From the Archives: Charles Godfrey

AllFrom the Archives
Written By Colin Coleman

(Kingston-upon-Thames, 22 November 1790 – London, 12 December 1863)

A 'Cecilian' birthday. Ebony wood baton, with gilt finish.

The bassoonist Charles Godfrey joined the RSM on 7 December 1834.  His professional career commenced as a drummer for the 1st Royal Surrey Militia; he was soon afterwards a bassoonist in the Coldstream Guards and their bandmaster from 1825.  In 1834, his obligation to military duty ceased but his involvement as band master continued whilst he was a civilian.

The RSM holds a baton which was presented to him in 1854, and is preserved in a wooden box with pewter plaque inscribed "C. Godfrey / 1854".

View extensive RSM archival materials on Wikitree.

Colin Coleman
Next

From the Archives: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor