1937
Herbert Howells in 1937 ©BBC
The image shows a gravestone plaque bearing the name Herbert Howells, along with his birth and death years (1892–1983). The inscription also includes the letters “CH”, indicating that he was a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour, a prestigious British distinction. The plaque appears to be set in stone flooring, consistent with memorials found in Westminster Abbey, where Herbert Howells is buried.
Herbert Norman Howells
1957
Account Rendered (1957, crime, HD) with Griffith Jones, Ursula Howells and Honor Blackman
composer music educator organist
Howells was born on October 17, 1892, in Lydney, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. He grew up in a musical environment that fostered his early interest in composition and church music. Howells died on February 23, 1983, in London and was later interred at Westminster Abbey, reflecting his national significance.
Howells studied at the Royal College of Music, where he was taught by prominent composers Hubert Parry and Charles Villiers Stanford. During this period, he was strongly influenced by Tudor music traditions and by Ralph Vaughan Williams, particularly the work Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. His early engagement with editing Renaissance choral music contributed to his development of a distinctly English musical style.
Herbert Howells developed a distinguished career as a composer and organist, contributing extensively to both sacred and secular music. His work is especially associated with the Anglican choral tradition, where he became known for combining modal harmony with expressive melodic writing.
In addition to church music, Howells composed chamber works, including a Piano Quartet (1916), demonstrating his versatility as a composer. However, it was his large-scale sacred compositions that brought him lasting recognition. Hymnus Paradisi (1938), written in response to the death of his son, stands as one of his most profound works, blending personal grief with liturgical form.
Howells also composed a number of cathedral services that became central to Anglican musical repertoire. Among the most notable are the Collegium Regale Service (1944–45) and the Gloucester Service (1946), both widely performed in British cathedrals and choirs. These works exemplify his mature style and his deep understanding of liturgical structure.
Alongside his compositional career, Herbert Howells was an influential teacher. From 1941 to 1945, he served as organist at St John’s College, Cambridge, a role involving both performance and direction of choral music. He later became Professor of Music at the University of London from 1954 to 1964, where he mentored a generation of British composers and organists. His teaching contributed significantly to the development of modern British church music.
Legacy
Herbert Howells’s music continues to be widely performed, particularly within Anglican liturgical settings. His works have become a central part of the British choral tradition. Following his death, organizations such as the Herbert Howells Society were established to promote his compositions, support performances, and preserve his legacy within both academic and ecclesiastical music communities.
Howells received several major honors in recognition of his contribution to music. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1953 and was later made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in 1972. He also received honorary doctorates from Cambridge University and the Royal College of Music, acknowledging his impact on British musical life.
Ursula Howells was a British actress known for her work in film, theatre, and television, where she became recognized for her refined screen presence and versatility across dramatic and supporting roles.
