William Newark facts for kids

William Newark (born around 1450, died 1509) was a talented English musician and composer. He was a choirmaster, meaning he led a choir, and he wrote music. William Newark worked for the royal family at the Chapel Royal for five different English kings.

Early Life and Royal Service

William Newark was born around 1450 in a town called Newark-on-Trent. In 1476, he joined a special group for musicians in London called the Fraternity of St Nicholas. The very next year, in 1477, he became part of the Gentlemen of the Chapel Royal. This was a group of skilled musicians who performed for the king.

Newark served under five English kings: Edward IV, Edward V, Richard III, Henry VII, and Henry VIII. He worked for the royal family until he passed away.

Income and Important Roles

William Newark received income from different places during his time. For example, he got payments from religious houses like priories and abbeys. These payments helped support him.

In 1485, King Henry VII gave Newark a special payment of £20 each year for the rest of his life. This showed how much the king valued his work. In 1492, the king even paid him 20 shillings just "for making of a Song."

A very important moment came in 1493. King Henry VII officially made William Newark the Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal. This meant he was in charge of training the young boy singers for the royal chapel.

His Music

William Newark was a composer, and some of his songs are still known today. At least seven of his songs can be found in a special old music book called the Fayrfax manuscript. This book was put together in the early 1500s. It was likely used by King Henry VII or his son, Prince Arthur.

One of Newark's songs, called "The farther I go, the more behynde," was written for two voices. It uses words from a poem by Sir John Halsham, who lived in the 1400s.

Later Life and Death

William Newark became ill in the autumn of 1509. He died in November of that year. This was about six months after King Henry VIII became king and confirmed Newark's role as Master of the Children.

He was buried in the porch of St Alfege Church, Greenwich.