Thomas Chatterton

English poet and forger of medieval works

Thomas Chatterton - English poet and forger of medieval works
Born

November 20th, 1752
272 years ago

Died

August 24th, 1770
254 years ago — 17 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

England

Links & References

A prominent figure in 18th-century English literature, he gained attention for composing false medieval poems that were initially attributed to a fictitious monk. Chatterton's works captured the imagination of the Romantic poets and laid groundwork for later literary movements. His poetry explored themes of tragedy, love, and loss, reflecting a deep sensitivity to human experience. Struggles with poverty marked his short life, leading to his untimely death at the age of 17. Despite the challenges faced, the beauty of his poetry and the intrigue surrounding his forgeries have ensured his place in literary history.

Wrote the poem 'Briston' under the pseudonym Thomas Rowley

Created numerous forged medieval poems

Influenced the Romantic movement

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