ABSTRACT
In 1563 Byrd was appointed organist and master of the choristers at Lincoln Cathedral. This chapter explores a group of singers performed at court under the direction, first, of Philip van Wilder, then of Peter van Wilder, with boys sometimes impressed from other choirs. The period when Byrd could have been Tallis's assistant was one of momentous religious change, to a greater or lesser extent affecting everybody connected with the Chapel. Permeating Byrd's early organ music with cantus firmi is the spirit of Westcote's predecessor at St Paul's, John Redford. Clues to the kind of music Heywood played on the virginals are perhaps preserved in British Library manuscript Royal Appendix, which contains pieces from Henry VIII's time. The professional musicians of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth are listed in court records, but there were many more in London and round about.
