Edward Finch

Edward Finch (1664–1738) was an English composer and clergyman. He was born in 1664 as the fifth son of Heneage Finch, 1st Earl of Nottingham. Finch pursued his higher education at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree in 1679 and subsequently became a fellow of the college. During the parliamentary session of 1689–90, he was a representative of the University of Cambridge.

In 1700, Finch was ordained as a deacon at York. He served as the rector of Wigan and was appointed prebendary of York on 26 April 1704. His residence was located in the north end of the treasurer's house within York Minster's Close. Records from family correspondence indicate that Finch had an active interest in musical affairs. On 8 February 1710, he was installed as a prebendary of Canterbury.

He passed away on 14 February 1738 at the age of 75 in York. In York Minster, he erected a monument dedicated to his wife and his brother Henry, who was the dean of York. The monument includes a bust and an inscription commemorating Finch.

Finch's musical compositions include a "Te Deum" and an anthem titled "Grant, we beseech Thee," both scored for five parts. These works were included in Thomas Tudway's Collection of Services (Harleian Manuscripts 7337–42). He also authored "A Grammar of Thorough Bass," a manuscript consisting of 66 pages with musical examples; this document is held in the Euing Library at Glasgow.

Correspondence from Finch indicates he engaged in discussions regarding church preferment and related ecclesiastical matters. Among his written letters is one addressed to his brother Daniel Finch, 2nd Earl of Nottingham, dated 12 July 1702 at Winwick, in which he expressed his views on sinecures and other questions concerning ecclesiastical appointments.