CROFT (or CROFTS) , WILLIAM , English composer, was born at Nether Ettington in Warwickshire. He received his musical education in the Chapel Royal under Dr. Blow whom he succeeded as organist there on the latter's death in 1708, becoming at the same time organist of Westminster Abbey. In 1724 he published, under the name of Musica Sacra, an edition of his choral music in 2 vols. folio, including his noble Burial Service which has been justly described as one of the mas terpieces of English Church music. He died at Bath and was buried in Westminster