Stanfield was born in
London, one of the sons of the marine painter, and friend of
Charles Dickens,
Clarkson Frederick Stanfield. He was educated at
St Edmund's College, Ware. After ordination, he was stationed in
Hertford. He then became principally in conducting missions and retreats. He was later priest in charge at
Old Hall Green. Stanfield wrote over a dozen hymns for various occasions. He is noted as the author of the hymn
Sweet Sacrament Divine for which he also composed the music, the tune being called "Divine Mysteries." His hymn "Hear Thy Children Gentle Jesus, While We Breathe Our Evening Prayer" uses the tune
Drakes Broughton (by
Elgar). ==References==