Herbert Stephen Irons (1834-1905) was born in Canterbury, Kent England. His father was lay vicar of Canterbury Cathedral and he trained as chorister at the Cathedral. He also trained at Oxford and became Precentor and master of choristers at Columba’s College, Rathfarnham, Ireland, leaving that position to be organist at Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire. He was then assistant organist at Chester Cathedral then served many years as organist at St. Andrew’s Church, Nottingham. He died in Nottingham. He composed works for organ, a Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, anthems, a few part-songs, and hymns. His notable hymn tunes include MANIFESTATION, ST. OSMUND, ST. COLUMBA, and SOUTHWELL.