John Shepherd (or Sheppard) was a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and was also a composer, mostly of church music. He presented some of his songs to the Queen. His works are among masterpieces of 16th century music. Only one significant example of his secular work, 'O happy dames', survives. His Reges Tharsis was performed at a service in the Abbey in October 2019.
Nothing is known of his parentage or place of birth. From 1543-1547 he was master of the choristers at Magdalen College Oxford before joining the choir at the Chapel Royal in London. He sang at Edward VI's funeral and at the coronation of Mary I. With Richard Edwards in 1558 he was granted the lease of the manor of Deane but he died shortly after.
He was buried at St Margaret's Westminster on 21st December 1558. In his will, proved by his wife Elizabeth, he had asked to be buried either in Westminster Abbey or beside his former wife at St Margaret's (possibly Jane who was buried there on 9th April 1555) and to have an inscription to them both (no record has survived of any inscription and he has no memorial in the church). He left his manor to son Matthew and had another son Nathan and a daughter (?Elizabeth).
Further reading:
His will is at the City of Westminster Archives Centre
Some collections of his music are at Christ Church, Oxford and in the British Library
This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library
Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster
