Born in Chipstead, Surrey, Robert James Ashfield (1911-2006) studied at the Royal College of Music under Ernest Bullock. Between 1934-1941 he was Organist of St John’s, Smith Square. After service in the Army during the latter part of the Second World War, he was appointed Magister and Rector Chori at Southwell Minster (1946-1956) before becoming Organist and Master of the Choristers at Rochester Cathedral (1956-1977). Ashfield composed anthems, services, responses and psalm chants, and in retirement he wrote an opera, The Bishop’s Candlestick, alongside chamber and instrumental works.

from notes by John Challenger © 2022