William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 in England’s Lake District. He spent his childhood surrounded by nature, which would have a significant impact on his philosophy of both literature and living.

During his studies at Cambridge, he undertook a walking tour of France – one year after the storming of Bastille – and was stirred by the revolutionary energy of Paris. His initial time back in England was spent exploring his newfound (though short-lived) passion for radical politics, while also seeking out a career path. He published his first mature poetic works in 1793 and after receiving a generous inheritance from a friend, Wordsworth was able to pursue a literary career.

In 1843, he became Poet Laureate of England, a position he held until his death on 23 April 1850.