John of Lydgate - our most famous son

On his own evidence John was born in the village about 1370: ?Born in a village which is called Lydgate By olde time a famous castel towne In Danes time it was beate downe Time when S. Edmund martir made and King Was slain at Oxne, record of writing? But not so complimentary about the state of its alchoholic propensities: ?I was born in Lydgate where Bachus licour doth ful scarsli fleete? He was very honest describing himself: ?I was frequently late. I lied to excuse myself. I stole apples and I spared neither hedge nor wall to get at grapes. I made mouths at people like a wanton ape. I gambled at cherry stones. I was late to rise and dirty at meals. I was chief shammer off illness and had many other unfavourable points.?

But John's C.V. was most distinguished 1382 Joins Benedictine Monastery at Bury St Edmunds 1397 Ordained priest and reads theology at Oxford. 1423 Prior at Hatfield Broad Oak in Essex 1426 Frequent attendance at Court and spending time at Windsor and Paris. Comes under the influence of Geoffrey Chaucer whom he acknowledges as his master and produces some 140,000 lines of poetry ? far more than either Chaucer or Shakespeare. 1450 Returns to Bury Abbey where he probably died and is buried. There were claims to have found his tomb in 18th century.

Above & below John Lydgate studying from an ancient Ms.

To find out more about John and his poetry click the picture

A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE John deserves to be commemorated in his own village. We would like to erect a commemorative plaque but this would cost in the regions of £600. So we are looking for generous sponsors for the project.   Any contributions would be gratefully received - especially from any interested poets!