John Byrom

1691-1763

Born: February 29, 1691, Old Shambles, Manchester, England. Died: September 26, 1763, Manchester, England. Buried: Jesus Chapel, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, England.

Byrom’s father was a linen draper in Manchester. Byrom attended King’s School, Chester, then went on to Cambridge, where he graduated M.A. and became a Fellow of Trinity College. But, declining to take Holy Orders, he resigned and soon after married his cousin, Elizabeth Byrom, against the wishes of both families. He earned a living by teaching shorthand, for which he invented his own system. In 1723, he was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. The following year, his brother died, and John inherited the family estates and returned to Manchester. He frequently visited Cheetham’s Hospital in Manchester, and wrote many hymns for the boys there.

Hymns:

1. Christians, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn
2. My Spirit Longs for Thee