Today, the Consort of Viols is considered the quintessential ensemble of English music. While its use certainly continued until the mid-17th century, this current view of English musical life has overshadowed the importance of the violin during this period. This is hardly surprising, given the significant role played by numerous Italian musicians both at court and in other musical centres.

It is a highly varied repertoire of fantasias, sonatas and dances that was written for violin ensembles in England, the most typical grouping being three violins and basso continuo.

This genre became established during the reign of James I (1603-1625) with compositions by John Dowland, Thomas Simpson, and Maurice Webster. Although Italian influence and the role of the violin intensified during the reign of Charles I (1625-1649), the supremacy of the Italian instrument became even more pronounced during the Restoration, under Charles II (1660-1685),, reaching its zenith with Henry Purcell after the works of such composers as Jenkins and Matteis.