Rochester, Earl of (1647-1680), was a leading poet of the Restoration period in England. Rochester was noted for his love poems, his wit and learning, and his biting satires. His satires include “History of Insipids” (1676) and A Satire Against Reason and Mankind (1675).
John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, was born in Oxfordshire on April 10, 1647. He was a colorful, dashing figure at the court of King Charles II, from which he was frequently banished for his wild, unruly living. Rochester became ill in 1680 and underwent a religious conversion, renouncing his immoral past and ordering that his writings be burned. He died on July 26, 1680.
