A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Holder, William

HOLDER, Rev. William, D.D., born in Nottinghamshire about 1614, and educated at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, became, in 1642, Rector of Blechindon, Oxfordshire. He took the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1660. He was afterwards appointed Canon of Ely and Canon of St. Paul's. On Sept. 2, 1674, he was sworn Sub-dean of the Chapel Royal, which office he resigned before Christmas 1689, and he was also Sub-almoner to the King. He was author of 'A Treatise on the Natural Grounds and Principles of Harmony,' 1694; 2nd edit. 1701, a very able work, written chiefly for the service of the gentlemen of the Chapel Royal. An Evening Service in C and two anthems by him are in the Tudway Collection (Harl. MSS. 7338 & 7339). Dr. Holder died at his residence in Amen Corner, Jan. 24, 1697.

[ W. H. H. ]