A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Portman, Richard

PORTMAN, Richard, a pupil of Orlando Gibbons, in 1633 succeeded Thomas Day as organist of Westminster Abbey. In 1638 he was admitted a gentleman of the Chapel Royal upon the death of John Tomkins. A complete Service by him, including a Venite, is contained in the Tudway Collection (Harl. MS. 7337), where his Christian name is erroneously given as William; some of his anthems are extant in cathedral choir books and elsewhere, and the words of some may be found in Clifford's 'Divine Services and Anthems,' 1663, and in Harl. MS. 6346. It is presumed that he was deprived of his appointments on the suppression of choral service in 1644.

[ W. H. H. ]