R is for Robert Browning
Robert Browning was one of the most famed of the
Victorian poets, and his The Pied Piper of Hamelin with its flowing rhythmic
patterns has been a children’s favourite ever since it was first published. As
a pale and somewhat mysterious faced youth crowned with a flowing black mane,
Browning sat under the ministry of George Clayton at Walworth’s York Street
Chapel. It was also the church where he had been baptised as an infant. Such
was his influence that the chapel was later renamed the Browning Settlement
Hall – where the ‘old age pensions act’ was originated, the street became
Browning Street and the local school Robert Browning School. Whilst attending a dinner party in 1889, just seven months before his death, the aged poet, found himself sampled by some new technology. One of the party-goers had brought along a device that was able to make a short audio recording onto a cylinder which could then be played back for all to hear. When it came to Browning’s turn he decided to recite from his poem, ‘How They Brought the Good News from
Robert Browning reciting his own poem in 1889
Delightful and interesting article with great link to YouTube. Thanks a lot. I spent first year of my life in lodgings in Browning Street and later studied his poetry for my A Level English Literature at Paragon School! Full circle! Thanks David.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, David. Many thanks for your kind words.
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