Sebastian Westcott facts for kids
Sebastian Westcott (born around 1524 – died 1582) was an English organist at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. He is most famous for putting on plays with the Children of Paul's, who were the choir boys of the cathedral.
Early Life and Career
Sebastian Westcott started his career as a chorister (a boy singer in a choir) at St. Paul's Cathedral. In 1550, he became the cathedral's organist, meaning he played the large pipe organ. He also became an almoner, which was a person in charge of giving out charity.
In 1557, Westcott became the master of the Children of Paul's. These were the boys from the cathedral school who were known for their singing and acting. Westcott kept his important job at St. Paul's from 1550 until his death in 1582. He worked under three different rulers: King Edward VI, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth I.
Westcott was very well-known for the many plays and grand shows, often with music, that he created for the English Royal Court. These performances were put on by the boys of the cathedral school. He was so famous for this that people often called him "Master Sebastian."
Working for the Queens
Under Queen Mary, Westcott helped arrange the music for important religious events. For example, he helped with the return of the Catholic faith at St. Paul's in 1553. He also wrote a special song called a Te Deum for a celebration in 1554, after a political uprising called Wyatt's rebellion was stopped. He even led a service for a very important church leader, Cardinal Reginald Pole.
When Queen Elizabeth I came to power in 1559, England's official religion changed. Westcott was a Catholic, and he refused to agree with the new rules of the Church of England, called the Thirty-Nine Articles. Even so, official papers from that time show that "Master Sebastian" was still paid very well for his musical and dramatic shows.
Challenges and Release
Because Westcott was a Catholic, he faced some difficulties. In 1561, a bishop named Edmund Grindal called him in for not taking part in the Church of England's services. In 1563, the bishop even excommunicated him, which meant he was officially cut off from the church.
However, a powerful friend of the Queen, Lord Robert Dudley, stepped in to help Westcott. Bishop Grindal explained his actions but eventually suspended the punishment for a while.
Later, in 1577, another bishop named John Aylmer removed Westcott from his job and put him in prison. This was because Westcott was a recusant, a term for someone who refused to attend Church of England services. But Queen Elizabeth I missed the usual Christmas plays performed by the choristers of St. Paul's. Because of this, Westcott was released from prison on March 19, 1578.
Sebastian Westcott died in 1582. He left behind a good amount of money and property.
