Martin, George William

Composer

[some books give G Walter], b London 1828, d Wandsworth, S London 1881. A St Paul’s Cathedral chorister who sang at Queen Victoria’s coronation. He was Music master at the Normal Coll for Army Schoolmasters at Chelsea and at St John’s Training Coll, Battersea; also from 1849 the first organist of Christ Church Battersea. Founded National Choral Society in 1860; a skilful trainer of children’s choirs, he staged several Royal Albert Hall concerts. Died in Bolingbroke Hospital, Wandsworth, a homeless alcoholic. No.26=808.