Wilson, John (1785–1854)

Scottish poet and essayist. He used the pseudonym Christopher North. His ‘Noctes Ambrosianae’ 1822–35 form a series of dramatic dialogues on various topics. Prose fiction includes Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life 1822 and The Trials of Margaret Lyndsay 1823.

Wilson was born in Paisley and studied at Oxford. He was a contributing editor of Blackwood's Magazine from 1817. He was professor of moral philosophy at Edinburgh 1820–51.

Wilson, John (1804–1875)

Scottish missionary and oriental scholar who played a leading role in promoting social reform in India. He campaigned successfully for the abolition of the slave trade and outlawing of the practice of suttee. He was later appointed vice-chancellor of Bombay University.

Wilson was born at Lauder, Berwick, and educated at Edinburgh for the ministry of the Church of Scotland. He travelled to India in 1828 as a missionary. A highly respected orientalist, his writings include The Parsi Religion, 1843, Lands of the Bible, 1847, and India Three Thousand Years Ago, 1858.

Wilson, John (1595–1674)

English lutenist, singer, and composer. He was a musician at the court of Charles I, and wrote many songs, including songs for plays. During the Commonwealth he lived in Oxfordshire and was professor of music at Oxford University, returning to London after the Restoration.

Wilson contributed, possibly with Coperario and Lanier, to The Maske of Flowers, performed at Whitehall in 1614. He became one of the king's musicians in 1635 and moved to Oxford with the court during the Civil War. In 1645 he took a PhD in music there, and soon afterwards was in private service in Oxfordshire. He was professor of music at Oxford University 1656–61, then returned to London to be at or near the restored court and succeeded Henry Lawes as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal in 1662.

Works Vocal songs for The Maske of Flowers; anthem Hearken, O God; Psalterium Carolinum for three voices and continuo; elegy on the death of William Lawes; Cheerful Ayres for three voices; airs and dialogues with lute; songs including Shakespeare's ‘Take, O take those lips away’ and ‘Lawn as white as driven snow’; catches.