Thomas Storer facts for kids
Thomas Storer (born around 1571, died 1604) was an English writer and a bit of a math whiz. He is best known for his long poem called The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey.
About Thomas Storer
Thomas Storer was the son of John Storer, who lived in London. When he was about 16, in 1587, Thomas went to Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous college at Oxford University. He studied hard and earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1591. Later, in 1604, he got his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. Sadly, Thomas Storer passed away in London in November 1604. He was buried at a church called St Michael Bassishaw.
His Writings
Thomas Storer's most important work was a long poem published in 1599. It was called The Life and Death of Thomas Wolsey, cardinall. This poem tells the story of Thomas Wolsey, a very powerful church leader and politician in England. Storer's poem was inspired by other stories about Wolsey, especially one by Thomas Churchyard.
The Wolsey Poem
The poem about Cardinal Wolsey is divided into three main parts:
- "Wolseius aspirans" (Wolsey rising up)
- "Wolseius triumphans" (Wolsey succeeding)
- "Wolseius moriens" (Wolsey dying)
Each part uses a special seven-line rhyming pattern. Storer based his poem on true stories written by George Cavendish and Raphael Holinshed. His poem was even praised by a famous scholar named Alberic Gentilis.
Influence on Shakespeare
For a long time, people have thought that Storer's poem might have influenced Shakespeare. Some believe it helped Shakespeare when he wrote his famous play Henry VIII. This play also tells the story of Cardinal Wolsey.
Other Works
Thomas Storer also had about 20 of his poems included in a collection called England's Parnassus in 1600. These poems often used very detailed and imaginative language. He also wrote some verses that appeared in a book by Sir William Vaughan called Golden Grove, also in 1600.
