Date of Birth: March 30, 1568
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: December 1639
Biography
Henry Wotton was a renowned English author, diplomat, and scholar, born on March 30, 1568, in Bocton Hall, Kent, England. He was the youngest son of Thomas Wotton and was educated at Winchester College and New College, Oxford. Wotton is best known for his literary contributions and his diplomatic service to the British crown. Wotton’s early academic promise led him to travel extensively throughout Europe, where he honed his skills in languages and diplomacy. His travels and experiences abroad significantly influenced his writing, allowing him to provide unique perspectives and insights in his works. Upon his return to England, he became a close confidant of King James I, who appointed him as an ambassador to Venice, a position he held for more than a decade. While in Venice, Wotton wrote extensively, producing a range of works that include political discourses, essays, and poetry. His most famous work, “The Elements of Architecture,” is considered one of the first comprehensive treatises on architecture in English. His writings reflect his deep knowledge of classical literature, politics, and human nature. Wotton’s diplomatic career was marked by several key negotiations and events, including his involvement in the Protestant Reformation and efforts to strengthen England’s alliances with various European states. Despite his achievements, Wotton faced financial difficulties later in life, which led him to focus more on his writing and scholarly pursuits. Henry Wotton passed away on December 1639, leaving behind a legacy of literary and diplomatic accomplishments that continue to be studied and admired.
5 Interesting Facts about Henry Wotton
1. Henry Wotton was knighted by King James I for his diplomatic services.
2. He served as the Provost of Eton College from 1624 until his death.
3. Wotton coined the famous phrase, “An ambassador is an honest gentleman sent to lie abroad for the good of his country.”
4. He was a close friend and correspondent of the famous poet John Donne.
5. Wotton’s work “The Elements of Architecture” influenced later architectural writing and thought.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Wotton
1. “An ambassador is an honest gentleman sent to lie abroad for the good of his country.”
2. “Tell the truth, and so puzzle and confound your adversaries.”
3. “How happy is he born or taught, that serveth not another’s will; Whose armor is his honest thought, and simple truth his utmost skill!”
4. “Every man is his own greatest enemy, and as it were his own executioner.”
5. “The itch of disputing will prove the scab of the churches.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Henry Wotton faced financial difficulties later in his life, and there are no records of him achieving significant net worth.
Children
Henry Wotton did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Henry Wotton on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wotton
3. [Henry Wotton’s works at Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/author/Wotton,+Henry
5. [Poems by Henry Wotton on PoemHunter](https://www.poemhunter.com/henry-wotton/
