Robert Hawker (poet)

Robert Stephen Hawker (1803-1875) was an eccentric Anglican clergyman, poet, and antiquarian, best known as the Vicar of Morwenstow in Cornwall, England, from 1834 until his death. He is remembered for his colorful personality, his passionate ministry, and his literary contributions, particularly his ballads and poems inspired by Cornish folklore and history.

Hawker was born in Plymouth, Devon, and educated at Cheltenham Grammar School and Magdalen Hall, Oxford. He was ordained as a deacon in 1827 and a priest in 1829. In 1834, he was appointed to the isolated parish of Morwenstow, a rugged coastal region known for its dangerous cliffs and shipwrecks.

Hawker's incumbency at Morwenstow lasted for forty years. He dedicated himself to improving the lives of his parishioners, often at his own expense. He is credited with establishing a school, restoring the parish church, and building a vicarage that was as eccentric as his personality, featuring chimneys modeled after church towers he admired.

Hawker was a fervent advocate for shipwrecked sailors and made significant efforts to ensure they received proper burials. He is often credited with reviving the tradition of saying a requiem for those lost at sea. He also famously retrieved a figurehead from a wrecked ship, the Caledonia, and installed it as a memorial in his churchyard.

Hawker's literary works reflect his deep love for Cornwall, his religious faith, and his fascination with the past. His most famous poem is "The Song of the Western Men," also known as "Trelawny," which became a popular Cornish anthem. Other notable works include "The Quest of the Sangraal" and "Footprints of Former Men in Far Cornwall." His writings often incorporate themes of Cornish history, legend, and the natural world.

Throughout his life, Hawker was known for his unconventional behavior. He often dressed in eccentric clothing, including a claret-colored coat, a blue fisherman's jersey, and long sea boots. He kept a variety of animals, including a pig that he reportedly brought to Holy Communion.

Hawker converted to Roman Catholicism shortly before his death in 1875. He is buried in the Plymouth cemetery. His legacy endures as a unique and influential figure in Cornish history and literature. His poems continue to be celebrated for their evocative language and their celebration of Cornish identity.