Note 39 — Chapter VIII · ADLINGTON AND ITS EARLIER LORDS—THE LEGHS—THE LEGEND OF THE SPANISH LADY’S LOVE—THE HALL. (continued 2)

According to another version, it was at Edgeware, and not at Adlington, that Handel heard the anvil sounds which suggested the “Harmonious Blacksmith.” The great composer dwelt at Canons, the guest of the Duke of Chandos, within three quarters of a mile of Edgeware, and was for three years the organist of Little Stanmore Church. The authority for the Edgeware or Little Stanmore version rests mainly on local tradition and the following inscriptions:—On the organ of Little Stanmore Church: “Handel was organist of this church from the year 1718 to 1721, and composed his oratorio of ‘Esther’ on this organ.” On a tombstone in the churchyard: “In memory of William Powell, the ‘Harmonious Blacksmith,’ who was buried 27th February, 1780, aged 78 years. He was parish clerk during the time the Immortal Handel was organist of this church.” Powell was a blacksmith at Edgeware smithy. [Information obligingly communicated by J. Oldfield Chadwick, Esq.]