The patterns of music subscription in English, Welsh and Irish cathedrals during the Georgian era

The quality of the music produced at Britain's cathedrals during the 18th century has generally been accepted to have been poor, and there has been much written on the reluctance of deans and chapters to invest financially in the choirs. However, an analysis of the music purchased by such groups through subscription paints a very different picture, with some deans and chapters investing heavily in the acquisition of new music for their choir's use. Ultimately, an analysis of the subscription lists attached to the collections of sacred music does not paint the full picture in regards to the state of sacred music at this time, but it nevertheless indicates that a more nuanced approach is necessary, with several cathedrals, particularly Durham, maintaining significant levels of investment for much of the 18th century.