England
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Robert Herrick
London, England
Archival Overview
17th-century English Cavalier poet and clergyman famous for his carpe diem lyric 'To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time' ('Gather ye rosebuds while ye may').
Biographical Record
Robert Herrick (1591–1674) was a 17th-century English poet and Anglican vicar celebrated as one of the quintessential 'Cavalier Poets' and a leading 'Son of Ben' (disciple of Ben Jonson). Born in Cheapside, London, he graduated from St John's College, Cambridge, before taking holy orders and serving as vicar of Dean Prior in rural Devonshire.
Herrick published his monumental single collection, Hesperides; or, the Works Both Humane and Divine of Robert Herrick, Esq., in 1648 during the English Civil War. Containing more than 1,400 short poems, the volume celebrates English pastoral life, folk customs, romantic love, and the transience of youth and beauty, crystallized in his immortal opening line 'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may'.
Key Life Milestones
Vicar of Dean Prior
Appointed vicar of Dean Prior in Devonshire by King Charles I, immersing himself in the rural English folk traditions that inspired his poetry.
Publication of Hesperides
Published Hesperides, a collection of over 1,400 secular and devotional lyrics encapsulating the lyric genius of the Caroline era.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialDean Prior, United Kingdom