Knapp, William

Composer

b Wareham, Dorset 1698 or 1689; d Poole, Dorset 1768. Possibly organist of a church in his home town; but a devastating fire in 1762 destroyed all the parish records. He worked as a glove-maker, and for 39 years was Parish Clerk of St James’ Ch Poole. Known as ‘a country Psalm-singer’, he trained several church choirs in Dorset and published 2 tune collections: A Sett of Psalm-Tunes and Anthems (8 edns between 1738 and 1770) and New Church Melody (5 edns between 1751 and 1764). Lighter verses have survived, either satirising or celebrating his reputation. No.609.