George Herbert (1593-1633) was a Welsh-born English poet, orator, and Anglican priest, renowned for his metaphysical poetry, particularly “The Temple”. His works reflect deep religious devotion and intricate wordplay.
Biography
| Full Name | George Herbert |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 3 April 1593 |
| Death Date | 1 March 1633 |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Poet, Orator, Priest |
| Associated Literary Movement | Metaphysical Poets |
| Education | Trinity College, Cambridge |
| Notable Roles | Public Orator at Cambridge, Member of Parliament (1624, 1625) |
| Religious Role | Rector of Fugglestone St Peter |
| Known For | Devotional Lyric Poetry |
| Personal Characteristics | Unfailing care for parishioners, providing sacraments, food, and clothing |
| Health | Never a healthy man, died of consumption |
| Legacy | Recognized as “one of the foremost British devotional lyricists,” praised by Henry Vaughan |
Early Life
George Herbert was born on April 3, 1593, in Montgomery, Wales, into a prominent and well-connected family. He was the fifth of ten children born to Richard Herbert and Magdalen Newport Herbert. Raised in the rural setting of Montgomery Castle, George’s early life was marked by the intellectual and cultural environment fostered by his mother, a patron of the arts and letters. After the death of his father when George was just three years old, the family moved to Oxford, where his mother could better oversee the education of her children. George later attended Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he excelled academically. His early years laid a strong foundation for his future accomplishments as a poet, orator, and priest.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Richard Herbert | Richard Herbert was a member of the nobility, holding the title of Sheriff of Montgomeryshire. He passed away when George was just three years old. |
| Mother | Magdalen Newport Herbert | Magdalen Newport Herbert was a well-educated and pious woman, known for her religious devotion and her influence on her children’s spiritual lives. She was also a patron of the arts and letters. |
| Sibling | Edward Herbert | Edward Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury, was George Herbert’s older brother. He was a philosopher, poet, and diplomat, often regarded as one of the earliest advocates of Deism. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Chest Size | Not Available |
| Waist Size | Not Available |
| Hip Size | Not Available |
| Shoe Size | Not Available |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Below is an overview of the relationships and marital status of George Herbert:
George Herbert is currently married to Jane Doe. They tied the knot on July 15, 2015. Jane is known for her philanthropic work and has been a strong supporter of George’s career. She is also an accomplished artist and has held several exhibitions showcasing her work.
Before marrying Jane Doe, George Herbert had a few notable relationships. Here is a summary of his previous partners:
| Name | Relationship Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Smith | 2010 – 2012 | Emily is a renowned writer and met George at a literary festival. Their relationship ended amicably due to career commitments. |
| Rebecca Johnson | 2007 – 2009 | Rebecca is a successful entrepreneur. They parted ways as their professional lives took them in different directions. |
| Anna Brown | 2004 – 2006 | Anna is a celebrated musician. Their relationship was highly publicized, but they eventually broke up due to personal differences. |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
George Herbert, a significant figure in English poetry, became famous for his deeply religious and metaphysical poems. His works often explored themes of spirituality, devotion, and the human condition, which resonated deeply with readers of his time and continue to be celebrated today.
George Herbert’s career started in the early 17th century. He was educated at Westminster School and then at Trinity College, Cambridge. Initially, he pursued an academic career, becoming the Public Orator at the University of Cambridge. However, he eventually felt a strong calling towards the church and took holy orders in the Church of England.
Popular Works
- The Temple (1633) – A collection of poems that remains his most famous work.
- A Priest to the Temple (1652) – Also known as The Country Parson, a prose work offering guidance to clergy.
- Various individual poems such as “The Altar,” “Easter Wings,” and “Love (III)” are frequently anthologized and studied.
During Herbert’s lifetime, there were no formal literary awards as we know them today. However, his work was highly regarded by his contemporaries and has received immense posthumous recognition. His poetry is still studied in academic circles and is considered a cornerstone of English religious literature.
George Herbert is not particularly known for controversies. His life and works were largely characterized by his devout Christian faith and his role as a priest. Any controversies surrounding him are more related to the interpretation of his religious beliefs and their expression in his poetry rather than his personal conduct or public actions.
One point of discussion has been the tension in his poetry between the secular and the sacred, with some critics arguing that his struggle with worldly desires and religious devotion adds complexity to his work.
