Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard is a poem by Thomas Gray, completed in 1750 and first published in 1751. The poem's origins are unknown, but it was partly inspired by Gray's thoughts following the death of the poet Richard West in 1742. Originally titled Stanzas Wrote in a Country Church-Yard, the poem was completed when Gray was living near the Church of St Giles, Stoke Poges. It was sent to his friend Horace Walpole, who popularised the poem among London literary circles.
First publication of Thomas Gray's poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard"
Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard is a poem by Thomas Gray, completed in 1750 and first published in 1751.
Historical Significance
Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard is a poem by Thomas Gray, completed in 1750 and first published in 1751.
Events Before
Statesman George Mason (24) weds Ann Eilbeck (16)
Statesman George Mason (24) weds Ann Eilbeck (16)
Jack Slack retains the Champion of England boxing title after defeating Frenchman Jean Petit in 7 rounds in Harlston, En
Jack Slack retains the Champion of England boxing title after defeating Frenchman Jean Petit in 7 rounds in Harlston, England, acknowledged as the first international prizefight
Tax revolt in Haarlem, Netherlands
Tax revolt in Haarlem, Netherlands
Minor earthquake in London
Minor earthquake in London
-18] Tax revolt in Gorinchem
-18] Tax revolt in Gorinchem
Events After
Betsy Ross is born
Betsy Ross upholsterer, known for american upholsterer, was born on 1752-01-01. Elizabeth Griscom Ross, also known by her second and third married names, Ashburn and Claypoole, was an American…
Britain and the British Empire, including the American colonies, adopt the Gregorian Calendar after skipping 11 days bet
Britain and the British Empire, including the American colonies, adopt the Gregorian Calendar after skipping 11 days between September 3 and September 13
East Indies invasion "Geldermalsen" leaves at Malacca: 92 killed
East Indies invasion "Geldermalsen" leaves at Malacca: 92 killed
Tobias Smollett publishes pamphlet accusing Henry Fielding of plagiarism
Tobias Smollett publishes pamphlet accusing Henry Fielding of plagiarism
Dutch States-General forbids export of windmills
Dutch States-General forbids export of windmills
More from the 1750s
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature establishes the starting point for standardized species names ac
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature establishes the starting point for standardized species names across the animal kingdom, based on the binomial nomenclature in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae by Carl Linnaeus
birth
Betsy Ross is born
Betsy Ross upholsterer, known for american upholsterer, was born on 1752-01-01. Elizabeth Griscom Ross, also known by her second and third married names, Ashburn and Claypoole, was an American…
Future 1st US President George Washington (26) weds widow Martha Dandridge Custis (27) at her home, the White House Plan
Future 1st US President George Washington (26) weds widow Martha Dandridge Custis (27) at her home, the White House Plantation in Kent County, Virginia, until his death in 1799 [1]
British Museum opens at Montagu House in London
Montagu House (sometimes spelled "Montague") was a late 17th-century mansion in Great Russell Street in the Bloomsbury district of London, which became the first home of the British Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 16, 1751?
- Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard is a poem by Thomas Gray, completed in 1750 and first published in 1751. The poem's origins are unknown, but it was partly inspired by Gray's thoughts following the death of the poet Richard West in 1742. Originally titled Stanzas Wrote in a Country Church-Yard, the poem was completed when Gray was living near the Church of St Giles, Stoke Poges.
- Why is First publication of Thomas Gray's poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" significant?
- Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard is a poem by Thomas Gray, completed in 1750 and first published in 1751.