ABSTRACT
Lincoln Byrd lived in Minster Yard, near the choristers' house. The origin of Byrd's acquaintance with the Ropers is obscure. Music and Catholicism may have played a part in it, but there was a variety of connections. Catholic nobleman, who received the dedication of the first book of Gradualia in 1605, was Byrd's 'most cherished Lord, Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton'. The Nevells also maintained a home in the Savoy. Edward Paston have been friendly with Byrd since the latter's early days as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. Byrd's relationship with him does not seem likely to have been one of warm friendship, and Walsingham kept a close eye on Byrd's Catholic associations. Monson was a leader of the Puritans in Parliament, and one wonders whether Byrd knew him well or found him sympathetic. Byrd's friends must have come from the cathedral, but it is not easy to form a picture of his social life in the city.
