Milton, John (c. 1563-1647)

English composer, father of John Milton the poet. He is said to have received a gold medal from a Polish prince for an In Nomine in 40 parts.

He was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. After being cast out by his father as a Protestant, he went to London, and in 1600 became a member of the Scriveners' Company, marrying Sarah Jeffrey about that time. Having made a fair fortune as a scribe, he retired to Horton in Buckinghamshire in 1632, but after his wife's death moved to Reading about 1640. In 1643 he returned to London, where he lived with his son John.

Works Vocal various sacred pieces for several voices; madrigal contribution to The Triumphes of Oriana, four vocal pieces contributed to Leighton's Teares or Lamentacions; two tunes for Ravenscroft's Psalter; five fancies for viols.