# Robert Herrick

> English poet and cleric (1591–1674)

**Wikidata**: [Q553554](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q553554)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Herrick_(poet))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-herrick

## Summary
Robert Herrick was an English poet and cleric renowned for his lyrical poetry, particularly his collections *Hesperides* and *Noble Numbers*. Born in 1591, he served as a priest in the Church of England and became a prominent figure in 17th-century literature, celebrated for his vivid imagery and secular themes. His work influenced later poets and experienced a revival in the 19th century.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1591 (exact date: August 24 or January 1, 1591)  
- **Nationality**: Kingdom of England  
- **Education**: Attended Trinity Hall, Cambridge; Westminster School; St John's College, Cambridge  
- **Known for**: Lyric poetry, blending religious and secular themes  
- **Employer(s)**: Church of England (as a cleric)  
- **Field(s)**: Literature, theology  

## Contributions
- **Published *Hesperides* (1648)**: A collection of secular poems exploring love, nature, and mortality, noted for its technical skill and sensuality.  
- **Published *Noble Numbers* (1648)**: A companion volume of sacred poems reflecting his religious devotion.  
- **Clerical career**: Served as a priest in Dean Prior, Devon, from 1629 until the English Civil War.  

## FAQs
**What is Robert Herrick best known for?**  
He is celebrated for his lyric poetry, particularly the collections *Hesperides* and *Noble Numbers*, which showcase his mastery of meter and imagery.  

**Where was Robert Herrick educated?**  
He attended Westminster School and later studied at Trinity Hall and St John’s College, Cambridge.  

**What was Robert Herrick’s profession?**  
He worked as a cleric in the Church of England, serving as a priest in Devon for much of his career.  

**When did Robert Herrick live?**  
He was born in 1591 and died in 1674, spanning the late Tudor and Stuart periods in England.  

## Why They Matter
Robert Herrick’s poetry bridged the metaphysical and Cavalier traditions, offering a unique blend of spiritual reflection and worldly delight. His revival in the 19th century, championed by writers like Robert Louis Stevenson, solidified his reputation as a master of lyrical verse. Without his contributions, the evolution of English poetry—particularly in themes of love, nature, and mortality—would lack a key voice that influenced later Romantic and Victorian writers.

## Notable For
- Author of the celebrated poetry collections *Hesperides* and *Noble Numbers*.  
- Clergyman in the Church of England during a period of religious and political turmoil.  
- Revival of his work in the 19th century, ensuring his lasting literary reputation.  
- Affiliation with prestigious educational institutions, including Westminster School and Cambridge University.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education  
Robert Herrick was born in 1591 to a family with roots in Cheapside, London. He attended Westminster School, a prestigious institution that shaped his classical education. He later enrolled at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and St John’s College, Cambridge, though he did not graduate, a common practice for those pursuing clerical careers.  

### Career  
Herrick was ordained as a priest in the Church of England and served in the rural parish of Dean Prior, Devon, from 1629. His clerical duties influenced his sacred poetry, while his secular works often reflected courtly and pastoral themes. The English Civil War disrupted his career, leading to his temporary ejection from his parish in 1648.  

### Literary Works  
Herrick’s poetry is distinguished by its technical precision and emotional range. His 1648 publications, *Hesperides* and *Noble Numbers*, contrast secular and divine themes:  
- **Hesperides** includes poems like "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" ("Gather ye rosebuds while ye may"), urging readers to embrace life’s fleeting joys.  
- **Noble Numbers** features hymns and meditations on faith, demonstrating his dual role as poet and cleric.  

### Legacy  
Though his work fell out of favor after the Restoration, Herrick’s poetry was rediscovered in the 19th century, praised for its craftsmanship and lyrical beauty. His influence extends to poets such as John Keats and Philip Larkin, who admired his concise yet evocative style.  

### Affiliations  
Herrick’s intellectual and professional ties included:  
- **Trinity Hall, Cambridge**: One of his educational institutions.  
- **Westminster School**: A formative influence on his literary training.  
- **St John’s College, Cambridge**: Further shaped his theological and literary pursuits.  

### Historical Context  
Living through the English Civil War and the Interregnum, Herrick navigated political and religious upheaval. His poetry often reflects a longing for stability and a celebration of simple pleasures amid turmoil.  

### Artistic Style  
Herrick’s work is characterized by:  
- **Classical influences**: Use of Latin motifs and structures.  
- **Sensory imagery**: Vivid descriptions of nature and human experience.  
- **Dual themes**: Balancing earthly desires with spiritual devotion.  

This blend of the mundane and sublime ensured his poetry remained accessible and profound, securing his place in the canon of English literature.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. Library of the World's Best Literature
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. CiNii Research
7. MusicBrainz
8. SNAC
9. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
10. Proleksis Encyclopedia
11. Latter-day Saint Literature database
12. Find a Grave
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index8.html)
15. CONOR.SI
16. Shakeosphere
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
18. Quora
19. Enciclopedia Treccani
20. LIBRIS. 2005