Martin Parker facts for kids

Martin Parker (born around 1600, died around 1656) was a famous English writer. He was best known for writing many popular songs called ballads. He might have also owned a tavern in London.

Martin Parker: A Ballad Writer

His Life and Popular Songs

Martin Parker started writing and publishing ballads around 1625. Many of his songs, signed with his name or "M.P.", are kept safe in the British Museum today. A famous writer named John Dryden even said Parker was the best ballad writer of his time!

During the English Civil War, Parker supported King Charles I of England. This war was a big fight between the King and Parliament over how England should be ruled. To help the King, Parker wrote his most famous song, When the king enjoys his own again. He first shared this song in 1643. It became very popular when the King was restored to power later. Later, in the 1700s, it became a favorite song for people who supported the Jacobite cause, which was about bringing a different royal family to the throne.

Parker also wrote a sea song called Sailors for my Money. A changed version of this song is still known today as When the stormy winds do blow. We don't know exactly when Martin Parker died. However, a special poem written about his death appeared in 1656. This poem suggests that he likely passed away around that time.