Samuel Sebastian Wesley was born on August 14, 1810 in London. He sang in the choir of the Chapel Royal as a child before becoming an organist at Hereford Cathedral in 1832. His early compositions included "The Wilderness" and "Blessed be the God and Father". Wesley later moved to Exeter Cathedral, then held appointments at Leeds Parish Church from 1842, Winchester Cathedral from 1849, and finally Gloucester Cathedral from 1865. He also wrote several anthems, including "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace" and "Wash me throughly", as well as hymn tunes such as "Aurelia" and "Hereford". Wesley also became a Professor of Organ at the Royal Academy of Music in 1850. He died on April 19, 1876.