John Hebden   John Hebden  English composer baptized on July 21,
1712 at Spofforth, near Harrogate in Yorkshire, the son of 'John
Hebdin' of Plompton. He was orphaned when young but was
fortunate enough to receive an excellent education, including
musical tuition. Hebden grew up in York and there in 1732
married Mary Preistland. They had a child, John, but Mary died
while John was still young. Years later Hebden bequeathed money
to be held in trust for his "ne'er do well" son.  Hebden was a
professional bassoonist, gamba player and 'cellist and in the
1730s composed music for a small local professional orchestra
containing "all the best Hands in Town". They gave many concerts
at the York Assembly Rooms which were designed by Richard Boyle,
3rd Earl of Burlington, a patron of Handel.  In 1744, Charles
Burney recorded him as being a musician in London, presumably
when he was principal 'cellist and bassoonist with the orchestra
at Vauxhall Gardens. He is also mentioned as a 'cellist and
bassoonist in Pohl's list