Thomas Shadwell

Date of Birth: 1642

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: November 19, 1692

Biography

Thomas Shadwell was a prominent English dramatist and poet laureate of the late 17th century. Born in 1642 in Norfolk, England, Shadwell was deeply embedded in the Restoration literary circle and became known for his comedic plays. He was educated at Bury St Edmunds School and later at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Shadwell’s works often satirized the manners and mores of his time, earning him both acclaim and criticism. He was a contemporary and rival of John Dryden, with whom he had a famous literary feud. Notably, Shadwell succeeded Dryden as Poet Laureate in 1689, a testament to his standing in the literary world. His best-known works include “The Sullen Lovers” (1668), “Epsom Wells” (1672), and “The Libertine” (1675). Shadwell passed away on November 19, 1692, in Chelsea, London.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas Shadwell

1. Shadwell was a staunch Whig, which influenced his political satires.

2. He was appointed Poet Laureate and historiographer royal in 1689.

3. Shadwell’s rivalry with John Dryden was immortalized in Dryden’s poem “Mac Flecknoe.”

4. He was known for his keen observation of contemporary society, often weaving these insights into his comedies.

5. Shadwell’s addiction to opium is believed to have influenced some of his more surreal and imaginative works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas Shadwell

1. “True wit is everlasting, like the sun; describing all men, but described by none.”

2. “I am a man of the world, and I am resolved to wear none but the latest fashions.”

3. “Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.”

4. “The liberty of a people consists in being governed by laws which they have made themselves, under whatever form it be of government.”

5. “The worst of poets, and the dullest of men.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While there are no precise records of Thomas Shadwell’s net worth, as a successful dramatist and Poet Laureate, he would have been relatively well-off for his time, enough to maintain a respectable standard of living in 17th century England.

Children

Thomas Shadwell had a son named John Shadwell, who followed in his father’s footsteps to some extent by becoming a playwright. However, John Shadwell did not achieve the same level of fame as his father.