Child, William

1606-1697

An English composer and organist, who was born at Bristol, and studied the rudiments of music under Elway Bevin, as a chorister in the Bristol Cathedral. He entered Oxford and, in 1631, received the degree of Bachelor of Music from that institution. He was organist at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, in 1632, and one of the organists of the Chapel Royal, London, and later a chanter in the Chapel Royal. He also served as a member of the King's private band and was composer to the King in 1661. He died at Windsor and is buried in St. George's Chapel. Among his works are anthems, catches, canons and psalms. His compositions are extremely simple, but his harmony is rich and glowing. He is said to have paved, at his own expense, the body of Windsor Chapel.