William Strode
William Strode was an English poet and playwright born in Devonshire in 1603. He was educated at Winchester School and later attended Christ Church College at Oxford University, where he was involved in theater and began his poetry career. Strode earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1621, followed by a Master of Arts in 1624 and a Bachelor of Divinity in 1631, after which he took holy orders. He served in various roles at Oxford, including as public orator and canon of Christ Church, and became vicar of Blackbourton and later Badby. His most notable theatrical work, "The Floating Island: A Tragi-Comedy," was performed for King Charles I in 1636. Despite his contributions to literature, much of Strode's writing, primarily in Latin and elegiac form, has remained less recognized, leading to limited critical attention over the centuries. His poetry provides insights into the cultural and literary contexts of the early seventeenth century. Strode passed away at Christ Church College in 1645.
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William Strode
Member of Parliament
- Born: January 11, 1603 (baptized)
- Birthplace: Devonshire, England
- Died: March 10, 1645
- Place of death: Christ Church College, Oxford, England
Biography
William Strode was born in Devonshire, England, in 1603, to Philip and Wilmot Hanton Strode. After attending Winchester School, he matriculated at Christ Church College, Oxford University, in 1921. During his years at Oxford, he was active in the theater. He also began writing poetry at this time.
In 1621 he received a B.A. degree, and in 1624, he completed his M.A. degree. He was appointed first proctor, then public orator of the university in 1629. He also earned a bachelor of divinity degree in 1631 and soon after took holy orders.
Much of Strode’s early work was composed in Latin. In addition, he composed and delivered Latin orations, notably for the 1636 royal visit of King Charles I. During the same visit, his play The Floating Island: A Tragi-Comedy was performed. In this play, Strode flattered the King by satirizing the Puritans.
Strode became canon of Christ Church and the vicar of Blackbourton, Oxfordshire, after receiving the doctor of divinity degree in 1638. He later became vicar of Badby, Northamptonshire, retiring from this post in 1642. He died at Christ Church College on March 10, 1645.
Strode’s work has remained largely unknown to audiences after his own day. This neglect is due partially to his choice to write much of his work in Latin. In addition, he generally wrote elegies, a genre that fell from favor. In the early twentieth century, Bertram Dobell gathered together many of Strode’s poems and published them in an attempt to entice critical interest in the poet. This volume permitted scholars to examine a large portion of Strode’s work. Although Strode is still considered one of the lesser seventeenth century writers, his work offers readers a glimpse into the cultural and literary milieu of his day.