Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Aylward, Theodore
AYLWARD, THEODORE (1730–1801), musician, was born, probably at Chichester, in 1730. of his early life and education nothing is known, though when young he seems to have sung at Drury Lane Theatre. He became a member of the Royal Society of Musicians 9 July 1763 (Records of Roy. Soc. Musicians), and was elected by a unanimous vote into the Madrigal Society 15 Nov. 1769 (Records of Madrigal Soc.). He was appointed organist of St. Lawrence Jewry in 1762, a post he held until 1788. In 1764 he was organist of Oxford Chapel, and from 1768 to 1781 organist of St. Michael's, Cornhill. In 1771 he was appointed professor of music at Gresham College, and in 1788 he succeeded Edward Webb as organist of St. George's Chapel, Windsor. In November 1791 he took the accumulated degrees of Mus. Bac. and Mus. Doc. at Oxford. He died at Windsor 27 Feb. 1801, and was buried in St. George's Chapel. Aylward published a few songs, duets, glees, and organ pieces; but most of his music is still in manuscript.
[Appendix to Bemrose's Choir Chant Book (1882); Catalogue of Collection of Music School, Oxford; Gent. Mag. 1801.]