The Cavalier poets were a group of English poets from the 17th century who supported King Charles I during the English Civil War (1642–1651). King Charles loved the fine arts and encouraged poets who created the kind of art he admired. These poets joined the King’s cause, becoming known as Cavalier poets.

The word "cavalier" originally meant a soldier or knight, but when used to describe supporters of Charles, it was meant to mock them, suggesting they were fancy or showy. They lived differently from the Roundheads, who supported Parliament and often included Puritans, such as Presbyterians or Independents.

The most well-known Cavalier poets were Robert Herrick, Richard Lovelace, Thomas Carew, and Sir John Suckling. Most of these poets were members of the royal court, though some exceptions existed. For example, Robert Herrick was not a court member, but his writing style still connected him to the Cavalier poets.

Characteristics

Cavalier poetry is different from traditional poetry because it talks about different subjects. Instead of discussing religion, philosophy, or the arts, cavalier poetry focuses on celebrating joy and simple pleasures in a lively way. The goal of their work was often to support the king, especially King Charles I. They also openly criticized the Roundheads, who supported the rebellion against the crown. Most cavalier poems used symbols or references from ancient writers like Horace, Cicero, and Ovid. By using these references, they created poetry that impressed King Charles I. Cavalier poets aimed to write poetry where both happiness and good behavior existed together. Their poems often praised beauty, love, nature, drinking, friendship, honor, and social life. These themes reflect an attitude similar to "carpe diem," which means "seize the day." While cavalier poets supported the monarchy, their work also encouraged people to enjoy life and take advantage of opportunities. This included seeking wealth and forming relationships. Another feature of their poetry was "Platonic Love," where men expressed deep admiration for women, treating them as perfect beings. They often praised qualities like kindness and grace as if they were divine.

Cavalier poetry is closely connected to the Royalist cause because its main purpose was to honor the king. This is why it is often grouped with political poetry. While many of these poets supported the monarchy in their work, not all of them knew they were considered part of this group during their lives. Cavalier poetry became its own style during the English Civil War in 1642, when men began writing to defend the crown. However, some poets, like Thomas Carew and Sir John Suckling, died before the war started but are still called cavalier poets because their work had political themes. After the war began, their poetry became more focused on supporting Royalist ideas. Many people saw their work as nostalgic, as it promoted traditions of the monarchy that were being challenged.

Cavalier poets also celebrated King Charles I’s reign. For example, Ben Jonson praised ideas like common sense, duty, fairness, and elegance, which he also practiced in his own life. These ideas were not from ancient times but were connected to the English court. Even though cavalier poets used ideas from the past, they also included their own thoughts, making their work relevant to their time. This helped show the strength of the monarchy and King Charles. Other features of cavalier poetry included the use of metaphors and imaginative stories.

Issues of classification

According to The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, English poets from the early 17th century are often divided into two groups: Cavaliers and metaphysical poets. Metaphysical poets, such as John Donne, focused heavily on religious themes. This division is based on differences between secular (non-religious) and religious ideas. However, this classification is not strict, as some poets, like Carew, are sometimes linked to both groups. The term "metaphysical" was not used during the poets' lifetimes but was applied later. Some scholars have also called these poets "sacred poets," suggesting they belong to a group between two schools of thought.

Other poets connected to the Cavalier tradition, as noted by Skelton, include Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Aurelian Townshend, William Cartwright, Thomas Randolph, William Habington, Sir Richard Fanshawe, Edmund Waller, and James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Because of Ben Jonson’s influence, these poets are sometimes called the "Tribe of Ben." The term "Sons of Ben" refers only to dramatists who followed Jonson.

In his introduction to The New Oxford Book of Seventeenth Century Verse, Alastair Fowler suggests a third group of poets centered on Michael Drayton. This group also includes William Browne, William Drummond of Hawthornden, John Davies of Hereford, George Sandys, Joshua Sylvester, and George Wither.