Byrd, William b. 1540 d. July 4, 1623 Composer. Regarded as the greatest English musician of his generation. He studied music with Thomas Tallis and sang in London's Royal Chapel during the reign of Mary Tudor (1553 to 1568). After a stint as organist of Lincoln Cathedral, he was named "Gentleman of the Chapel Royal" by Queen Elizabeth in 1572. Byrd worked there as a singer, composer, and organist for two decades. A devout Catholic, he wrote many Anglican settings for royal occasions; at the same time he secretly attended...[Read More] (Bio by: Robert Edwards) St Peter and St Paul Churchyard, Stondon Massey, Essex, England
b. 1540 d. July 4, 1623