Richard Niccols facts for kids

Richard Niccols (1584–1616) was an English poet and editor. He lived during a time when England had many famous writers, like William Shakespeare. Niccols was known for his poems and for updating an important book called the Mirror for Magistrates.

Early Life and Adventures

Richard Niccols was born in London in 1584. His father might have been another Richard Niccols, who was also a writer.

When he was about 12 years old, young Richard Niccols went on an exciting trip. He joined an expedition led by Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham. They sailed to Cadiz, a city in Spain, in 1596. Richard was on the admiral's ship, the Ark, when they captured the city.

Education and Supporters

Later, Richard went to Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1602. He then moved to Magdalen Hall and finished his studies in 1606.

After college, he moved to London. There, he studied the works of another famous poet, Edmund Spenser. Niccols wrote his own poems in a similar style. He had important people who supported his writing, including the Earl of Nottingham and other wealthy families like the Wroths and the Hays.

Richard Niccols's Writings

Richard Niccols wrote many different types of works during his life. He started writing even when he was a student.

Early Poems and The Cuckow

His first published work was about the death of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1607, he published a long poem called The Cuckow. This poem tells the story of a singing contest between a cuckoo and a nightingale. Niccols admired Edmund Spenser and even praised him in this poem.

Updating the Mirror for Magistrates

One of Niccols's most important projects was updating a famous book called the Mirror for Magistrates. This book was a collection of poems about the lives of important historical figures. It was first published in 1559.

Niccols's updated version came out in 1610. He added new stories about kings and princes who were not in the earlier versions. These included King Arthur, Richard I, and Richard III. Niccols dedicated his part of the book to the Earl of Nottingham.

England's Eliza

As part of the Mirror for Magistrates, Niccols also included his own long poem called England's Eliza. This poem celebrated the life and rule of Queen Elizabeth I. He wrote this poem in 1603, shortly after the Queen's death.

Other Works by Niccols

Richard Niccols wrote several other books and poems:

• Three precious teares of blood (1612): This was a translation from French, written to honor Henry the Great.
• The Three Sisters Teares (1613): A poem written for the funeral of Henry, Prince of Wales.
• The Furies with Vertues Encomium (1614): A book of short, witty poems called epigrams.
• Monodia, or Waltham's Complaint (1615): A poem written after the death of Lady Honor Hay.
• London's Artillery (1616): This book described the history and practices of London's military society.
• Sir Thomas Overbvrie's Vision (1616): A poem about a well-known event involving Sir Thomas Overbury.

Posthumous Publication

After Niccols died, a poem called The Begger's Ape was published in 1627. It seems Niccols might have written this poem, and it was similar to Spenser's Mother Hubberd's Tale.