About William Penfro Rowlands
Lived 1860 – 1937 (aged 77). William Penfro Rowlands was a British composer.
William "Penfro" Rowlands (19 April 1860 – 22 October 1937) was a Welsh schoolteacher and composer.
Rowlands was born at Llys y Frân, Maenclochog, Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro in the Welsh language, hence his middle name). Probably his best-known composition is the hymn-tune "Blaenwern", composed in 1905 and often used as the setting for Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. As well as being a church musician, Rowlands taught in several schools and was conductor of the Morriston United Choral Society.
He died in Swansea and is buried in Morriston Cemetery, Swansea, plot B11. A memorial stone to the composer was unveiled in March 1998, close to his birthplace.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Penfro Rowlands?
Welsh school teacher and composer (1860-1937)
When was William Penfro Rowlands born?
William Penfro Rowlands was born on 19 April 1860 in Llys-y-frân.
When did William Penfro Rowlands die?
William Penfro Rowlands died on 22 October 1937 in Swansea.
What was William Penfro Rowlands's occupation?
William Penfro Rowlands was a composer.
What nationality was William Penfro Rowlands?
William Penfro Rowlands was British.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: William Penfro Rowlands
· DBpedia: William Penfro Rowlands
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Penfro Rowlands. https://biography.guide/william-penfro-rowlands/
MLA: "William Penfro Rowlands." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-penfro-rowlands/.
Chicago: "William Penfro Rowlands." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-penfro-rowlands/.
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