Richard Barnfield
Richard Barnfield was an English poet born in 1574, known for his romantic and sometimes controversial works. He began his studies at Oxford University in 1589 and graduated in 1592, though he did not complete his master's degree. By 1593, he moved to London and mingled with prominent writers of the era, including William Shakespeare. Barnfield published his first successful romantic poem in 1594, which hinted at connections with Penelope, Lady Rich, and was met with mixed criticism for its moral implications.
In early 1595, he released a second volume of poetry dedicated to William Stanley, the Sixth Earl of Derby, which suggested a close personal connection to the Earl. His sonnets, notable for their thematic similarities to Shakespeare's work, explored themes of intimacy and possibly homosexuality, despite Barnfield eventually marrying and becoming a grandfather by 1626. While some of his poetry was mistakenly attributed to Shakespeare, Barnfield's own style was recognized for its Italianate qualities. After achieving literary acclaim, he retreated to a country gentleman's life at his estate in Staffordshire, where he later published his final work in 1605. Barnfield passed away in 1627.
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Richard Barnfield
Poet
- Born: June 13, 1574 (baptized)
- Birthplace: Norbury, Staffordshire, England
- Died: March 1, 1627
- Place of death: Dorlestone Hall, Staffordshire, England
Biography
Richard Barnfield was born in England in 1574. He was the son of Richard Barnfield (or Barnefield) and Maria Skrymsher. In 1589, he began his studies at Oxford University, and he graduated in 1592. Although he performed the necessary exercise for his master’s gown, he apparently never completed the degree.
By 1593, Barnfield traveled to London where he made the acquaintance of other writers of the time, including dramatist William Shakespeare. He published his first work in 1594, a romantic poem which suggested a familiarity with Penelope, Lady Rich. The poem was considered a success but was not without controversy because it was morally objectionable to some.
He published a second volume of poetry in early 1595 that was dedicated to William Stanley, Sixth Earl of Derby. The dedication written for this volume suggested a close personal relationship with the Earl. The sonnets in this volume of work are particularly interesting because, although they predate the sonnets of William Shakespeare by many years, they are very similar in manner. The subject of these sonnets was an unknown young man with whom Barnfield seemingly had an intimate relationship. Although homosexuality appears as a theme in his work, Barnfield did marry and, by 1626, was a grandfather. Interestingly, some of the work that appeared in Barnfield’s second volume was actually attributed to Shakespeare. Although the exact nature of Barnfield’s relationship with Shakespeare is unknown, it is apparent that he admired the other poet. His poetry was described as Italianate because it was languid and musical.
Not long after he published his works, he retired to the life of a country gentleman at his estate, Dorlestone, in the county of Staffordshire. In 1605, he reprinted one of his works, Lady Pecunia, but this was his last literary effort. Richard Barnfield died in 1627 at his country estate in Staffordshire.