Cyril Vincent Taylor

Cyril Vincent Taylor (1907–1991) was an English Anglican priest, hymn-tune composer, broadcaster, editor, and church musician. Born in Wigan, he was a chorister at Magdalen College School, Oxford, studied at Christ Church, Oxford, and Westcott House, Cambridge, and was ordained in the Church of England in 1932. His ministry combined parish work with a sustained contribution to congregational music.

Taylor worked in the BBC's religious broadcasting department from 1939 to 1953 and later served as chaplain of the Royal School of Church Music, vicar of Cerne Abbas, and precentor of Salisbury Cathedral. He edited and contributed tunes to important hymn collections, including the BBC Hymn Book and 100 Hymns for Today. His best-known tune is ABBOT'S LEIGH, while MOWSLEY is another of his melodies used in modern hymnals. Taylor also served as chairman of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland and wrote about contemporary hymn singing.