Profile of the Day: Elizabeth Barrett Browning

On this day in 1861, English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning died at the age of 55. Remembered as one of the most popular poets of the Victorian Era, Elizabeth was very well known during her lifetime in Europe and America.

Image: Elizabeth Barrett Browning / Library of Congress

The eldest of twelve children, Elizabeth Barrett Moulton-Barrett was born on March 6, 1806 in Coxhoe Hall in County Durham, England. Her father’s family had acquired their wealth in Jamaica, where they owned sugar plantations. From a young age, she immersed herself in the world of books and began composing versus by the age of 4.

Elizabeth was already a well established poet by the time she met fellow poet Robert Browning. Her father disapproved of Browning, and so the pair kept their relationship a secret. They exchanged nearly 600 letters before eloping in 1846. After their marriage, Elizabeth was disowned by her father and the couple fled to Italy, where they lived for the remainder of her life.

Elizabeth died in Florence, Italy on June 29, 1861 at the age of 55. Today, her collection of sonnets, Sonnets from the Portuguese, is often considered her best work. The collection of love poems were dedicated to her husband and they continue to remain popular to this day.

How are you related to Elizabeth Browning Barrett? Explore her family tree and discover your connection to the beloved poet.

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