John Ashley (Bath musician) facts for kids

John Ashley (around 1760 – 1830) was a talented musician from Bath, Somerset, England. People often called him "Ashley of Bath." He played the bassoon and was also a singer. He worked as a musician for over 50 years!

John Ashley: Musician and Writer

John Ashley is best known for writing and composing many songs and ballads. These were popular between 1780 and 1830. Many of his songs became very famous during his time.

He also wrote two smart booklets. These booklets were about the history of the British national anthem, 'God Save the King.' He wrote them to respond to another writer, Richard Clark. The booklets were called 'Reminiscences and Observations respecting the Origin of God save the King' (1827) and 'A Letter to the Rev. W. L. Bowles, supplementary to the Observations, etc.' (1828). Both were published in Bath.

What John Ashley Wrote

Here is an example of one of his musical works:

• Royal Dorsetshire march. This piece was for two flutes, two clarinets, two trumpets, two horns, and a double bass. It was published in London around 1795.