Gervase Markham
Gervase Markham was a 17th-century English poet and writer, born in Nottinghamshire, known for his extensive contributions to literature on agriculture and country life. As the third son of Sir Robert Markham, he grew up immersed in the English countryside, gaining practical knowledge in activities such as hunting and horsemanship. Markham initially pursued a military career, serving in the Netherlands and Ireland before transitioning to writing. Unlike many of his contemporaries focused on poetry and plays, he catered to the interests of common folk, producing works that covered topics like farming and equestrian skills. His most notable publication, "Cauelarice: Or, The English Horseman," released in 1607, exemplifies his expertise in horse breeding, a field in which he was considered a pioneer. Despite his efforts in poetry, including two long verses on the Passion and Resurrection of Christ, his nonfiction writings garnered greater popularity. Unfortunately, as he repeated themes in his work, booksellers eventually stopped accepting his titles related to practical country subjects. Markham passed away in 1637, leaving a legacy that includes the introduction of the first Arabian horse to England.
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Gervase Markham
Poet
- Born: c. 1568
- Birthplace: Nottinghamshire, England
- Died: 1637
Biography
Gervase Markham, a seventeenth century poet, was born in Nottinghamshire, England. He was the third son of Sir Robert Markham. Gervase spent his early years enjoying the English countryside. He became well versed in every aspect of country life, including hunting and horsemanship.
During his adolescence, Markham embarked on a military career. He first served in the Netherlands, and then under the command of the Earl of Essex in Ireland. After several years of wartime experience, Markham left his military service to pursue the less dangerous career of writing.
During a time when most English Elizabethan writers were focusing solely on poetry and playwriting, Markham wrote on topics that appealed to common country folk. Although he wrote some poetry, Markham’s most popular works contained information on agriculture, hunting, hawking, fishing, and horsemanship. His most noted equestrian work, Cauelarice: Or, The English Horseman, was published in 1607.
For several years, Markham continued to write on practical subjects of country living. However, he repeated himself in his work and reprinted several of the same books under different titles. In 1617, Markham’s booksellers refused to accept any more titles written on horsemanship and other practical country subjects.
In addition to his nonfiction works, Markham produced two long poems titled The Teares of the Beloved: Or, The Lamentation of Saint John (1600) and Marie Magdalens Lamentations for the Losse of Her Master Iesus (1601). These verses were written about the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Although well written, Markham’s poems never attained the same popularity as his nonfiction work.
Markham lived the later years of his life writing and enjoying country pastimes. He was recognized as a pioneer in the field of horse breeding and was credited with introducing the first Arabian horse to England. Markham died in England in 1637.