Thomas Chatterton Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Chatterton.

Thomas Chatterton was born on November 20, 1752, in Bristol, England. He was an English poet and forger of medieval manuscripts. Chatterton, a precocious child, displayed an affinity for literature and began writing poetry at a young age.

He gained fame for his controversial "Rowley Poems," which he claimed were discovered works of the 15th-century priest Thomas Rowley. The poetry was praised for its perceived authenticity, but its true authorship was later revealed. Chatterton's ability to mimic the language and style of earlier periods earned him recognition as a prominent literary figure of his time.

However, Chatterton's success did not shield him from personal struggles. He faced financial difficulties, and disillusionment with the literary establishment led to bouts of depression. Tragically, at the age of just 17, Chatterton committed suicide by ingesting arsenic on August 24, 1770.

Although his life was cut short, Chatterton's influence on the Romantic Movement was significant. His use of medieval themes and his innovative approach to poetry inspired later poets such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Keats. Despite his untimely demise, Chatterton's legacy endures as a symbol of youthful talent and probing creativity.