Children’s hymnody, British

British Children’s Hymnody It became apparent from the very earliest days of hymnody that children needed their own hymns. This overview will show how educational, musical and cultural changes are reflected in the many collections of hymns written specifically for children. The challenge presented to writers of children’s hymns has always been how to engage the young mind with thought-provoking material but present it in an attractive and accessible manner. Some of the earliest hymn texts specifically for children, written by Isaac Watts* (1674-1748), drew their inspiration from moral and everyday situations. John Wesley* (1703-91) and Charles Wesley* (1707-88) added more overtly spiritual...