About Richard Wassell
Lived 1880 – 1949 (aged 68–69). Richard Wassell was a British composer.
Dr Richard Wassell (14 November 1880 – 1949) FRCO was a composer and organist based in Birmingham.
Life
He was born in Tipton, Staffordshire in 1880, the son of Richard Wassell and Matilda Spare. He studied organ under Charles W. Perkins, Birmingham City Organist.
He was conductor of the Birmingham City Police Band from 1922–1942 and chorus master and conductor of the Birmingham City Chorus and Birmingham Choral Society. He was also musical director at the Birmingham and Midland Institute.
He was awarded the Lambeth Degree of Mus. Doc. by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang in 1939.
He married Annie Groves in 1905; they had four children:
Richard Wassell b. 1907 Mary Wassell b. 1909 James Wassell b.1914 Joan Wassell b.1918
Appointments
Organist at Birmingham Parish Church 1920–1942 Organist at St. Alphege's Church, Solihull 1942–1949
Compositions
He wrote: Jesu the very thought of thee He that hath pity upon the poor How Sweet the Name of Jesus sounds Who shall ascend Sweet Saviour, bless us ere we go Overture for Military Bands Overture put use Fete Religieuese
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Important facts
People in Richard Wassell's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Richard Wassell's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Richard Wassell?
British composer
When was Richard Wassell born?
Richard Wassell was born on 14 November 1880.
When did Richard Wassell die?
Richard Wassell died in 1949.
What was Richard Wassell's occupation?
Richard Wassell was a composer.
What nationality was Richard Wassell?
Richard Wassell was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Richard Wassell. https://biography.guide/richard-wassell/
MLA: "Richard Wassell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/richard-wassell/.
Chicago: "Richard Wassell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/richard-wassell/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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