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Arthur Marriott
Local Littleton Musician
Born 1854 died April 14, 1935
Biography
Arthur Marriott, well know Littleton musician, was born within the precincts of Windsor Castle, England, during the reign of the famous Queen Victoria.
He was the son of Frederick Marriott, a gentleman of the choir at St. George's chapel. The father was known as the Queen's (Victoria) alto, because the sovereign was so fond of his fine voice.
Young Arthur entered the choir as a chorister, remaining six years. He then became an apprenticed pupil of Sir George Elroy, the organist at the royal chapel, and assisted as organist as well as at times singing as tenor in the choir.
Mr. marriott took part in many of the royal musical functions toward the end of the Victorian period, and he also had the distinction of playing the piano in many of the private entertainments at Windsor Castle.
Mr. Marriott left Windsor to take a position of organist of Southwell Minster, which became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Nottingham and Derby, and there directed many large festivals and services during his stay.
Leaving England
Being offered the position of organist in Denver, he left England and accompanied his musical friends, Dr. Gower and Henry Housely, to our neighboring city.
In Denver, Mr. Marriott was the organist of All Saint's Church, the musical assistant at Oak's Home, and accompanist to the (then) Denver Chord Society and the Apollo Club.
He came to Littleton in 1901 and was asked to direct the music and choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church here. He served with five rectors, and finally when the congregation became too small to support a rector, Mr. Marriott conducted the services himself for nine months. For the past half-dozen years there have been no regular Episcopal services in Littleton.
Throughout his long stay in Littleton, Mr. Marriott has devoted his time to teaching piano, violin, and singing to the young musicians of the town. He has contributed a number of articles on music and Christmas to this paper from time to time.
He, like all good Englishmen, loves the spirit of Christmas. In fact, to know "Prof" Marriott is like knowing one of the delightful characters in a Dickens novel.
"Prof" is loved by the whole community for his goodness of heart, his musical talent, and the interesting tales he relates of his contacts with Europe's royalty.
From the Littleton Independent, April 13, 1928, courtesy of the Littleton Historical Museum
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