Monk, William Henry

1823-1889

William Henry Monk (1823-1889) was an English church musician and composer of the 19th century.

In 1847, he was appointed choirmaster at King's College in London.

In 1849, he was also appointed organist at King's College.

William Henry Monk was later professor of vocal music at King's College (from 1874), at the National Training School for Music (1876) and at Bedford College in London (1878).

In 1857, Monk became musical editor of the famous Anglican Church hymnal Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861), which is considered by hymnologists to be one of the most important hymnals ever published.

It is for Hymns Ancient and Modern that Monk composed Eventide, his famous tune for Abide With Me.

William Henry Monk composed many other popular hymn tunes as well as anthems and service music, and edited several collections of hymns and metrical psalms.