scribe has perhaps deprived this worthy of the honour of being the earliest English organ builder on record.
The next entry, in 1457, is more clear:
"To John Roose, brother of the order of Preaching Friars, who repaired and restored the organ at the altar of the B. V. M. in the Cathedral Church of the City of York, and one pair of bellows for the same, 36s. 8d."
Again, under the date 1469, we have:
"To brother John for constructing two pair of bellows for the great organ, and repairing of the same, 15s. 2d."
Both these entries undoubtedly relate to the same person; and to Father John Roose must be awarded the distinction of being the first English organ builder of whom we have any authentic account.
Other entries occur in the York records where "organ menders" are mentioned.[1] In 1470, we have the name of George Gaunte; and in 1473, of Richard Sowerby. But in 1485 we have the following specific and curious entry:
- ↑ See Appendix I.
