William Leighton facts for kids
Sir William Leighton (born around 1565, died 1622) was an important person during the Jacobean era in England. He was a composer and also worked as an editor of music. He is best known for publishing a music book called The Teares and Lamentacions of a Sorrowfull Soule in 1614. Sir William was also involved in politics.
Sir William Leighton's Family Life
Sir William Leighton was the first son of William Leighton, who passed away in 1607. His father was from Plaish Hall in Cardington, Shropshire, and served as the Chief Justice of North Wales. His mother was Isabella Onslow from London.
Leighton married Winifred Harcourt from Ellenhall, Staffordshire. Together, they had one son and two daughters. Sadly, his wife Winifred passed away in 1616.
Sir William's relationship with his own father seems to have been difficult. In his will, Leighton's father divided his property between William's half-brother and William's young son. William could not use his son's share unless he provided special guarantees. This might have been because William Leighton was a supporter of the Earl of Essex, a powerful figure during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
Sir William Leighton's Career and Public Service
Sir William Leighton started his education at Shrewsbury School in 1577. Later, in 1580, he began studying law at the Inner Temple, which is a famous place for legal training in London.
Leighton became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Much Wenlock in 1601. This was during the last parliament of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1603, King James I made him a knight, giving him the title "Sir."
From 1602 to around 1609, he worked as a Gentleman Pensioner for both Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. This was a special role in the royal household, where he served the monarch.
In 1605, Sir William faced a large fine. This happened because he supported the claims of Robert Dudley, an explorer who wanted to be recognized as a nobleman. Robert Dudley was the son of the Earl of Leicester, another favorite of Queen Elizabeth I.
Later, in 1608, Sir William had financial difficulties and was sued for debts. By 1610, he was in serious debt and was held in prison. It is possible he was still in prison when his important music book, Teares and Lamentations, was written.
Sir William Leighton passed away in London and was buried at St Bride's, Fleet Street on July 31, 1622.
Sir William Leighton's Literary and Musical Works
One of Sir William Leighton's early works was Virtue Triumphand [Triumphant], published in 1603. This book was a tribute to King James I, celebrating his rule. It is thought that this work helped him receive his knighthood.
His most famous work is The Teares and Lamentations of a Sorrowfull Soul, which came out in 1614. This book is a collection of 55 musical pieces. Many famous composers contributed to it, including John Bull, William Byrd, John Dowland, and Martin Peerson. Sir William himself wrote eight of the pieces.
This book is very important in music history. It includes parts for musical instruments to play along, known as a broken consort. It also introduced the term "consort song" to describe a type of song with instrumental accompaniment. Modern versions of the book are available, and it has been featured on radio broadcasts, though no commercial recordings have been made yet.
