Biography:Thomas Hammersley
Thomas Hammersley
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| Given name: | Thomas |
| Middle name: | |
| Family name: | Hammersley |
| Place of birth: | |
| Place of death: | |
| Year of birth: | 1747 |
| Year of death: | 1812 |
| Profile: | Musician |
| Source of information: | |
Biographical notes
The music manuscript collection of Thomas Hammersley [RISM ID number 806351427] contains 553 pieces of music, and is presently in the collection of the British Library The following inscription occurs on f. 1r, after the signature of Thomas Hammersley: 'Banker in London / To whom the Rev'd W. Leeves dedicated his / celebrated song of "Auld Robin Gray" / as first publickly claimed by him in 1812.' On the occasion of Hammersley's death in 1812, Leeves composed the following lines :
Much-valued friend, Farewell ! The just command
Of Him, whose cause thou hast maintain'd on earth,
Has called thee to enjoy His blest abode!
To quit a family, whose tender care,
And sweet attentions, had entwined so close
Around a heart of sympathetic mould,
As faintly to pourtray celestial joys.
Yet firm thine exit ! blest with all the calmness
A patient hope of everlasting life
Secures to the believer. Friend, Farewell!
The dulcet melodies of early years
Swell with such sweet remembrance o'er my mind,
That I can only nurse the fond desire
Of joining thee in endless harmony!