Abell, John

ABELL, John, a celebrated alto singer and performer on the lute, was born about 1660, and probably educated in the choir of the Chapel Royal, of which establishment he was sworn a ‘gentleman extraordinary’ in 1679. He was greatly patronised by royalty, and between the years 1679 and 1688 received ‘bounty money’ amounting to no less than £740. (See ‘Moneys received and paid for secret services of Charles II and James II’—Camd. Soc). Charles II sent him...