John Huckell facts for kids

John Huckell (1729–1771) was an English poet who lived in the 1700s. He is best known for his poems, especially one called Avon, which was about the River Avon.

Early Life and Education

John Huckell was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, and was baptized on December 29, 1729. His father, Thomas Huckell, was an important person in the town.

John went to the grammar school in Stratford, which was a type of school for boys. Later, he went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford, a college at the famous University of Oxford. He started there on April 8, 1747, and finished his first degree (a Bachelor of Arts) on March 11, 1751.

After college, John Huckell became a curate, which is a type of church official who helps the main priest. He worked at the church in Hounslow, Middlesex, and also at a chapel that was located between two towns, Heston and Isleworth. He lived in Isleworth until he passed away. He was buried there on September 20, 1771.

His Poems

John Huckell wrote several poems during his life. His most famous works include:

Avon; a Poem, in three parts

This long poem was published in 1758. It was printed in a very fancy way by a famous printer named Baskerville in Birmingham. The poem is about the River Avon, which flows through Stratford-upon-Avon, John Huckell's hometown. A new edition of this poem was printed in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1811.

An Epistle to David Garrick, Esq.

This poem was written as a letter to a famous actor named David Garrick. It was about a special event in 1769 when David Garrick was given an honor by the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The poem also mentioned the "Jubilee," which was a big celebration held in September 1769 to honor the famous playwright William Shakespeare, who was also from Stratford-upon-Avon.