‘Once in Royal David’s City’ was originally written as a poem by Cecil Frances Alexander. The carol was first published in 1848 by Miss Cecil Humphreys’ hymnbook, ‘Hymns for Little Children’. One year later, the English organist, Henry John Gauntlet discovered the poem and set it to music. Miss Cecil Humphreys, meanwhile, married the Anglican clergyman, William Alexander in 1848 and upon her husband’s consecration became a bishop’s wife in 1867. She is also remembered for her hymn, ‘All things Bright and Beautiful’ which is a favourite hymn of my wife, Sheila.
Love and peace. Bill and Sheila xxx