Richard Ashley (musician) facts for kids
Richard Godfrey Ashley (born September 8, 1774 – died October 11, 1836) was an English musician. He was the son of another famous musician, John Ashley.
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Who Was Richard Godfrey Ashley?
Richard Godfrey Ashley was the fourth son of John Ashley, a well-known conductor and bassoonist. His mother was Mary Jane. Richard was born in London on September 8, 1774, and was baptized two days later. He started performing music at a very young age. When he was just 9 years old, he played at the 1784 Handel Commemoration at Westminster Abbey. He also performed at the Pantheon in London in May and June of that same year.
Richard Ashley's Musical Family
Richard came from a very musical family! His father, John Ashley, was a conductor and played the bassoon. Richard had three brothers who were also musicians:
This made them a truly notable family in the world of music.
Richard Ashley's Music Career
By 1794, when Richard Ashley was 20 years old, he was living at his father's house. He worked as a drummer for the Royal Opera House's oratorios, which are like musical plays based on religious stories. He often performed alongside his family members there.
Playing for the Royal Society of Musicians
The Royal Society of Musicians chose Richard to play at their yearly benefit concert at St Paul's Cathedral. This was a special honor, usually given only to members of the Society. The next year, his father suggested he become a member, and in 1796, Richard officially joined. This meant he was recognized as a skilled organist, violinist, violist, and player of kettledrums.
Richard continued to play at the St. Paul's Cathedral concert every year from 1795 to 1805. After 1806, he was allowed to send someone else to play in his place if he couldn't make it. In the 1810s, he even served on the Society's Court of Assistants, helping to manage the organization.
Performing in Famous Places
Richard Ashley had a long and successful career playing in orchestras and as a solo performer. From 1798, he performed at Ranelagh Gardens, a popular public garden in London, thanks to his father's connections. He also played under his older brother, John, at the Royal Opera House's oratorios.
When his father died in 1805, Richard seemed to be in a better financial situation than his brothers, according to his father's will. In 1817, he was part of the King's Theatre Band. He was also very popular at major music festivals throughout his life. For example, he led the violas at the Three Choirs festival in 1811, at Oxford in 1813, York in 1823, and Chester in 1829.
Joining the Worshipful Company of Musicians
On October 8, 1800, Richard Ashley became a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. This was a special group for musicians. On July 7, 1802, he joined the Company's livery, which meant he was a full member with certain rights and duties.
Richard Ashley's Personal Life
When he was 42 years old, Richard Ashley married Elizabeth Palmer on April 1, 1816. They were married at St George Hanover Square, the same church where he was baptized.
Richard died on October 11, 1836, at his home in Chelsea, London. He had signed his will just the day before. His obituary, which is a notice about someone's death, was published in the Gentleman's Magazine that year.
Elizabeth, his wife, lived longer than Richard. She received a widow's allowance of £2 12s 6d by 1837. Later that year, the Royal Society of Musicians gave £5 to help with Elizabeth's epilepsy treatment. Elizabeth passed away by January 9, 1839, when £8 was spent on her funeral.
