Francis William Davenport

Francis William Davenport (9 April 1847, Derby - 1 April, 1925, Scarborough) was an English musician and composer. In 1879 was appointed professor, at the Royal Academy of Music. Then in 1882 he became a professor at the Guildhall School of Music.[1]

Francis William Davenport

Davenport read law at University College, Oxford. However, he decided to have a career in music studying this under George Alexander Macfarren. In 1873 he married Macfarren's daughter Clarina Thalia Macfarren (23 Mar 1848-10 Jul 1934). Their children were Mabel Natalia Davenport (Oct 1874-); Robert (Robin) (Arthur) William Davenport (1875–1934); Muriel Winifred Davenport (1878–28 Oct 1970); Gertrude Mary Davenport (25 Dec 1879–18 Mar 1972); Laurence Michael Foley Davenport (1880–1958); Oliver Francis Davenport Sr. (27 Apr 1883 –26 Aug 1947); Sylvia (Agnes) Davenport (~1884– Mar 1968); and Octavia Clarina Katherine Davenport (Oct 1890–).

Whilst teaching at the Royal Academy of Music, he taught harmony and counterpoint to Alicia Adélaide Needham, the mother of Joseph Needham.[2]

His daughter, originally Gertrude Mary Davenport married Eden Paul, with whom she published many works under the name Cedar Paul.[3] His nephew, Christopher Wilson, was a composer, conductor and music director for the theatre.[4]