Dallam family facts for kids
The Dallam family was famous for building organs in England and France. Organs are large musical instruments often found in churches. The first known Dallam, Thomas Dallam, came from a place called Dallam in Lancashire, England.
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Meet Thomas Dallam I: The Adventurer Organ Builder
The first Thomas Dallam (born around 1575) moved from Lancashire to London. There, he became a member of the Blacksmiths' Company, which was a group for skilled workers.
In 1599 and 1600, Thomas went on an amazing journey. He traveled all the way from London to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). His mission was to deliver a special organ to the sultan, Mehmet III.
After his big adventure, Thomas Dallam returned to England. He got married and built many important organs. One of his famous creations was for King's College Chapel, Cambridge.
Robert Dallam: Building Organs Through Tough Times
Robert Dallam (born around 1602) was Thomas Dallam's son. He also became a very important organ builder.
During a time called the English Commonwealth, it was hard to build organs in England. So, Robert and his family moved to Brittany, a region in France.
When the king returned to England in 1660, Robert Dallam and his family came back too. Robert and his sons, Ralph and George, built an organ for St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. This organ had been damaged during the Civil War. Robert Dallam sadly passed away while finishing an organ at New College, Oxford.
Thomas Dallam II: The French Connection
Robert's oldest son was named Thomas (born around 1630). He moved to France with his family when he was a child. Even though his father returned to England, Thomas decided to stay in France.
He continued building organs there. Several of his organs are still in France today, looking much like they did when he first built them. His son, Toussaint Dallam, also became an organ builder.
Where to Find Dallam Organs Today
You can still see and hear organs built by the Dallam family in different places.
In England
- Tewkesbury Abbey: This church has an organ with a wooden case made by Robert Dallam in the 1630s.
In France
- Ergué-Gabéric: This church has an organ built by Thomas Dallam II and his son Toussaint Dallam in 1680.
- Guimiliau: You can find an organ here made by Thomas Dallam II.
- Lanvellec: This church has an organ built by Robert Dallam. It was moved here from another church called Plestin les Grèves.
- Ploujean: This church has an organ by Thomas Dallam II. He built the pipes for this organ, not the wooden case.
- Saint-Pol-de-Léon: The Saint Paul Aurélien cathedral has an organ made by Robert Dallam.
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