Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/B/Birch, H. W

Birch, H. W., was a friend of the celebrated Dr. Croft. On the death of the doctor, in 1727, Mr. Birch erected a monument for his friend at his own expense. This gentleman was remarkable for the singularity of his character. He was a man of abilities in his profession ; was one of the counsel for Woolston, in the prosecution against him for his blasphemous publications concerning the miracles of our blessed Savior, and made for him as good a defence as so bad a cause would admit of. He was possessed of a good estate, and was therefore at liberty to gratify his passion for music, which was a very strange one, for he preferred that style which had a tendency to draw tears. Of all compositions he most admired the funeral service by Purcell and Croft, and would leave the circuit and ride many miles to hear it. At the funeral of' Queen Caro-line, for the greater convenience of hearing this music, he, with another lawyer, who was after-wards a judge, walked among the choirmen of the abbey, each clad in a surplice, with a music paper in one hand and a taper in the other, though neither he nor his friend could sing a note.