Parks Road, Oxford, St. John's College grounds on the left

William Crotch was born in July 1775 and was known as the `musical phenomenon of Norwich’. He gave public organ recitals at the age of 2 ½. He was Professor of Music at Oxford University for fifty years and first Principal of the Royal Academy of Music. At Oxford he became friends with John Baptist Malchair (1731-1812), leader of the band at the Music Room, Oxford and drawing master, whose stylistic influence can be seen in his work.