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John Donne

English poet and cleric (1572-1631)

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Occupation

Poet

Born in

London

days lived

age at death

Born
in 🌍London
Died
March 31, 1631
1 sourceUpdated Jul 2026

About

Cited1

John Donne was an English poet, scholar, soldier and secretary born into a recusant family, who later became a cleric in the Church of England. Under royal patronage, he was made Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London (1621–1631). He is considered the preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets. His poetical works are noted for their metaphorical and sensual style and include sonnets, love poems, religious poems, Latin translations, epigrams, elegies, songs and satires. He is also known for his sermons.

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Timeline
1631

Death of John Donne

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96%
Mar 31, 1631

John Donne dies in London.

Donne Preaches 'Death's Duel'

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96%
Feb 12, 1631

Donne preaches his famous sermon 'Death's Duel' before King Charles I.

1621

Dean of St Paul's

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92%
Nov 27, 1621
1615

Ordained as a Priest

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96%
Jan 23, 1615

Donne is ordained as a priest in the Church of England.

1611

Publication of 'An Anatomy of the World'

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96%
Jan 1, 1611

Donne publishes 'An Anatomy of the World'.

1601

Serves as MP for Brackley

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Jan 1, 1601

Donne serves as a Member of Parliament for Brackley.

Dismissal from Egerton's Service

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98%
Jan 1, 1601
1596

Travels to Europe

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89%
Jan 1, 1596
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Joins the Cadiz Expedition

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89%
Jan 1, 1596
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1576

Conversion to Anglicanism

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96%
Jan 1, 1576

Donne converts to Anglicanism.

1572

Birth of John Donne

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96%
Jan 1, 1572

John Donne is born in London.