(baptized Feb. 23, 1649, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, Eng.
died Oct. 1, 1708, Westminster, London) British composer, organist, and teacher.
He was appointed organist at Westminster Abbey in 1668; in 1774 he became master of the children at the Chapel Royal, and he later held various equally prominent posts, in which he influenced many students, including composer Henry Purcell . Of the many religious and secular ceremonial works he wrote in his official capacities, about 12 services and more than 100 anthems survive. His court masque Venus and Adonis (1685) represents a landmark in the development of English opera.