Background
Essex was born in or about 1765 at Coventry, Warwickshire, the son of Timothy Essex there. Margaret Essex was his sister. He began playing on the flute and violin at age 13, for his own amusement, and his father let him study music as a profession.
Career
In 1786 he established himself as a teacher of the pianoforte, organ, and flute. He proceeded doctor of music 2 December 1812. Essex was known as a teacher, and obtained some popularity as a composer.
His ‘Musical Academy’ was at 38 Hill Street, Berkeley Square.
He was also organist, composer to, and director of the choir of Street George"s Chapel, Albemarle Street. He died 27 September 1847, aged 82, in York Buildings, New Road, London.
Membership
In order to better his position he matriculated at Oxford as a member of Magdalen Hall 10 December 1806, and took the degree of bachelor of music on the following 17 December.