Composer's graffiti is discovered behind cathedral's organ nearly 400 years after he scratched it into a wall when he was a choirboy

The name 'Mathew Lock' was etched into Exeter Cathedral wall in 1638

Was discovered when the organ that has covered it for 375 years was removed for refurbishment

Locke became personal composer of King Charles II and was leading musician in Baroque era



One of Britain’s oldest examples of graffiti has been discovered behind a church organ almost 400 years after it was drawn.

The etching, drawn on a wall at Exeter cathedral in Devon, was made by a choirboy who went on to become King Charles II's personal composer.

Matthew Locke - also known as Mathew Lock - dated his carving as 1638, when officials believe he was eight years old.

Discovery: Exeter Cathedral's assistant music director David Davies examines the historic carving that went unnoticed for 375 years

Piece of history: The deep etching is dated 1638, before 'Mathew Lock' was known as the great composer Matthew Locke Plentiful: The name, picture here on the north wall of the organ's loft is one of many choirboys' engravings. Matthew Locke's graffiti is believed to be the oldest

The name was hidden by an organ that has been in place for 375 years, but was discovered when the Cathedral's furniture was moved for restoration.

Locke grew up to become a leading figure of the baroque era and composer for King Charles II.

It is not known when an extra 't' was added to his first name or when an 'e' was added to his surname.



Staff dismantled the imposing John Loosemore instrument which had been in place since 1665 and exposed the north wall in the cathedral’s organ loft.

Historical records prove Locke was in Exeter in 1638, learning his trade as a chair singer, composer, musician and musical theorist.

Fame: Locke was a leading musical figure in the Baroque era

His signature is one of dozens scrawled on the walls over the years in what has become a tradition among choirboys.

Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral, Andrew Millington, said: 'Locke certainly left his mark and more recent choristers have followed in the tradition.'

Matthew Locke is thought to have been born around 1621, though some records suggest he was born as late as 1629.

He served King Charles the Second as Composer of the Wind Music and Composer for the Violins.

Locke died in August 1677 and his successor in the role was his friend and fellow classical giant Henry Purcell.

David Davies, Assistant Director of Music, said: 'We know that he was a chorister here and he studied with Edward Gibbons, who was the brother of Orlando Gibbons the famous Tudor composer.

' Matthew Locke then went to London and we know that he was the Composer in Ordinary for Charles II.

'In terms of his music and his life he spanned a very important part of the time that goes from the Reformation to the Restoration of the Monarchy.'

Exeter Cathedral’s organ is currently undergoing refurbishment in Durham. It will cover the graffiti again when it is returned next autumn.

