Thomas Greatorex facts for kids

Thomas Greatorex (born October 5, 1758 – died July 18, 1831) was a talented English composer, astronomer, and mathematician. He was the main organist at Westminster Abbey, a very important church in London. He was also a member of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Thomas Greatorex was born in a place called Wingfield, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire. When he was young, he learned music from Benjamin Cooke, who was also an organist at Westminster Abbey. He was also helped by the Earl of Sandwich, a powerful person at the time.

For four years, Thomas was the organist at Carlisle Cathedral. After that, he moved to Italy. There, he became friends with Charles Edward Stuart, also known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie." When Bonnie Prince Charlie passed away in 1788, he left some of his music books to Thomas. Thomas then returned to London that same year.

A Busy Musician

Back in London, Thomas Greatorex quickly became a very popular music teacher. He took over from Joah Bates as the leader of the Concerts of Ancient Music. These were special concerts that played older music. He also helped organize big music events in cities like Birmingham, York, and Derby.

In 1819, Thomas Greatorex became the chief organist at Westminster Abbey. This was a very important job. As a composer, he wrote an anthem called This is the Day the Lord Hath Made. An anthem is a special song, often for a church service.

Musical Family

Music ran in the Greatorex family! Thomas's father, Anthony Greatorex, was an organist at St Martin's Church in Leicester. Thomas's sister, Martha, also became an organist there after their father. Thomas himself followed his father as organist at St Modwen's Church in Burton upon Trent.

Thomas Greatorex got married and had five sons. One of his sons, Henry Wellington Greatorex, became a church organist in the United States and wrote many hymns. Another son, Thomas junior, also became an organist.

A Royal Joke

There's a fun story about Thomas Greatorex and King George IV. When George IV was still a prince, he once told Thomas, "My father is Rex, but you are a Greater Rex." "Rex" means "king" in Latin, so the prince was making a clever joke about Thomas's name sounding like "Greater Rex."