Godfrey, Charles, sr.

1790-1863

The first of a family of bandmasters; was born at Kingston, Surrey; was first a drummer in his home military company, and in 1813 a bassoon player in the Coldstream Guards; was bandmaster of the latter from 1825 till his death, although he was released from military duty in 1834. In 1831 he had been appointed musician in ordinary to the King of Great Britain. He arranged and edited Jullien's Journal, the first journal of military music published in England, and his three sons became prominent in their father's profession.