1. Basil Harwood was an organist and composer in the English church music tradition, best known today for his liturgical works, particularly his anthem O How Glorious is the Kingdom and his Service in A flat, which still remain popular in English churches.
Basil Harwood wrote numerous hymn tunes, several of which became well-known including Luckington and Thornbury.
Basil Harwood was born on 11 April 1859 at Woodhouse, Olveston, Gloucestershire, the youngest child of Edward Harwood, a banker.
Basil Harwood then served as organist at Ely Cathedral for five years, followed by a final move to Oxford in 1892 where he remained organist of Christ Church Cathedral until his retirement in 1909.
Basil Harwood became Doctor of Music in 1896, submitting as his doctoral work a setting of Psalm 86, Inclina domine.
Basil Harwood held the position of Precentor of Keble College between 1892 and 1903, and was Choragus at the university from 1900 until his retirement.
Basil Harwood edited The Oxford Hymn Book as well as acting as an Oxford examiner for several academic years between 1900 and 1915.
Basil Harwood is best known today for his liturgical works, particularly his anthem O How Glorious is the Kingdom and his Service in A flat, which still remain popular with English choirs.
Basil Harwood wrote numerous hymn tunes, several of which became well-known including Luckington, Thornbury, and St Audrey.
Basil Harwood was deeply religious and was said to have had a quiet, gentle, and reserved personality.
In 1909 Basil Harwood took early retirement and returned to Gloucestershire to manage his family estate there.
Basil Harwood died on 3 April 1949 at his home, 50 Courtfield Gardens, Kensington, aged 89.
Basil Harwood's ashes were interred in St Barnabas's Church, Pimlico.