William Wordsworth: One Of The Romantic Age In English Poetry

William Wordsworth is considered one of the most influential poets of his era. He helped lay the foundation of the Romantic Age in English Literature. Focusing his talent in poetry, he became one of the most known English Romantic poets. William was a well-educated and travel man who brought his life experiences, joys and tragedies into his work.

Born to John and Ann Wordsworth, William was born on April 7, 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England. He was the second born of five children, three brothers and one sister. His family was considered well off for the time period and lived in a large house. His father was a law agent for Lord Lonsdale and would travel very frequently leaving his mother to care for the children alone. William considered his sister Dorothy as his closest friend and sibling. He relied on her for moral support most of his life and shared a connection over a love of poetry.

In 1813, William gets a job and is appointed Distributor of Stamps of Westmorland. This is a civil position that allows him to live comfortably for the rest of his life. In the same year of 1838, he received an honorary doctorate in civil law from the University of Durham and from the University of Oxford. He was awarded the Civil List pension by the government in 1842. One year later, he become the only poet laureate to write no official verses. This came after Prime Minister, Robert Peel, insisted that deserved the honor after he initially refused.

On April 23, 1850 William Wordsworth dies from complications of pleurisy. He was laid to rest in the town of Grasmere where he and his wife shared a home. Three months after his death, his wife Mary release his most well-known work The Prelude. William was one of the most influential poets of his time. Leaving his mark on the Romantic Age in English Literature well known. His poems are still widely read and taught in classroom around the