Richard Brathwait facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Brathwait
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| Born | 1588 near Kendal, Cumberland
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| Died | 1673 (aged 84–85) Catterick, Richmondshire
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| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Poet |
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Notable work
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Drunken Barnaby's Four Journeys |
Richard Brathwait (born in 1588 – died in 1673) was an English poet and writer. He is best known for his book Drunken Barnaby's Four Journeys, which describes his travels across England. He also wrote about how gentlemen and gentlewomen should behave.
Contents
Richard Brathwait's Early Life
Richard Brathwait was born in 1588 near Kendal, in a place called Burnishead. When he was about 16 years old, in 1604, he started studying at Oriel College, Oxford. There, he spent several years learning about poetry and ancient Roman history.
Later, he moved to Cambridge to study law at the university. After that, he went to London to continue his law studies at the Inns of Court.
Family Life and Later Years
In 1610, Richard's father, Thomas, passed away. Richard then moved back to his family's estate. In 1617, he married Frances Lawson in Hurworth. She was the daughter of James Lawson.
Sadly, Frances died in 1633. Richard married again in 1639. His only son from this second marriage, Sir Strafford Brathwait, was a soldier who died at sea. It is thought that Richard Brathwait fought for the King's side (the Royalists) during the English Civil War. He passed away on May 4, 1673.
What Did Richard Brathwait Write?
Richard Brathwait wrote many different kinds of books. Some of his works were more famous than others.
His Most Famous Books
His most well-known book is Drunken Barnaby's Four Journeys. This book tells the story of his trips around England. He wrote it using rhyming Latin and English verses. Another important work was The English Gentleman (published in 1631). This book, along with English Gentlewoman, gave advice on proper behavior for people in society.
Other Interesting Works
Richard Brathwait also wrote other books, including:
- The Golden Fleece (1611), which was a collection of poems.
- The Poet's Willow.
- A Strappado for the Devil, which was a type of satire (a funny way to criticize things).
- Art Asleepe, Husband?.
The First Use of "Computer"
In his 1613 book, The Yong Mans Gleanings, Richard Brathwait used the word "computer" for the very first time that we know of! But he didn't mean a machine like we have today. He used the word to describe a person who was good at math, an "arithmetician".
A small part from Drunken Barnaby and a poem he wrote for his wife, Frances, can be found in a book called The Bishoprick Garland by Sir Cuthbert Sharp.
