Frederick Cook Atkinson

Frederick Cook Atkinson (1841–1896) was an English organist, composer, and cathedral musician. Born in Norwich on August 21, 1841, he was trained in the musical life of Norwich Cathedral, where he served first as a chorister and later as assistant organist. He earned the Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cambridge in 1867 and subsequently held church appointments in Bradford and Norwich.

Atkinson composed service music, anthems, songs, and hymn tunes. His best-known tune, MORECAMBE, was written in the nineteenth century and later appeared in numerous hymnals. Although it was originally associated with another text, hymnals also paired MORECAMBE with Horatius Bonar's “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face,” giving the Communion hymn another substantial Victorian musical setting.

Atkinson's career belongs to the strong English cathedral and parish tradition that produced many enduring congregational tunes during the Victorian period. He died at East Dereham, Norfolk, on November 30, 1896.