William Hayman Cummings (1831–1915)

English musician, born at Sidbury, Devon., on the 22nd of August 1831, the eldest son of Edward Manley Cummings. He became a chorister at St. Paul’s cathedral and the Temple church, and was subsequently appointed organist of Waltham Abbey. Later he was appointed tenor at Westminster Abbey, the Temple church and the chapels royal, being well known for many years as an oratorio singer. From 1879 to 1896 he was professor of singing at the Royal Academy of Music, and from 1896 to 1910 principal of the Guildhall School of Music. In 1900 he received the degree of Mus. Doc. from Dublin University. Cummings was the author of many works on music, including Lives of Purcell (1881) and Handel (1904), and The Origin and History of “God Save the King” (1902). He was also an authority on ancient music, and left a fine collection of old MSS. and early editions. He died at Dulwich on the 6th of June 1915.