John Ward (composer)

Ward's compositions, some of which were published in his lifetime, consist of madrigals, works for viol consort and Anglican church music (services, and anthems).

Sir Henry was an amateur musician, and Ward's compositions suggest that he enjoyed hearing religious and secular music at home.

His eldest son and heir Thomas Fanshawe gave less support to the family's musical establishment, and went abroad in 1618 to continue his education.

Sir Henry had been the third consecutive member of the family to hold the office of rembrancer and the remembrancership was put in trust for Thomas when he went abroad.

The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography suggests that it was probably about this time ("and certainly by April 1621") that Ward obtained "a modest post" in the remembrancer's office.

He was resident at the Masters House in Ilford as early as 1630 as two of his children appear in a local baptismal record dated August of that year.