September 11, 1711:
William Boyce is baptized in St. James Garlickhythe in London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. He is the last of four children born to John Boyce, a joiner and cabinet maker, and Elizabeth Cordwell, who live in Maiden (now Skinners) Lane.
February 7, 1753:
“When Damon languish’d at my feet”, a song by William Boyce (41) appears in the first performance of The Gamester, a tragedy by Moore, in Drury Lane Theatre, London.
December 1, 1753:
Incidental music to Glover’s play Boadicea by William Boyce (42) is performed for the first time, in Drury Lane Theatre, London. The play is well received and will see ten performances.
April 15, 1755:
The anthem Lord, Thou hast been our refuge by William Boyce (43) is performed for the first time, in an open rehearsal in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. It will be heard formally on 17 April in Merchant Taylors Hall for the Festival of the Sons of the Clergy.
October 30, 1755:
Pierian sisters hail the morn, an ode for the birthday of King George II by William Boyce (44) to words of Cibber, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London. Boyce is called upon to compose this year’s birthday ode because Maurice Greene (59) is too ill.
November 26, 1755:
Hearing that Maurice Greene (59) is near death, William Boyce (44) writes to the Prime Minister, the Duke of Newcastle, to request that he succeed Greene as Master of the Royal Musicians. The request will eventually be granted.
January 1, 1756:
Hail, Hail Auspicious Day, an ode by William Boyce (44) to words of Cibber, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
January 21, 1756:
William Boyce (44) provides music for animating the statue in Florizel and Perdita, or The Winter’s Tale, a comedy by Garrick after Shakespeare, in Drury Lane Theatre, London.
April 1, 1756:
An anniversary ode in honor of William Shakespeare, Titles and ermine fall behind by William Boyce, to words of Havard, is performed for the first time, at the Drury Lane Theatre, London.
September 23, 1756:
Advertisements appear in the Whitehall Evening-Post and the London Evening-Post for Proposals for Printing a Correct and Complete Body of Church Music by William Boyce (45).
October 30, 1756:
An ode for the birthday of King George II by William Boyce (45), When Ceasar’s Natal Day to words of Cibber, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
December 15, 1756:
Two songs by William Boyce (45), “Away with the fables philosophers hold” and “In vain would your jargon our senses bewitch”, appear in the first performance of Amphitryon, a comedy by Hawkesworth after Dryden, in Drury Lane Theatre, London.
January 1, 1757:
While Britain in Her Monarch Blest, an ode by William Boyce (45) to words of Cibber, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
April 12, 1757:
Titles and ermine fall behind, an ode by William Boyce (45), is performed for the first time, at Drury Lane Theatre, London.
June 27, 1757:
William Boyce (45) formally appointed as Master of the King’s Musicians, a year and a half after the death of his predecessor, Maurice Greene. Boyce has been serving in this position ad interim since Greene’s death.
October 20, 1757:
A masque for Shakespeare’s The Tempest by William Boyce (46) to words of Garrick after Shakespeare, is performed for the first time, in Drury Lane Theatre, London.
November 10, 1757:
Rejoice, ye Britons, hail the day!, an ode by William Boyce (46) to words of Cibber, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to celebrate the birthday of King George II.
February 21, 1758:
Two odes by William Boyce (46) appear in the first performance of Agis, a tragedy by Home, in the Drury Lane Theatre, London.
June 23, 1758:
William Boyce (46) is sworn as organist to the Chapel Royal.
November 10, 1758:
William Boyce’s (47) ode When Othbert left th’Italian plain, to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, in honor of the birthday of King George II.
December 24, 1758:
This is the probable date of the first performance of William Boyce’s ode I have surely built thee an house. It was composed for the reopening of St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster.
January 1, 1759:
Ye Guardian Powers, an ode by William Boyce (47) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 9, 1759:
William Boyce (47) marries Hannah Nixon at St. Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney, United Kingdom. They already have a ten-year-old daughter.
November 10, 1759:
William Boyce’s (48) ode Begin the Song to words of Whitehead is performed for the first time, in honor of the birthday of King George II, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London. This is the last birthday ode written to honor this king.
December 31, 1759:
Harlequin’s Invasion, or A Christmas Gambol, a pantomime by David Garrick with two songs by William Boyce (48), is performed for the first time, in Drury Lane Theatre, London. It includes the famous song and march Heart of Oak.
January 1, 1760:
Again the Sun’s Ravishing Sphere, an ode by William Boyce (48) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
January 5, 1760:
Eight Symphonies in eight parts op.2 by William Boyce (48) are published by John Walsh in London.
April 29, 1760:
William Boyce (48) announces in the Public Advertiser that the first volume of his Cathedral Music is now being printed and should be ready by Summer.
November 11, 1760:
The souls of the righteous, an orchestral anthem by William Boyce (49), is performed for the first time, during funeral ceremonies for King George II in Henry VII Chapel at Westminster, London.
January 1, 1761:
Still Must the Muse, Indignant, Hear, an ode by William Boyce (49) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1761:
‘Twas at the nectar’d feast of Jove, an ode by William Boyce (49) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London. It is the first ode performed in honor of the birthday of King George III.
September 8, 1761:
George III, King of Great Britain and Hanover, marries Princess Charlotte Sophia, daughter of the late Duke Adolf Friedrich of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, in the Chapel Royal, St. James’. Johann Christian Bach’s (26) cantata Thanks be to God Who Rules the Deep to words of Lockman is performed for the first time along with the premiere of The King Shall Rejoice by William Boyce (49). Boyce’s anthem has been given two public rehearsals already.
September 22, 1761:
George III is crowned King of Great Britain in Westminster Abbey. For the occasion, William Boyce (50) writes eight new anthems, including Behold O God our defender, Come Holy Ghost, Let My Prayer Come Up, Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, The King Shall Rejoice (full), The Lord is a sun, I was glad and My heart is inditing, all directed by the composer. The King Shall be Joyful in thy Strength, by Charles Avison (52), an anthem derived from the music of Benedetto Marcello, is also performed for the first time.
January 1, 1762:
God of Slaughter, quit the scene, an ode by William Boyce (50) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1762:
Go Flora, an ode by William Boyce (50) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, for the birthday of King George III.
September 5, 1762:
William Boyce’s anthem O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious is performed for the first time, in the Chapel Royal, before the King and Queen. It is the first appearance of Queen Charlotte since her successful delivery of their first child, Prince George Augustus Frederick on 12 August.
January 1, 1763:
At length, th’imperious Lord of War, an ode by William Boyce (51) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
May 5, 1763:
The Lord is King be the people never so impatient, an anthem by William Boyce (51), is performed for the first time, in the Chapel Royal, St. James’ Palace. This has been proclaimed a day of thanksgiving for the Treaty of Paris.
June 4, 1763:
Common births, like common things, an ode by William Boyce (51) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, for the birthday of King George III.
June 6, 1763:
See, white robed peace, an ode by William Boyce (51) to words of Mallet, is performed for the first time, at St. James’ Park, London.
March 21, 1764:
The vestry of All Hallows the Great and the Less Parish decides to dismiss William Boyce (52) as organist.
June 4, 1764:
To wedded Love, Ye Nations bow, an ode by William Boyce (52) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, for the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1765:
Sacred to thee, an ode by William Boyce (53) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1765:
Hail to the rosy morn, an ode by William Boyce (53) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
April 22, 1766:
The King Shall Rejoice, an anthem by William Boyce (54), is performed for the first time, in an open rehearsal in St. Paul’s Cathedral. It will be formally presented on 24 April at Merchant Taylors Hall for the Festival of the Sons of the Clergy. This is the third anthem of that name by Boyce.
June 4, 1766:
Hail to the Man, an ode by William Boyce (54) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1767:
When first the rude, o’er-peopled North, an ode by William Boyce (55) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1767:
Friend to the poor!, an ode by William Boyce (55) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, in honor of the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1768:
Let the Voice of Music Breathe, an ode by William Boyce (56) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time.
April 7, 1768:
William Boyce (56) resigns his position at St. Michael’s, Cornhill after the church wardens complain that “the playing of the Organ did not give the Satisfaction to the Parish which they had a Right to expect.” (Bartlett, 185)
June 23, 1768:
Prepare, prepare your songs of praise!, an ode by William Boyce (56) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, in honor of the birthday of King George III. The King’s birthday is actually 4 June, but this performance was postponed because of the death of the King’s sister, Princess Louisa Anne, on 13 May.
July 18, 1768:
The Boston Gazette publishes The Liberty Song. The music comes from William Boyce’s (56) Heart of Oak from Harlequin’s Invasion of 1759. The words have been rewritten by John Dickinson.
June 4, 1769:
Patron of Arts! at length by thee, an ode by William Boyce (57) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1770:
Forward Janus, turn thine eyes, an ode by William Boyce (58) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1770:
Discord hence! the torch resign, an ode by William Boyce (58) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, in honor of the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1771:
Again returns the circling year, an ode by William Boyce (59) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1771:
Long did the churlish East detain, an ode by William Boyce (59) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1772:
At length the fleeting Year is o’er, an ode by William Boyce (60) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1772:
From scenes of death and deep distress, an ode by William Boyce (60) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to celebrate the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1773:
Wrapt in stole of sable grain, an ode by William Boyce (61) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1773:
Born for millions are the kings, an ode by William Boyce (61) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1774:
Pass but a few short fleeting years, an ode by William Boyce (62) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1774:
Hark!--or does the Muse’s ear, an ode by William Boyce (62) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
September 21, 1774:
William Boyce’s ode Lo, on the thorny bed of care to words of Cradock, is performed for the first time, at the opening of the new organ in St. Martin’s Church, Leicester.
June 4, 1775:
Ye Powers who rule o’er states and Kings, an ode by William Boyce (63) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to celebrate the birthday of King George III.
June 24, 1775:
William Boyce (63) files his will, leaving all his possessions to his wife and children.
January 1, 1776:
On the white rocks which guard her coast, an ode by William Boyce (64) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1776:
Ye Western gales, whose genial breath, an ode by William Boyce (64) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1777:
Again imperial Winter’s sway, an ode by William Boyce (65) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1777:
Driven out from Heav’n’s etherial domes, an ode by William Boyce (65) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1778:
When rival nations great in arms, an ode by William Boyce (66) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London.
June 4, 1778:
Arm’d with her native force, an ode by William Boyce (66) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London, to honor the birthday of King George III.
January 1, 1779:
To arms, to arms ye sons of might, an ode by William Boyce (67) to words of Whitehead, is performed for the first time, in the Great Council Chamber of St. James’ Palace, London. It is Boyce’s last court ode.
February 7, 1779:
William Boyce dies, possibly of gout, at his home in Kensington Gore, London, United Kingdom, 67 years, four months, and 27 days after his baptism.
February 16, 1779:
The earthly remains of William Boyce are laid to rest in the vault of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The funeral is sung by the combined choirs of St. Paul’s, Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal.
April 14, 1779:
The extensive music library of William Boyce (†0), which includes the music library of Maurice Greene (†23), is auctioned by Christie and Ansell in London.
May 18, 1888:
The mortal remains of Maurice Greene (†132) are removed from St. Olave Jewry in London and reinterred in St. Paul’s Cathedral near those of his student William Boyce (†109). St. Olave Jewry is being demolished.