Charles Godfrey (November 22, 1790, Kingston-upon-Thames – Decemner 12, 1863, London) was an English bandmaster, drummer, and bassoonist. He began his career as a drummer in the band of the 1st Royal Surrey Militia. He then played in the band of the Coldstream Guards as a bassoonist. He was appointed director of this band in 1825. He served in that position until 1834 when he was discharged from military duty, but continued to direct the group as a civilian musician. His son Fred Godfrey succeeded him as director of the Coldstream Guards band in 1863.[1]
In 1831 Godfrey was appointed musician-in-ordinary to King William IV. He was editor of the military band publication, Jullien’s Military Journal.[2] His other son was the bandmaster Dan Godfrey who was the father of bandmaster Daniel Eyers Godfrey.[3]