William Chatterton Dix

Who was William Chatterton Dix?

William Chatterton Dix was an English writer of hymns and carols.

He was born in Bristol, England, the son of John Dix, a surgeon and writer. His father gave him his middle name in honour of Thomas Chatterton, a poet about whom he had written a biography.

Dix spent most of his life as manager of a Maritime Insurance Company in Glasgow.

At the age of 29 he was struck with a near fatal illness and consequently suffered months confined to his bed. During this time he became severely depressed. Yet it is from this period that many of his hymns date.

His hymns and carols included As with Gladness Men of Old, What child is this?, To you, O Lord, our hearts we raise and Alleluia! Sing to Jesus.

He died at Cheddar, Somerset, England, and was buried at his parish church.