William Monk Gould

Who was William Monk Gould?

William Monk Gould, was a British composer of light music: his popular song The Curfew was particularly well-known.

Monk was born in Tavistock, becoming organist at Rye parish church when only 12 years old. He later served as organist and choirmaster at St Michaels' Church, Portsmouth. He published 56 compositions between 1883 and 1920. He married Agnes Hilton, and they had a son, Rupert Gould who achieved fame as a horologist and scientific broadcaster. Another son was Henry Hilton Monk Gould.

He died 7 April 1923 in Portsmouth.