He was born in Scotland in 1653. Nothing is known about his origins or his musical training. The first time his name appears in official records is on 1 May 1679, when he was admitted to the Chapel Royal as "extraordinary" and then as "ordinary". At the same time, he is mentioned among the musicians of the King's Private Musick as lute and voice leader as well as violinist, the latter position probably being a benefice. Between 1679 and 1688 he received considerable sums of "liberal money" for undisclosed services to the King while travelling abroad. He died in England in 1716.
