Coventry Patmore

Coventry Patmore (1823-1896) was an esteemed English poet and critic, best known for his narrative poem "The Angel in the House," which idealized Victorian domestic life and celebrated the virtues of womanhood and family. Born on July 23, 1823, in Woodford, Essex, Patmore was the eldest son of Peter George Patmore, a literary figure and editor. Coventry’s early education was scattered due to relocations caused by his father's editorial career, but he eventually attended the British Museum Reading Room to further his studies.

In 1844, he published his first poetry collection, signaling the start of a prolific literary career. The 1850s marked a significant period for Patmore; he secured a position at the British Museum as an Assistant Librarian, providing him financial stability and a scholarly environment. During this time, he met and married Emily Andrews, who became the inspiration for "The Angel in the House."

Patmore's personal life faced tragedy with Emily's death in 1862, leading to a shift in his writing, embracing more religious and philosophical themes. He married twice more, to Marianne Caroline Byles in 1864, who passed away in 1880, and Harriet Robson in 1881. Patmore converted to Roman Catholicism in 1864, deeply influencing his later works. Coventry Patmore died in Lymington, Hampshire, on November 26, 1896, leaving a lasting legacy in Victorian poetry.