Isaac Watts 350

A celebration of Southampton's famous son, born in Above Bar in 1674.

He became the first to write and popularise hymns in the English language, becoming the Father of English Hymns and songs.

Come on and join the 350th anniversary Celebration on Tuesday 25 June at 11.15am by his statue in Watts Park, (opposite the Civic Centre Library).

Organised by local churches and The Isaac Watts 350 Committee. Participating Groups include: The Sarah Siddons Fan Club, The City of Southampton Society, The Bevois Mount History Group, King Edward VI School (choir and musicians), Members of local churches. The event will include dramatic depictions of incidents from Watts’ life. Poetry by and about Watts, Singing choral and collective, Description of Watts’ life and legacy. Participation by members of local churches and civic representatives and prayers. There will be a pause at midday, to listen to the Civic Centre clock play a verse of Watts’ hymn ‘Our God, our help in ages past’.

Did you know?

• The Civic Centre Clock chimes Isaac Watts' hymn "Our God, our help in ages past our hope for years to come", every day at 8am, 12 noon, 4pm and 8pm.

• Isaac Watts wrote the Easter hymn, "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" and the Christmas carol "Joy To The World". 

• He also wrote educational books on geography, astronomy, grammar and philosophy.

• Oxford and Cambridge Universities used his book on logic and reason as the standard text through the 18th century.

• He wrote more than 700 hymns and popularised congregational hymn-singing throughout the world.

• The statue to him in Watts (West) Park was unveiled on his birthday 17th July by the Earl of Shaftesbury in 1861.