The Poetic Child of England
Alfred Tennyson, the fourth of twelve children, was born in Lincolnshire, England on August 6, 1809.
In 1827, he attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he won the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for one of his poems. While at Cambridge, he developed a friendship with Arthur Hallam. Hallam became engaged to Tennyson’s sister, Emily, but died from illness when he was only 22. His death inspired some of Tennyson’s most brilliant poems, including In Memoriam and The Passing of Arthur.
In 1842, Tennyson’s success was guaranteed with the publication of Poems. A few years later he received a government pension which allowed him to continue his work without worrying about finances. In 1850, he was appointed Poet Laureate.
Tennyson’s work was greatly admired, and Prince Albert even dropped into Tennyson’s home, unannounced, to express his admiration. Tennyson dedicated The Idylls of the King to Albert.
The great English poet died on October 6, 1892. He was 83 years old.
From In Memoriam:
Whereof the man, that with me trod
This planet, was a noble type
Appearing ere the times were ripe,
That friend of mine who lives in God,