Lyricist: Sabine Baring-Gould

From HymnsWithoutWords

Biography

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834 - 1924) was an antiquarian, novelist, travel writer and collector of folk songs. Born in Exeter, he spent much of his childhood travelling around Europe. Gaining a degree at Clare Hall, Cambridge, where he was noted for his anti-establishment views and eccentricity. It is said that whilst working at Hurstpierpoint College he taught with a pet bat perched on his shoulder.

Sabine finally settled into the life of rector of Lewtrenchard, and married a former mill-girl, Grace Taylor, in 1868, with whom he had 15 children. He travelled extensively an wrote often gritty novels about the places he visited and observed. He is buried in his own parish churchyard at Lewtrenchard.