Aurelian Townshend facts for kids

Aurelian Townshend (sometimes spelled Townsend; around 1583 – around 1649) was an English poet and playwright who lived in the 1600s. He was known for his beautiful poetry and plays.

Aurelian Townshend's Family

Aurelian Townshend was the son of John Townshend from Dereham Abbey in Norfolk, England. He and his sister, Frances, were born before December 12, 1583. This date is known because they were mentioned in the will of their relative, Thomas Townshend.

Aurelian was also a distant cousin to Sir Roger Townshend and to the historian Hayward Townshend. His mother's name was Anne, and she was said to be the daughter of Sir Richard Catlin.

His Life and Work

Not much is known for sure about Aurelian Townshend's life. He was part of a group of writers called the Cavalier poets. These poets wrote during the time of King Charles I.

One of his most famous works was a special play called a masque, titled Tempe Restored. This play was performed in 1632. It was a big event, and Queen Henrietta Maria herself, along with fourteen other ladies from the royal court, acted in it!

Robert Cecil, an important person at the time, helped Aurelian with his education. He even sent him to Europe to study. While in Venice, Aurelian lost some money. Within three years, he returned to England. He then spent a year in France as a friend and helper to Edward Herbert. Townshend was very good at languages, speaking French, Italian, and Spanish perfectly.

In 1613, he started working with Inigo Jones, a famous architect and stage designer. Aurelian became a librettist for Jones, meaning he wrote the words for musical plays. He also became good friends with the poet Thomas Carew. Townshend wrote poetry for about five years during this time. Carew even mentioned Townshend in one of his own poems, suggesting that Townshend was more involved in politics than he was.

Later in his life, Aurelian Townshend faced financial difficulties. In 1643, he needed help with money and asked the House of Lords for protection from people he owed money to.

Aurelian Townshend had a daughter named Mary Townshend. She married George Kirke, who worked for the King. Their daughter, Diana Kirke, later married Aubrey de Vere, 20th Earl of Oxford in 1673.

His Poetry

Townshend's poetry is special because it is both very structured and also very free. His words are delicate, and his poems sound like music.

A famous poet named T. S. Eliot admired how musical Townshend's poetry was. Another writer, Hugh Kenner, believed that Townshend's unique style helped set the stage for other poets like Andrew Marvell. Even though some people consider him a less famous poet, his work is still appreciated for its beauty and sound.