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John Alcock

1715 – 1806

English organist and composer

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About John Alcock

Lived 1715 – 1806 (aged 90). John Alcock was a British composer.

John AlcockJohn Alcock (11 April 1715, London – 23 February 1806) was an English organist and composer. He wrote instrumental music, glees and much church music.

Career He was a pupil of John Stanley at St. Paul's Cathedral, and he earned a doctorate in music at the University of Oxford in 1766. Much detail of his life is included in his semi-autobiographical novel, The Life Of Miss Fanny Brown published under the pseudonym John Piper in 1771. He also held a position as private organist to the Earl of Donegall.

He was: Organist of St Andrew's Church, Plymouth 1737–1741 Organist of St Laurence's Church, Reading 1741–1750 Organist of Lichfield Cathedral 1750–1766 Organist of Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield 1761–1786 Organist of St. Editha's Church, Tamworth 1766–1790

Personal life John Alcock married Margaret Beaumont (1711–1792) on 20 May 1737. They had several children, including their eldest son and fellow composer John (1740—1791) and youngest son and organist William (1756—1833).

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Important facts

People in John Alcock's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Alcock's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Alcock?

English organist and composer (1715–1806)

When was John Alcock born?

John Alcock was born on 11 April 1715 in London.

When did John Alcock die?

John Alcock died on 23 February 1806 in Lichfield.

What was John Alcock's occupation?

John Alcock was a composer.

What nationality was John Alcock?

John Alcock was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Alcock

· Wikidata: Q3809032

· DBpedia: John Alcock (organist)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Alcock. https://biography.guide/john-alcock-composer/

MLA: "John Alcock." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-alcock-composer/.

Chicago: "John Alcock." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-alcock-composer/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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