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AS THE chimes of the Civic Centre clock ring out the tune of O God Our Help in Ages Past, local people are daily reminded of the famous Southampton hymn writer Isaac Watts.

But another name, once equally famous, has been largely forgotten.

These days Charles Dibdin has become an historic sidenote in the nation's musical heritage.

At one time, though, he was known as "the greatest of English songwriters'' and the British sailors' poet laureate.

Dibdin's talents even found favour and respect with Emperor Napolean, who said: "Britain is more indebted to Dibdin for her naval glory than to the courage of Nelson.'' Born in Southampton in March 1745 to a woman who was almost 50, Dibdin was the family's 18th child and was baptised in private at Holy Rood Church. In 1801 Dibdin wrote a series of letters "addressed to a large number of intelligent and respectable friends".

Now, more than 200 years later, extracts from these letters have emerged in a pamphlet, printed in Southampton during 1888, which now forms part of a private collection of Hampshire books.

Dibdin wrote: "Hampshire ismy native county; for I was born at Southampton, in which place I passed the first eight years of my life, and which I visited occasionally till I was 15.

"It is certainly a very charming place, and the approach to it, in particular fromWinchester, is considered one of the handsomest effects in England.

"The High Street is handsome and spacious, and holds out a friendly and hospitable welcome to strangers, who certainly will be gratified with the town and its vicinity.'' Dibdin's parents wanted their son to go into the church, so he was sent to be educated at Winchester College, where his love of music blossomed.

The 19th century pamphlet says: "His musical propensities being thus nourished by the popularity which his attainment gained for him, he abandoned his ecclesiastical studies and devoted himself wholly to his favourite pusuit, resolving to depend on it as his means of subsistence.'' Dibdin went to London and was introduced to his brother's city friends. But according to the pamphlet: "They gradually negelected him owing to his aversion to be considered a fiddler and buffoon, and his determination never to entertain the company, and to sing and be comical, at the word of command.'' After publishing a few songs, Dibdin obtained a role as a chorus singer at Covent Garden. His voice is said to have been a baritone of a "sweet and mellow quality".

His reputation grew as popular plays, operas and songs all flowed from his pen, until finally he opened his own theatre in Leicester Square. For ten years he presented a show called The Whim of the Moment, in which he was sole performer, author and composer.

Dibdin's output was prolific, with no less than 100 operatic pieces, 30 shows and 20 books to his name, but he began to lose money - although his popular sea songs earned him the title of the sailors' poet.

"I have always made this remark, that the music I have sold has yielded very little, except to publishers, and that which I have published on my own account has frequently brought me into debt,'' said Dibdin in the late 1870s.

After completing a tour of Britain, Dibdin decided to try his luck abroad. In 1788 he sailed for India but again his ill-luck followed him, as the ship was forced into Torbay due to storms and so the composer abandoned the trip.

On April 12, 1805 Dibdin retired from the stage after a musical career lasting more than four decades. He soon found himself facing bankruptcy.

Friends raised £640, which was used to provide a pension while living in Camden Town.

In 1813 Dibdin suffered a stroke and on July 25 the following year, aged 69, he died and was buried in the graveyard of St Martin's-in-the-Fields, London.

3:26pm Saturday 23rd February 2008

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