Wade, John Francis

ca 1711-1786

John Francis Wade was an English hymnist, plainchant scribe and publisher of the 18th century.

He is remembered mainly as the composer and author of the Christmas hymn Adeste Fideles.

Being himself a Roman Catholic, Wade moved to France probably because of discrimination against Roman Catholics in 18th century England, especially so after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.

He was a music teacher at an English college in Douay.

Wade also hand copied and sold chant music for use in the chapels of wealthy families.

Wade's copied manuscripts were published as Cantus Diversi pro Dominicis et Festis per annum in 1751.