In the second half of the 18th century a remarkable diary was kept by a Beverley gentleman, John Courtney. At times it has the feel of a Jane Austen novel, with accounts of musical soirees, dancing in the assembly rooms, the presence of the militia in the town and the occasional elopement to Gretna Green. The importance of music to Courtney is evident. He owned a harpsichord and chamber organ, composed music, attended concerts and hosted visiting musicians. In this lecture Beverley historian and author of an edition of the diaries, Dr Susan Neave, will talk about John Courtney’s life in the town and beyond, including the part music played in his life.