Henry Harington was originally trained for the clergy, but instead chose the medical profession. He practised as a physician in Bath from 1771. In local politics and administration he was also influential, serving as alderman, magistrate, and — in 1793 — as mayor. Harington was also physician to the Duke of York.

Harington had been a keen amateur musician and composer since his student days at Oxford. From 1784 he served as joint “composer and physician” to the Harmonic Society of Bath.

He is now remembered as one of the most famous composers of the late eighteenth century of glees, as well as short unaccompanied part-songs, either witty or sentimental, to be sung in social groups, usually accompanied with a drink or two.

Harington also wrote sacred music and published works on theology as well as music.

He is buried in his home village of Kelston, but also has a memorial in Bath Abbey.