Cleveland, John, 1613-1658

John Cleveland, the poet and satirist, was born in Loughborough in 1613. Although his education was Puritan, by the time he went up to Christ's College, Cambridge, his sympathies were with the Royalist cause. He became a Fellow of St. John's and lived in Cambridge for nine years.In 1655 he was imprisoned as a Royalist and spent three months in Yarmouth gaol, before securing his release by means of a petition to Cromwell. He died in London, at Gray's Inn, in 1658. He was associated with the Cavalier poets, including Carewe, Suckling and Lovelace.

From the guide to the On Christ Church Windows, Oxon, by Mr J. C., ca.1640-1660, (GB 206 Leeds University Library)