Background
Smart was born in London on the 26th of October 1813, a nephew of the conductor Sir George Smart and son of a music publisher, orchestra director and accomplished violinist (also called Henry Smart).
Smart was born in London on the 26th of October 1813, a nephew of the conductor Sir George Smart and son of a music publisher, orchestra director and accomplished violinist (also called Henry Smart).
He was educated at Highgate School. He studied first for the law, but soon gave this up for music.
In 1831 Smart became organist of Blackburn parish church, where he wrote his first important work, an anthem; then of St Giles-without-Cripplegate; St Luke's, Old Street; and finally of St Pancras New Church, in 1864, which last post he held at the time of his death, less than a month after receiving a government pension of £100 per annum.
In the last fifteen years of his life Smart was practically blind.
Smart was also skilled as a mechanic, and designed several organs.