1835–1913
Royal Collection Trust
First began writing poetry seriously in 1860, and until 1898 he worked for the Conservative newspaper the Standard, and several other journals.
He made his first noteworthy appearance as a writer with The Season: a Satire, which contained incisive lines, and was marked by some promise both in wit and observation.
He was appointed Poet Laureate through the influence of the Prime Minister Lord Salisbury in 1896.
While he has frequently been derided as a mere ‘poetaster’, his works reveal a genuine and deeply felt love of nature.
Died died of unknown causes at Swinford Old Manor, Hothfield.