Maurice Kyffin
Maurice Kyffin was a notable Welsh figure born around 1560, hailing from a noble background. His early education included mentorship under the poet William Llyn, and he eventually moved to London with the assistance of fellow writer John Dee. In London, he became a tutor for the children of nobleman Thomas Sackville, which led him to publish a successful translation of Terence's comedy Andria, enhancing his reputation. By his late twenties, Kyffin expressed a strong desire to demonstrate his loyalty to England, which included seeking military service. He served as vice treasurer during a campaign against Normandy in 1591 and later worked as an intelligence agent in Ireland, contributing to Elizabethan governance. His literary contributions include The Blessednes of Brytaine, a tribute to Queen Elizabeth I. Despite a promising career, Kyffin's life ended mysteriously in 1598, leaving a legacy as a prominent Welshman who navigated the complexities of the English court during the Renaissance. His writings, including diplomatic letters and odes, are preserved in various libraries, although many of his final papers remain lost.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Maurice Kyffin
Poet
- Born: c.1560
- Birthplace: Wales
- Died: January 2, 1598
Biography
Maurice Kyffin was born sometime around 1560 in an affluent Welsh community to parents of noble origins and bloodlines. Little is known about the specifics of his living situation early on, but from Kyffin’s writings it is apparent that he studied closely under the poet William Llyn. Fellow Welsh writer John Dee helped Kyffin move to London. From there, he moved on to the household of Thomas Sackville, a nobleman, and tutored Sackville’s children in Latin texts. At their recommendation, he undertook the task of publishing a translation of the comedy Andria by Terence and was successful, reaching wide circulation and reaffirming his elevated position among Englishmen.
Through a poignant eulogy he offered for the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession, among other patriotic documents, it is clear that by the time he had reached his late twenties, Kyffin had become concerned with the perception of his loyalty to his adopted country, and sought military service. By virtue of his connections with high-ranking officials, he served as vice treasurer during the campaign against Normandy in 1591, and may have even directed some troops in spite of his unfamiliarity with the battlefield. A misunderstanding over the misappropriation of funds landed Kyffin in jail for a short time. Later, he returned to the craft of translation, this time working upon the Bishop John Jewel’s Apologia pro Ecclesia Anglicana. He is the author of The Blessednes of Brytaine, a panegyric on the government of Queen Elizabeth I, published in 1587.
In the late 1590’s, Kyffin served as an intelligence agent in Ireland for William Cecil, among others, and indirectly for the Queen herself. He later attempted to intervene on behalf of the Elizabethan crown to combat uprising rebels in Ireland, but in 1598, he died mysteriously. His legacy remains as one of the more important Welshman to defend and mingle with the English court during the Renaissance in that country’s history. Some of his more famous diplomatic letters and odes were saved in various libraries but his final papers, which he entrusted to his servant Hugh Tuder to carry to the Lord Burghley, never saw the light of day. Maurice Kyffin married twice, the first time to Ales, the daughter of John Wynne of Melai, and the second time to Margaret, daughter of Sir Thomas Mostyn of Mostyn.
Kyffin died in 1598.