James Fenton (Ulster Scots poet) facts for kids

James Fenton (born 5 June 1931 – died 3 February 2021) was a special kind of writer. He was a linguist, meaning he studied languages, and a poet. He wrote his poems in Ulster Scots, which is a unique language spoken in parts of Northern Ireland.

About James Fenton

James Fenton grew up in places called Drumdarragh and Ballinaloob in County Antrim. When he was a child, the language spoken at home was Ulster Scots. He went to college at Stranmillis College in Belfast, and later studied at Queen's University. After his studies, he became a teacher in schools in Belfast.

His poems were written in the Ulster Scots language. They often showed different feelings, sometimes being lively and happy, and other times a bit thoughtful or sad. He used the way people spoke Ulster Scots in his time, especially the way it was spoken in Ballinaloob. He even called Ballinaloob "Belnaloob" in one of his poems, Thonner an Thon.

His Books and Writings

James Fenton wrote an important book called The Hamely Tongue. This book is a record and study of Scots words that are used in Ulster. It helps people understand and learn more about the Ulster Scots language.

He also had a collection of his own poems published. This book is called Thonner an Thon. Both of his books were published by a company called Ullans Press. James Fenton lived in Glengormley, which is in Newtownabbey.

His Later Years

James Fenton passed away on 3 February 2021. He was 89 years old.