August 15

On August 15, 3 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Matthias Claudius was born in 1740; Sir Walter Scott was born in 1771; John Hampden Gurney was born in 1802.

Each date below is given only where two independent sources — Hymnary.org and Wikidata — agree on the year, and the day itself comes from Wikidata. Dates before the 1750s are given as they were recorded at the time, in the Old Style calendar where that was in use.

Matthias Claudius, who was born on this day in 1740, is remembered in this library for the hymn “We plough the fields, and scatter”.

Sir Walter Scott, who was born on this day in 1771, is remembered in this library for the hymns “The Day of Wrath” and “God's Presence With His People”.

John Hampden Gurney, who was born on this day in 1802, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Lord, as to Thy Dear Cross”.

Follow a name to read about the writer or composer and to sing their hymns, with the words, chords where we have them, and free accompaniment.