Sir Thomas Wyatt, Renaissance-influenced early Tudor poet, probes the inconstancy of the human heart, pondering human fickleness, and questioning the authenticity of people’s ideas and intentions.

Percy Shelley, radical Romantic poet, celebrates freedom and its power to transform society in ‘Ode to Liberty’ (1820). He chastises England for its political apathy amidst European revolutions, urging it to reclaim its historical role as a beacon of democratic ideals.

Victorian poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti challenges us in 'The Choice' to expand our understanding. He urges us not to be complacent, but to let our thoughts sail into uncharted waters, reminding us of the vast unknown beyond our knowledge.

Robert Stephen Hawker (1803-1875), a British poet and clergyman, penned ‘The Song of the Western Men’, celebrating Cornish identity and resilience. His iconic poem champions local pride and the courage of Cornishmen.

Matthew Arnold, 19th-century English poet and sage writer, addressed social issues in his work. His poem ‘Dover Beach’ captures a sense of loss and the yearning for faith in a changing world.

William Wordsworth, former British Poet Laureate, addresses the friendly robin in ‘The Redbreast and the Butterfly’. He captures and celebrates the bird's endearing presence in English gardens and folklore.

Dora Sigerson Shorter (1866-1918): Irish poet, sculptor, and nationalist. Her poem ‘Ireland’ vividly depicts the divine creation of her deeply lovable homeland, and celebrates its spirit, resilience, and beauty as the legendary ‘island that sings’.

Edward Lear (1812-1888): Victorian Master of whimsical nonsense with hidden depths. In 'The Quangle Wangle's Hat', Lear's eccentric character discovers that his favourite comforts lose their charm without companionship.

Henry Newbolt (1862-1938) was a patriotic English poet. ‘Against Oblivion’ reflects on personal and civilisational memory, emphasizing deep, dormant heritage within us, and urging active remembrance and preservation of our legacies.

William Blake (1757-1827): English poet, painter, and printmaker. In his poem ‘Jerusalem’, Blake draws strength from the spiritual connection between England and Christendom, vowing to fight oppression as he imagines his homeland as the site of Jesus's prophesied heavenly city.

John Keble (1792-1866) was an English poet and Anglican priest. In ‘The Trivial Round’ he asks that we find God and wisdom in everyday tasks, and practise self-denial as a path to spiritual growth.

Thomas Jordan (c. 1612-1685): English poet & playwright. His poem ‘Coronemus nos Rosis antequam marcescant’ (Let's crown ourselves with roses before they wither) urges seizing the day, because in 100 years, even lovely brides will be ‘damnable mouldy’.

George Meredith was a renowned Victorian novelist and poet known for his intricate prose and exploration of human relationships. His poem ‘Love in the Valley’ captures the natural beauty of the English countryside whilst reflecting on the profound depth of love.

Shakespeare describes England's unique charms in 'Richard II', portraying his country as a cherished land. Written in the late 1500s as England rose to power, these lines reflect the growing national pride of the Elizabethan era.

John Newton (1725-1807) was forced into seafaring young, experiencing slavery as both captive and trader before becoming an abolitionist, clergyman, and religious poet. He penned 'Amazing Grace' for a sermon; it was later set to a traditional melody as a hymn.

Henry Carey (1687-1743): English writer, composer, and satirist. His poem 'A Drinking Song' elevates the speaker to 'God of Wine', suggesting Bacchus's retirement. A witty ode to wine's pleasures from a true bon vivant.

Charles Stuart Calverley (1831-1884): Victorian poet and wit. His ‘Ode to Tobacco’ playfully debates the pleasures and pitfalls of smoking, ultimately defending tobacco's use when ‘thoughtfully taken’ by free Englishmen.

Rupert Brooke (1887-1915): English poet whose ‘Pine-Trees and the Sky: Evening’ masterfully blends natural beauty with introspection. He shows that even when consumed by sorrow and regret, we can find healing in the constancy of nature.

Thomas Hood (1799-1845): Famed for wit, the British poet unveils a tender side in 'The Flower'. Here, Hood describes his homeland with nostalgic affection, celebrating its idyllic beauty.

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822), English Romantic poet, invites adventure and freedom in ‘Epipsychidion’. These lines embody his vision of love as a journey beyond societal constraints, using maritime imagery to express the boldness of true companionship.