John Taylor

John Taylor (30 July 1750 – 23 June 1826) was an entrepreneur, poet and composer of both secular (political) songs and hymns from Norwich, England.

Early life John Taylor was born to Richard (1719–1762) and Margaret Taylor (née Meadows, 1718–1781), and was baptised in the parish of St. George's Colegate, Norwich. Richard Taylor was a local manufacturer and son of Dr. John Taylor.

At age eight, Taylor was sent to study with a businessman in the village of Hindolveston.

Politics Holkham HallHe developed an interest in local politics, joining the Whig party as a radical reformer, emerging as their leader in Norwich. He made social contact with HRH Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Albemarle, and Mr Coke, Squire of Holkham Hall (later Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester), who was nationally known as an agriculturalist. Taylor first sung his song The Trumpet of Liberty at the famous Whig banquet at Holkham Hall on 5 November 1788 to celebrate the centenary of the English Revolution. The Duke of Sussex "called on Taylor" to sing his song again on January 20, 1820 at "a great public dinner at St Andrews Hall, Norwich". On this occasion, "old John Taylor of Norwich" was reluctant to perform: "No please your Royal Highness, you know I got into trouble before". However, the prince responded, "Never fear, my back is broad enough to protect you" and then lead the chorus of Taylor's song.

Illness and death Starting around 1802, Taylor was afflicted by severe pains resulting from gout. He wrote the following about his illness:

These repeated, painful attacks naturally recall to my memory the sufferings of my excellent father. If the same bitter cup be preparing for me, what better can I wish than that I may quit the world with his composed spirit and his widow on the good providence of God!|John Taylor|As quoted in his obituary by his son Edward Taylor Others to be found there were William Enfield, and some early supporters of the French Revolution: Edward Rigby, James Alderson, his daughter Amelia and her husband artist John Opie who painted for Taylor a portrait of Robert Southey.

John and Susannah raised seven children. Meticulous keepers of accounts, they drilled their children to be honest, to avoid debt, and to take control of their business dealings. Their sons were successful and prominent in learned societies. The children were:

John (1779–1863); Richard (1781–1858); Edward (1784–1863); Philip (1786–1870);