(baptized Jan. 5, 1596, Dinton, Wiltshire, Eng.
died Oct. 21, 1662, London) (baptized May 1, 1602, Salisbury, Wiltshire, Eng.
died Sept. 24, 1645, Chester, Cheshire) English composers.
Both brothers served at the court of Charles I . Henry became the leading English songwriter of his time; some 435 of his songs survive. His theatrical music includes that to John Milton 's masque Comus (1634). William wrote a large quantity of instrumental music, mostly for string consorts. His music for some 25 dramatic productions, including works by Ben Jonson and William Davenant , made him the principal English theatrical composer before Henry Purcell . He fought with the Royalists during the English Civil Wars and was killed at the siege of Chester.