Baker, Henry Williams Sir Henry Williams Baker (1821-1877) was born in London, and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. He took holy orders in 1844 and became vicar at Monkland, near Leominster. He wrote his first hymn in 1852, and took a leading role in editing "Hymns Ancient and Modern", published in 1861. He contributed several original hymns as well as translations from the Latin. He also wrote books of prayers and religious tracts.