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William Child

1606 – 1697

English composer and organist;

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About William Child

Lived 1606 – 1697 (aged 90–91). William Child was an English composer.

William Child (160623 March 1697) was an English composer and organist.

Early life Born in Bristol, Child was a chorister in the cathedral under the direction of Elway Bevin. In 1630 he began his lifetime association with St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, becoming first a lay-clerk and, from 1632, Master of the Choristers there until the dissolution of the chapel in 1643. After the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, Child was re-appointed to St. George's, became Master of the King's Wind Music and a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal.

Works His output of church music is understandably considerable, including a set of psalms (1639), many anthems and 17 service settings. He was often influenced by the Italian 'tastes' of his time, but also wrote anthems in more conventional English forms.

Little secular music of Child survives, namely, a number of catches and instrumental pieces.

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Important facts

Born
1606, Bristol
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality

People in William Child's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Child's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Child?

English composer and organist; (1606-1697)

When was William Child born?

William Child was born in 1606 in Bristol.

When did William Child die?

William Child died on 23 March 1697 in Windsor.

What was William Child's occupation?

William Child was a composer.

What nationality was William Child?

William Child was English.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Child

· Wikidata: Q8006771

· DBpedia: William Child

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Child. https://biography.guide/william-child/

MLA: "William Child." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-child/.

Chicago: "William Child." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-child/.

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