Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Henley, Phocion
HENLEY, PHOCION (1728–1764), musical composer, nephew of Sir Robert Henley, earl of Northington, lord chancellor [q. v.], was born at Wootton Abbots in Dorsetshire in 1728. He matriculated at Wadham College, Oxford, 7 May 1746, and graduated B.A. on 14 Feb. 1749. As an undergraduate he spent much time in the study of music. From 1759 until his death, 29 Aug. 1764, he was rector of St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe and St. Anne's, Blackfriars.
He was the composer of several chants—one of which is still occasionally heard—and anthems. He also published a set of six hymns, under the title of ‘The Cure of Saul,’ and, in collaboration with Thomas Sharp, ‘Divine Harmony, being a Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes in Score, &c.,’ London, 1798.
[Grove's Dict. of Music, i. 727; Gent. Mag. xxxiv. 399; Cat. of Oxford Graduates, p. 314.]