(Lambeth). Retired in 1877 after have being connected with the cathedral for almost seventy years unbroken service. He was very strict with the boys but they appeared to have liked and respected him.

He is buried in Newport Churchyard, Essex.
Died: 5th August, 1879


BUCKNELL, CEDRIC (1849-1921)

Born: 2nd May, 1849 in Bath, Somerset
Studied privately. BMus(Oxon) at Keble College, Oxford in 1878. Assistant to Dr William Henry Monk at King's College, Strand, London and St Matthias' Church, Newington, London in 1869. Organist successively of St Thomas's, Clapton, Hackney, London from 1870, Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire (1872-1876) and All Saints' Church, Clifton, Nottingham (1876), and of the Victoria Rooms, Bristol. A lecturer in harmony and composition at Bristol University. A very high profile Botanist.
Died: 12th December, 1921 in Bedminster, Gloucestershire


BULLEN, HARRY ELDER (1880-1963)

Born: 21st or 23rd May, 1880
Admitted as one of the Children of the Chapel Royal on 24th February, 1892. His family moved to Canada in the early 1900s, first to Edmonton, Alberta and later to Vancouver. He was a passenger on the Lusitania en-route to Edmonton. He was a professional photographer up until the 1950s. He was married twice, the first marriage ending in divorce.
Died: 22nd December, 1963 in Vancouver, Canada


BULLEN, T. (-)


BULLINGER, Revd Dr ETHELBERT WILLIAM (1837-1913)

Born: 15th December, 1837 in Canterbury, Kent
A chorister at Canterbury Cathedral. A scholar in Greek and Hebrew. Theological training was at King's College, London (1860-1861) and earned an Associate degree. After his graduation on 15th October 1861 he married Emma Dobson, thirteen years his senior.

His first post was as Associate Curate in the parish of St Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey, London in 1861 and he was ordained priest in 1862. Parish curate in Tittleshall, London (1863-1866), Notting Hill, London (1866-1869), Leytonstone, London (1869-1870) and Walthamstow, London (1871-187?). Vicar of the newly established parish of St Stephen's, London in 1874. He resigned his vicarage in 1888.

In the Spring of 1867 he became clerical secretary to the Trinitarian Bible Society, holding this position unto his death.

He was awarded the degree of DD(Lambeth) in 1881.
Died: 6th June, 1913 in Hendon, London


BULLIVANT, GERALD (1883-1937)

Born: (?), 1883 in West Ham, London
Deputy to Sir Henry Walford Davies at the Temple Church, London and of St Mary-le-Bow, Christ Church, Woburn Square, London from 1904 and St James's Church, Piccadilly, London. Choirmaster at Westminster Abbey School.
Died: (?), 1937 in Kent


BULLOCK, Sir ERNEST, CVO (1890-1979)

Born: 15th September, 1890 in Wigan, Lancashire
Educated at Wigan Grammar School and under Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow at Leeds, West Yorkshire. From 1907 he was assistant to Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow at Leeds Parish Church. From 1912 he was Sub Organist of Manchester Cathedral. He took the degrees of BMus(Dunelm) in 1908 and DMus(Dunelm) in 1914. He also held the diploma of FRCO from 1913. In 1919 he was briefly organist of St Michael’s College, Tenbury, Worcestershire after returning from war service. Organist of Exeter Cathedral (1919-1927) and Organist of Westminster Abbey (1928-1941). During the outbreak of WW2 the Abbey choir was disbanded so Bullock accepted the combined posts of Professor of Music at the University of Glasgow and Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music. He returned to London in 1953 as director of the Royal College of Music, retiring in 1960.

He was appointed CVO in the Coronation Honours of 1937 and received his Knighthood in 1951. The University of Glasgow, Scotland conferred on him the honorary degree of LLD.
Died: 23rd May, 1979 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire


BULMER, Revd JOHN (1837 or 1838-?)

Born: (?), 1837 or 1838 in South Hylton, Durham
Graduated in theology BD(Dunelm) in 1871 and in music BMus(Dubl) in 1880. He taught at Durham University and was chaplain of Gibside Chapel in County Durham.
Died: (?)


BUNNETT, CYRIL (?) (-)


BUNNETT, Dr EDWARD (1834-1923)

Born: 16th June, 1834 in Shipdham, Thetford, Norfolk
A chorister at Norwich Cathedral (1842-1849) under Dr Zechariah Buck of whom he was a pupil (1849-1855). Assistant Organist of Norwich Cathedral (1855-1877). MusB(Cantab) in 1856 and MusD(Cantab) in 1869. FCO in 1870. Organist of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival Choral Society in 1872. Succeeded James Harcourt as Organist of St Peter Mancroft, Norwich in 1877 and in the same year, City of Norwich Organist. Associate of the Philharmonic Society in 1882.
Died: 5th January, 1923 in Norwich


BUNNEY, Dr ALAN WALTER (1905-1980)

Born: (?), 1905 in Leicester
Attended Wiggeston Grammar School, Leicester and the Royal College of Music. Graduated DMus(Lond). Organist and Choirmaster of Christ Church, Hampstead, London (1927-1939). Music Master of Owen's Boys' School, Islington, London and of Westminster City School. Director of Music at Tonbridge School, Kent (1941-1967). A local philharmonic society conductor and an external examiner for the Royal College of Music from 1948.

A special commissioner for the Royal School of Church Music.
Died: (?), 1980


BUNNEY, WALTER JOSEPH (1866-1949)

Born: (?), 1866 in Leicester
Educated under various professors. FRCO, LRAM and ARCM.

Organist and Choirmaster of Holy Trinity, Leicester (1885-1905) and St Peter's Church, Leicester from 1905. Honorary Conductor of the Leicester Philharmonic Society from 1910.
Died: (?), 1949


BURGOMASTER, FREDERICK (20th cent.)


BURNABY, Revd ROBERT WILLIAM (1828-1878)

Born: (?), 1828
May have been active in Victoria, British Colombia, Canada.
Died: (?): 1878


BURNETT, CYRIL (-)


BURNETT, RICHARD (-)


BURNS, KENNETH GLENCAIRN (1872-?)


BURROWES, JOHN FRECKLETON senior (1787-1852)

Born: 23rd April, 1787 in London
A pupil of William Horsley. Organist of St James's Church, Westminster, London and one of the founders of the Philharmonic Society.
Died: 31st March, 1852 in London


BURROWS, Dr BENJAMIN (1891-1966)

Born: 20th October, 1891 in Leicester
Educated at Alderman Newton School until a weakened eye muscle caused him to leave and was then privately taught. A pupil initially of H. B. Ellis (Organist and Choirmaster of thee church of St Mary de Castro, Leicester. Continued his training with C. H. Kitson. Graduated BMus(Lond) in 1913 and DMus(Lond) in 1921. Organist of St Mary's Church, Leicester (later, Leicester Cathedral). A very good teacher with many pupils attaining good degrees. In addition to teaching he was a precision engineer by trade and his skills were used in WW2 to repair naval chronometers.
Died: 29th January, 1966 in Leicester


BURROWS-WATSON, JOHN ALASDAIR (1931-2019)

Born: 11th November, 1931
Died: 10th October, 2019


BURTON, ROBERT senior (1820-1892)

Born: 1st September, 1820 in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
Pupil of Cipriani Potter. Succeeded Dr Samuel Sebastian Wesley as organist of Leeds Parish Church in 1849. Organist of St Peter's, Harrogate, North Yorkshire in 1881.
Died: 2nd August, 1892 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire


BUSH, Dr GEOFFREY (1920-1998)

Born: 23rd March, 1920 in London
A chorister at Salisbury Cathedral and educated in the cathedral school (1928-1933) and Lancing College, West Sussex (1933-1938). A Nettleship Scholar and Mansfield Student at Balliol College, Oxford where he graduated MA(Oxon) in Classics in 1940 and DMus(Oxon) in 1946.

Staff lecturer at Oxford University (1947-1952), staff tutor (1952-1964), and senior tutor at London University (1964-1980). Visiting professor in Music at King's College, London from 1969. Sometime successor to John Ireland as organist of St Luke's Church, Chelsea, London.
Died: 24th February, 1998 in London


BUSIAKIEWICZ, ROBERT (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
A choral scholar at King's College, Cambridge. Studied at King's College, London and at the Royal Academy of Music prior to further study in Cambridge. Director of Music at St James Cathedral, Toronto, Canada.


BUTCHER, ALBERT VERNON (1909-1997)

Born: 11th April, 1909 in East Rudham, Norfolk
Taught at Wrekin College, Shropshire and then for twenty years at Worcester College for the Blind. Organist of Llandaff Cathedral (1946-1949).
Died: 1st July, 1997


BUTLER, A. (19th cent.)

Born: (?) in Homerton, London
Died: (?)


BUTLER, C. W. (19th cent.)

Born: (?) in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire
Died: (?)


BUTTERWORTH, J. (-)


BUTTON, HENRY ELIOTT (1861-1925)

Born: 8th August, 1861 in Clevedon, Somerset
Sang as an alto soloist in the choir of Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, London.

A pianist, violinist and self-taught organist. He initially worked for a telephone company but had a career change and worked for the publishing house of Novello for forty years. He was responsible for the editing of Johann Sebastian Bach's complete chorales as published by Novello. He also edited the three editions of the 1881, 1891 and (?) editions of the 'Bristol Tune Book'.
Died: 1st August, 1925 in Hampstead, London


BUTTREY, JOHN (20th cent.)


BYRD (BYRDE), WILLIAM (1543-1623)

Born: (?), 1543 in Lincoln
Organist of Lincoln Cathedral (1563-1572) and may have studied with Thomas Tallis. Sometime joint organist of the Chapel Royal of Elizabeth I. Huge output of anthems and songs for the church. The few chants are (probably) arrangements from other compositions. There are many arrangements of his single chant and a rather good double five-part chant that seems to have first appeared around the late 19th century.
Died: 4th July, 1623 in Stondon Massey, Essex


BYROM, Dr WILLIAM (1835 or 1836-1890)

Born: (?), 1835 or 1836
Died: (?), 1890


BYWATER, HENRY THOMAS (1844-after 1897)

Born: (?), 1844
Pupil of James Stimpson (organist of the Town Hall, Birmingham, 1842-1866). Organist of St James's Church, Wolverhampton (1858) and St Mark's Church, Wolverhampton (1870-1897).
Died: (?), after 1897

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