John Clare (1793-1864)
John Clare (1793 - 1864) was born in in Helpston, Cambridgeshire, England. His father was a labourer, and in the early part of his life education was not a priority. Indeed he started to herd animals at the age of seven. However, in his teenage years he discovered The Seasons by James Thomson and began writing poetry himself. In 1820 he published his first book of poetry and married Martha Turner whilst 'rural poetry' was the vogue. However, this rosy start didn't persist as the fashion for rustic poetry drifted and his popularity diminished. In 1837 he was admitted to a mental asylum in Epping suffering from mental strain. He escaped in 1841 thinking he would be reunited with his first true love Mary Joyce. However, when he wasn't, a few months later he returned to the asylum where he spent the rest of his days continueing to write some of his best poetry.
|
|



