English Poet John Doone

John Doone was born on c. 1572 in London,England. There was strong anti-catholicism during this period which affected Doone greatly. At eleven years of age he attended Oxford University and later attended the University of Cambridge, but he had no possibility of graduating with a degree from either university since he was born in a catholic family. Religion played a great and passionate role from the start of Doones early years til his death. (Biography.com) Doone went through many struggles in his life, that led him to the greatest recognized writer of English prose, poems, as well as sonnets. (Poetry)

Doones father, John, was a London merchant and his mother a Elizabeth Heywood, was the niece of a Catholic martyr named Thomas More. His

In 1594 Doone was appointed private secretary to the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal Of England, Sir Thomas Egerton.In 1601 John became a member of the Parliament, and married Sir Egertons 16 year old niece Anne More. Anne’s father as well as her uncle disapproved their marriage, and as a punishment Anne was not given any money to bring into their wedding. Furios Sir Egerton imprisoned Doone for eight years and struggled financially after his release. But More's father provided them the dowry. In 1610 he published “Pseudo-Martyr” which denied his faith. This polemic won him the kings favor and the support of the members of the House of Lords. Doone converted to Anglicanism in 1615, and became a priest. (Biography.com) Doone gained much fame by his way of expressing himself, which also increased his fame as a great preacher. (Poetry) Seven years later Anne More gave birth to their twelfth child, and died right after labor. After his wife’s death Doone quit writing love poems and dedicated himself to writing more about rebellious subjects. Four years later he became dean of St. Paul's Cathedral, and became very ill. During his illness he wrote a “Devotions upon Emergent Occasions” which was published in 1624. The same year he published his writing, he was appointed Bishop of St. Dunstan’s-in-the-West and because of his persuasive and clear sermons he became even more