William King (poet) facts for kids

William King (1663–1712) was an English poet. He was known for his humorous and satirical writings.

William King's Life

Early Years and Education

William King was born in London, England, in 1663. His father was Ezekiel King. William was also related to the family of Edward Hyde, who was a famous Earl of Clarendon.

William went to Westminster School, where he was a talented student under a teacher named Richard Busby. When he was 18, in 1681, he was chosen to attend Christ Church, Oxford University. People said he studied very hard there. One story claims he read over 7,000 books and old papers during his time at Oxford!

Career and Work in Ireland

In 1688, William King earned his Master of Arts degree. He then decided to study civil law, which is a type of law used in some countries. He became a Doctor of Law in 1692 and worked as a lawyer at a place called Doctors' Commons.

In 1702, William King moved to Ireland. There, he got several important jobs. He became a Judge of the Admiralty, which meant he handled legal cases related to the sea. He also became a Commissioner of Prizes and Keeper of Records.

While in Ireland, King became good friends with Anthony Upton, who was a High Court judge. King often stayed at Upton's house, called Mountown, near Dublin. Both men loved spending time in the countryside. Some people criticized them, saying they enjoyed their quiet life too much and didn't focus enough on their official duties.

Return to London and Later Life

In 1708, William King returned to London when a new governor, Lord Wharton, was sent to Ireland.

Around 1710, King became a supporter of the High Church party in England. This group had strong beliefs about the Church of England. He was thought to have helped start a newspaper called The Examiner. King was also suspicious of the ideas of a political group called the Whigs.

In the autumn of 1712, William King's health began to get worse. He passed away on Christmas Day that same year.

William King's Writings

William King wrote many different kinds of works, including humorous pieces, satires, and poems.

Early Works and Satires

In 1688, King published a book called Reflections upon Mons Varillas's History of Heresy. He wrote it with Edward Hannes to correct a historian named Antoine Varillas, especially about his account of John Wycliffe. King had also translated some works from French and written funny, critical pieces.

In 1694, a book called Account of Denmark was published by Robert Molesworth. This book spoke badly about the Danes and their king. It upset Prince George of Denmark, who was married to Queen Anne, and the Danish ambassador protested.

In 1699, King published A Journey to London. This book was written in a similar style to a travel book about Paris by Dr. Martin Lister. In 1700, King wrote two dialogues called The Transactioner. These works made fun of the Royal Society, which was a famous scientific group, and its president, Sir Hans Sloane. While staying at his friend Mr. Justice Upton's home, Mountown, King wrote a poem called Mully of Mountown.

Later Publications

After returning to London, William King published some essays called Useful Transactions. One of these essays was a fictional story called Voyage to the Island of Cajamai.

He then wrote a poem called Art of Love. In 1709, he wrote Art of Cookery, which was inspired by the Roman poet Horace. He published this poem along with some letters to Dr. Lister. In 1711, King wrote The History of the Heathen Gods, which was a book created for schools. In the same year, he also published Rufinus, a historical essay, and a political poem about Duke of Marlborough and his supporters.