John Marsh: Diaries

John Marsh (1752-1828) was born at Dorking, Surrey. He was trained as a solicitor, but made his name as an amateur composer and performer. He was the leader of local bands, and served as a deputy for organists in cathedrals and churches. His works include A Short Introduction to the Theory of Harmonics (London, 1809), Rudiments of Thorough Bass (London, undated), and Hints to Young Composers (London, undated). He composed Twenty-four new Chants in four Parts, and edited The Cathedral Chant-Book, and a Collection of the most popular Psalm-Tunes, with a few Hymns and easy Anthems (London, undated). He died in Chichester in 1828.

Transcripts made by Marsh's son Edward of his father's diaries, which Marsh had started to write in 1765, with some loose notes describing particular volumes. Nos. 1-3 are missing.

No.4 1768-1770 (pp.273-368); No.5 1770-1773 (pp.369-460); No.6 1773-1776 (pp.461-556); No.7 1776-1779 (pp.557-648); No.8 1779-1781 (pp.649-740); No.9 1781-1783 (pp.741-836); No.10 1783-1785 (pp.837-932); No.11 1785-1787 (pp.933-1024); No.12 1787-1790 (pp.1025-1112); No.13 1790-1794 (pp.1113-1204); No.14 1794-1799 (pp.1205-1300); No.15 1799-1803 (pp.1301-1408); No.16 1803-1809 (pp.1409-1512); No.17 1809-1815 (pp.1513-1620); No.18 1815-1821 (pp.1621-1716); No.19 1821-1825 (pp.1717-1812); No.20 1825-1828 (pp.1813-1868).

Puchased 1966.

Please cite as Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives, John Marsh: Diaries, MS Add.7757

Microfilm available. Microfilms of the complete set of diaries are also kept at West Sussex County Record Office, Chichester.

The original diaries are held at the Huntington Library, San Marino, California.