Gill was born at
Marsala, Sicily to Manx parents, and he was educated at
King William's College. He lived in
London, England most of his life but remained interested in his roots. The anthem is a traditional Manx ballad. Gill's words were published as "Eaisht oo as Clash-tyn" ("Listen and Hear") in
Manx National Songs in 1896. "The Manx Fisherman's Evening Hymn" and "Peel Castle." Gill also collected and arranged material in England, particularly that associated with
Sussex. ==References==