Poems Without Frontiers

Tennyson was born in Lincolnshire into the large family of a rector with claim to noble lineage. His father's artistic capabilities were transmitted to Alfred who wrote poems whilst a teenager and at Cambridge. He returned to the family home upon the death of his father and published further works; but hostility to The Lady of Shalott repressed his enthusiasm for publication.

After financial strictures necessitated removal to London, he achieved fame in the 1840s and was appointed poet laureate in 1850. He married in that year and had two sons. He was created Baron in 1883.

He wrote stirring lyrical and romantic poetry often drawing inspiration from medieval sources and was a master of rhythm, imagery and onomatopoeia.

He died in 1892 and was buried at Westminster Abbey.