Clement Lanier
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clement Lanier (c. 1580–1661) was an English musician and recorder player. He was the son of Nicholas Lanier the Elder and Lucretia Bassano,[1] and hence uncle of Nicholas Lanier, the artist-musician. Clement Lanier was born circa 1580-85 in England, and was buried 6 November 1661 at St. Alphage Church Greenwich, County Kent. His will was proved 3 December 1661 and registered 20 May 1662 (TNA/PCC PROB 11/306), with his daughter, Hannah, as executrix. Although referred to as a "Gentleman," all royal musicians were afforded this title. In this context, the word did not convey the usual meaning of a man possessing a coat of arms or an income from property that eliminated the need to work for one’s livelihood.
Clement had a place on the Court Recorder Consort from 1604–1661.[2] Clement was Musician in Ordinary on recorders 1625, and King's musician of wind instruments 1633-42; he was Musician for the flute 1660-62. When Charles I was executed, the Laniers suffered financial setbacks and hardships with loss of income from the breaking up of the royal court,[3] while they supported the Prince of Wales (later Charles II) and his struggles to regain the throne.
In 1635 he was granted a license to weigh hay.[4]
Clement's nephew, Nicholas Lanier II (son of John and Frances, and grandson of Nicholas The Elder), had assembled a great art collection for their sovereign Charles I. During The Protectorate, the collection was dispersed at auction. It is said that Clement and his brother Jerome Lanier were able to purchase some of the paintings.