Robert Parsons was born in England around 1530, though nothing is known of his early life or training.

He was probably a choirboy, as his name first appears as a member of the choir of the Chapel Royal.

He was obviously a gifted composer, and must have been highly regarded to have so much music preserved.

He was granted a church living in the midlands of England, and was probably travelling there when he drowned in a swollen river; he was aged around 40.