Robert Bridges

Memorial to Robert Bridges and Edward Bridges, 1st Baron Bridges, in St Nicholas-at-Wade

All the World’s a stage in Robert Bridges's phonetic alphabet, 1913

Robert Bridges (23 October 1844 – 21 April 1930) was an English poet, who served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1913 to 1930. His works include both lyrical and dramatic poetry, and he is known for his technical mastery and innovation in prosody.

Early Life and Education

Robert Seymour Bridges was born in Walmer, Kent, England. He was the son of John Thomas Bridges and Harriet Elizabeth Affleck. Bridges was educated at Eton College and later attended Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he studied classics and medicine.

Medical Career

After completing his education, Bridges pursued a career in medicine. He studied at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London and qualified as a physician in 1874. He worked in various hospitals, including the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. However, due to ill health, he retired from the medical profession in 1882 to focus on his literary pursuits.

Literary Career

Bridges' literary career began with the publication of his first collection of poems, Poems (1873). He is best known for his lyrical poetry, which often explores themes of nature, love, and faith. His notable works include The Growth of Love (1876), Prometheus the Firegiver (1883), and The Testament of Beauty (1929).

Bridges was also a significant figure in the development of English prosody. He experimented with various metrical forms and was an advocate for the use of classical meters in English poetry. His work Milton's Prosody (1893) is a critical study of the metrical structure of John Milton's poetry.

Poet Laureate

In 1913, Bridges was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, a position he held until his death in 1930. During his tenure, he wrote several poems to commemorate national events, including the end of World War I and the coronation of King George V.

Personal Life

Bridges married Monica Waterhouse in 1884, and the couple had three children. They lived in Yattendon, Berkshire, where Bridges spent much of his time writing and engaging in local community activities.

Legacy

Robert Bridges' contributions to English literature and prosody have had a lasting impact. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. He is remembered as one of the foremost poets of his time and a key figure in the transition from Victorian to modernist poetry.

Related Pages

• Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom
• John Milton
• Eton College
• Corpus Christi College, Oxford
• St Bartholomew's Hospital
• Great Ormond Street Hospital
• World War I
• King George V