Edward Benlowes (1603-1676) was an English poet known for his work “Theophila, or Love’s Sacrifice,” as well as for his eccentric and generous disposition. Edward Benlowes was the son of Andrew Benlowes of Brent Hall, Essex.
He matriculated at St John’s College, Cambridge, on April 8, 1620. After leaving the university, he traveled across the European continent with a tutor, visiting several royal courts. It is suggested that he may have converted to Roman Catholicism during his travels. Although Benlowes came from a Roman Catholic family, he underwent a significant religious transformation and became a fervent Protestant. However, in later life, he returned to Protestantism.
Upon his father’s death, he inherited the estate of Brent Hall. Benlowes used the wealth he had inherited from his extensive estates to fund various artistic projects and literary undertakings. This support included commissioning engravings to illustrate his own and his friends’ poems, indicating his dedication to promoting the arts. However, his generous nature led him to spend much of his wealth on poets, flatterers, curiosities, musicians, and other extravagances.
Benlowes owned his own printing press, which was a remarkable investment in his time. This ownership allowed him to exercise greater control over the publication of his works and the works of those in his literary circle. He showed generosity to his niece at her marriage and supported numerous poor scholars. He also donated books to St. John’s College, Cambridge.
Edward Benlowes is primarily known for his major work, Theophila, or Love’s Sacrifice, a divine poem:
This work is considered the chief and most notable creation of Edward Benlowes. During the 1640s he composed Theophila, which was published in 1652 and is presented in folio format. The poem is divided into thirteen cantos, each of which is preceded by large and intricate engravings, many of which were created by the renowned artist Wenceslaus Hollar and others.
It is a metaphysical poem that explores mystical religious themes and spiritual ascent. The poem centers around the character Theophila and her journey toward spiritual enlightenment and triumph over the sins of the senses. “Theophila” is valued not only for its poetic content but also for its visual appeal due to the detailed engravings that accompany the text.
While Edward Benlowes’ work had its admirers, including poets like Phineas Fletcher and other notable figures who dedicated works to him, later writers such as Samuel Butler, Alexander Pope, and William Warburton were critical of his poetry, often subjecting it to ridicule.
Edward Benlowes is remembered for his eccentricity, generosity, and his contribution to metaphysical poetry through “Theophila, or Love’s Sacrifice.” Despite mixed critical reception, his work remains part of the literary history of the 17th century.
In his later years, Benlowes faced financial difficulties, exacerbated by the turmoil of the English Civil Wars and legal disputes. These challenges had a significant impact on his financial well-being, ultimately leading to his decline in wealth and lifestyle.
Benlowes spent the last eight years of his life at Oxford. During this period, he spent time reading and conducting research in the Bodleian Library, which was a renowned center of learning. Additionally, he occasionally continued to write poetry during his time in Oxford. Due to his financial difficulties, Benlowes was imprisoned in Oxford for being unable to meet an obligation. He passed away in Oxford on December 18, 1676, in a state of great poverty.