Francis Kynaston
Sir Francis Kynaston (1587-1642) was an English poet, orator, and scholar, notable for his contributions to literature and education during the early seventeenth century. Born near Ellesmere, Shropshire, he received a robust education, earning degrees from both Oxford and Cambridge. Kynaston was recognized for his eloquence and linguistic abilities, and he was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1611. He gained prominence in court circles, becoming a knight under King James I and serving as a Member of Parliament for Shropshire.
In 1635, he founded an academy called the Musæum Minervæ, aimed at preparing young noblemen and gentry for life abroad, which was supported by King Charles I. Kynaston was an accomplished lyric poet, with notable works including a Latin version of Chaucer's *Troilus and Criseyde* and the sonnet "To Cynthia: On a Kisse." His major literary achievement, the long heroic poem *Leoline and Sydanis*, published in 1642, draws from Welsh traditions and weaves themes of magic and romance. Kynaston’s legacy reflects the blend of aristocracy and intellectual pursuit typical of his era, marking him as a significant figure in the cultural landscape of 17th-century England.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Francis Kynaston
Poet
- Born: 1587
- Birthplace: Oteley, near present-day Ellesmere, Shropshire, England
- Died: 1642
Biography
Sir Francis Kynaston was born in 1587 near present-day Ellesmere in Shropshire, England. His father was Sir Edward Kinaston. Kynaston studied at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, completing a B.A. at St. Mary Hall, Oxford, in 1604. In 1609, he took an M.A. from Trinity College, Cambridge. Contemporary accounts suggest that he was a brilliant orator, a good linguist, and excellent poet.
In 1611, Kynaston was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn. He moved easily in court circles and held important positions. In 1618, he was knighted by James I, and he served as a member of Parliament for Shropshire in 1621.
In 1635, Kynaston served as a proctor at Cambridge. Under Charles I, Kynaston began an academy of learning called the Musæum Minervæ, also in 1635. The king patronized the project, giving substantial financial support. The purpose of the school was to instruct noblemen and gentry in language, culture, and manners before traveling abroad. Kynaston served as the regent of the school and taught various subjects, including coins, law, and heraldry. His friends, a group of literary dilettantes, served as teachers. Classes were held in Kynaston’s home, although he had plans to move the academy to Chelsea College.
Also in 1635, Kynaston wrote a version of the first two books of Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde in Latin rime royal. The experiment is generally considered to be successful. He also wrote a series of sonnets using his mistress Cynthia as the subject. The best known of these is called “To Cynthia: On a Kisse.” As a lyric poet, Kynaston was well regarded in his day. Moreover, his work serves to illustrate the lyricism of his own time.
Kynaston’s major work, however, was a long heroic poem called Leoline and Sydanis, first published in 1642. This poem was also written in rime royal. The story is supposedly drawn from Welsh tradition, and tells of the travails of a king’s son and a duke’s daughter. There is a strong element of magic in the story, with black magic separating the lovers and white magic reuniting them. The poem is at times seriocomic, and some critics have suggested that it anticipates Byron’s Don Juan. The poem is something of a curiosity; it is highly original and interesting. Kynaston died in 1642, and his academy closed with his death.
What distinguishes Kynaston is his position as a man of his day: He was not a professional writer, but rather a wealthy aristocrat who was both politically and academically active. As such, he serves as an exemplar of the aristocratic English scholar of the seventeenth century.