Longhurst, William Henry

1819-1904

Younger brother of John Alexander, and born in London. He was a boychorister of Canterbury Cathedral, was a pupil of Highmore Skeats, senior, later of Stephen Elvey and Thomas Evance Jones. He received the appointment of lay clerk and assistant organist of the Cathedral at the age of seventeen. In 1865 he was one of the earliest Fellows of the College of Organists. In 1873 he succeed Jones as organist and master of the choristers. He retired in 1898, having given seventy years of service to the Cathedral. His doctor's degree was conferred upon him in 1875. Among   his compositions are  anthems, Cervices, songs, etc.; an oratorio in manuscript, David and Absalom. He died at Canterbury.