This weekend sees the UK’s annual commemoration of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, commonly known as Guy Fawkes or Fireworks night.
To mark this occasion, we are delighted to share the following collection of academic essays on topics related to the life and times of William Byrd (c.1540-1623), the great English Renaissance composer and devout Catholic during the reign of Elizabeth I. Byrd’s musical genius protected him from falling foul of religious persecution although he was repeatedly cited for recusancy and heavily fined. He navigated turbulent times, during a period of our history which continues to fascinate us and to hold a high profile today.
The essays are written by pupils from across the year groups and by members of the Common Room. Together they tell the story of ‘a Father of Musick’, as his death was recorded in the Royal Chapel Check Book, and paint a vivid picture of life in Tudor England.
Please click here to read more.
