Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick (1591–1674) was an English lyric poet and cleric, best known for his carpe diem-themed poetry and his collection “Hesperides.” His works celebrate the pastoral and the pleasures of life.

Biography

Name	Life Span	Profession	Nationality
Robert Herrick (novelist)	1868–1938	Novelist	American
Robert Herrick (poet)	1591–1674	Poet	English

Early Life

Robert Herrick, born on August 24, 1591, in Cheapside, London, was a prominent 17th-century English poet and cleric. He was the seventh child of Nicholas Herrick, a prosperous goldsmith, and Julian Stone. Tragically, his father died in a fall from a window when Robert was only a year old. Raised by his mother and extended family, Herrick received his early education in London before attending St John’s College, Cambridge. After completing his studies, he eventually moved to Devon, where he served as the vicar of Dean Prior for much of his life. His experiences and surroundings in these early years significantly influenced his later literary works.

Family

Relation	Name	Information
Father	Nicholas Herrick	Nicholas Herrick was a prosperous goldsmith in London. He tragically committed suicide in 1592 when Robert was just a year old.
Mother	Julian Stone	Julian Stone remarried after Nicholas’s death. She was responsible for the upbringing of Robert and his siblings.
Sibling	Thomas Herrick	Thomas Herrick, one of Robert’s brothers, also pursued a career in goldsmithing, following in their father’s footsteps.
Sibling	William Herrick	William Herrick, another brother, became a notable jeweler and was appointed to the royal court.

Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements

Measurement	Details
Height	N/A
Weight	N/A
Chest	N/A
Waist	N/A
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Note: Specific body measurements for Robert Herrick are not readily available.

Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend

Robert Herrick, born in 1591, was an English lyric poet and cleric. Herrick is best known for his book of poems, “Hesperides”. Below is a detailed account of his relationships:

Robert Herrick never married and there are no records of a long-term partner or significant relationship in his life. He remained a bachelor throughout his life.

There are no documented romantic relationships or significant others in the historical records of Robert Herrick. He was more focused on his poetic career and clerical duties.

Despite his numerous poems about love and relationships, Robert Herrick did not have a known wife, girlfriend, or long-term partner. His life was largely dedicated to his poetry and his position as a vicar.

Career, Achievements And Controversies

How He Became Famous

Robert Herrick (1591-1674) became famous primarily through his poetry, which was distinguished by its lyrical quality and classical influence. He was a prominent figure among the Cavalier poets, a group known for their refined and often hedonistic verse. Herrick’s works were celebrated for their charm, wit, and the way they captured the essence of early 17th-century English life.

How The Career Started, Popular Works

Herrick’s career began after he graduated from St John’s College, Cambridge, in 1617. He was ordained as a priest in 1623 and became the vicar of Dean Prior in Devon in 1629, a position he held for many years. His most famous work, “Hesperides,” was published in 1648. This collection includes over 1,400 poems, with his most well-known pieces being “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” and “Corinna’s Going A-Maying.”

Some of his other notable works include:

• “The Night Piece, to Julia”
• “Upon Julia’s Clothes”
• “Delight in Disorder”
• “His Farewell to Sack”

Awards

During Herrick’s time, formal literary awards and recognitions as we know them today did not exist. However, his work has been celebrated posthumously, with his poems being included in numerous anthologies and studied extensively in academic circles. His influence on English literature is well-recognized, and his poems continue to be appreciated for their lyrical beauty and expressive power.

Controversies

While Robert Herrick’s poetry was generally well-received, his career was not without its controversies:

• During the English Civil War, Herrick, a Royalist, was ejected from his vicarage by the Puritans in 1647. He was reinstated in 1660 after the Restoration of the monarchy.
• Some of Herrick’s poems, with their explicit themes and sensual imagery, were considered scandalous by the more puritanical elements of society. This led to some criticism and controversy over the moral content of his works.

Despite these controversies, Herrick’s work has endured and remains an important part of English literary heritage.

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