William Gardiner (15 March 1770, in Leicester – 16 November 1853) was an English composer who is best known for his hymns.
[2][3] In his Music and Friends, Gardiner told the story of how the first work of Beethoven became known in Britain after arriving in a violin case of a priest fleeing the French Revolutionary army.
[5] He lived on a milk and vegetable diet for several years but gave it up after a life-changing experience.
Mr. Brooke put a horse pistol to Gardiner's head and declared he would shoot him if he did not eat the beef-steak.
After this experience Gardiner gave up his vegetarian diet and resumed his former mode of living.