Remembering John Dowland, 1563 – 1626
A Memorial Service led by Father Luke Miller
Friday 20th February 2026, 1.00pm
St Andrew by the Wardrobe
Four hundred years ago, John Dowland, the greatest of all English lutenists and lute composers, was buried on 20th February 1626 in his parish of St Ann Blackfriars, which is united with St Andrew by the Wardrobe today.
This service, which will include live performances of Dowland’s music, commemorates his life and celebrates his musical legacy, as part of “Dowland 400”, a year of celebrations of Dowland’s extraordinary legacy around the United Kingdom and the world.
All are welcome, admission is free. A retiring collection for St Andrew by the Wardrobe and The Lute Society will be taken.
John Dowland & St Andrew by the Wardrobe, by Father Luke Miller:
John Dowland’s memorial above the west gallery of the church stands alongside that of his contemporary and neighbour William Shakespeare, who did for the secular use of the English language what Dowland did for secular English music.
Both lived in the parish of S Ann Blackfriars, where Dowland is buried, just a few yards from this church.
Though the churchyards are still there, S Ann’s was not rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, and the parish was united with S Andrew by the Wardrobe.
We are proud to remember Dowland, himself a Roman Catholic, and to give thanks to God for the gifts he gives us to “praise him with lute and harp” (Psalm 150:3).
The Legacy of John Dowland, by Sarah Shepley, Chair, The Lute Society:
We are delighted to give thanks for the life and work of John Dowland today in a memorial service that is a “Preludium” to “Dowland 400”, a year of celebrations of Dowland’s extraordinary legacy throughout the United Kingdom and around the world.
The Lute Society’s celebration of John Dowland’s life and work “The Dowland 400 Festival” will be held in Norwich from July 23rd to 26th 2026. Featuring concerts, lectures, masterclasses, and playing opportunities, the Festival is open to all and non-members are very welcome.