George Gascoigne stands out as one of the most prominent writers from the early reign of Queen Elizabeth I, embodying both the admirable and less desirable traits of a Renaissance gentleman. Born to affluent parents, he initially pursued law before turning his sights to the vibrant life at court. Despite his financial missteps and personal entanglements, Gascoigne forged a notable literary path, paving the way for the literary giants that followed.

Early Life and Education

Very little is documented about Gascoigne's early years before his enrollment at Gray's Inn in 1555. His father, Sir John Gascoigne, was a wealthy landowner from Cardington, with a substantial inheritance and a wife, Margaret Scargill, who brought additional wealth from her father's estate in Yorkshire. Sir John's reputation was marred by acts of violence over hunting disputes, an affair with a servant, and questionable financial practices. Despite these issues, the family's prosperity remained intact, allowing George a gentleman's education. Sometime between 1547 and 1555, he attended Trinity College, Cambridge, before moving on to Gray's Inn to pursue law. His tenure there coincided with Elizabeth I's ascension to the throne, for which he played a ceremonial role as a substitute for his father during her coronation. However, his interests soon shifted from law to court life.

Challenges and Court Life

Echoing some of his father's less savory traits, Gascoigne was known for his extravagant spending and unruly behavior, which hindered his rise at court and led to costly legal disputes. His marriage to Elizabeth Breton Boyes, who was previously married and still legally tied to Edward Boyes, added to his financial woes. This situation ensnared him in a web of legal battles and personal conflicts, including a violent encounter in Redcross Street, London, in 1562. By 1563, Gascoigne and his wife lived modestly in Willington, after which he returned to Gray's Inn, possibly to resume his legal studies. During this period, he creatively flourished, producing works like A Hundreth Sundrie Flowres Bounde Up in One Small Poesie, and staging plays such as Supposes and Jocasta at Gray's Inn in 1566. Despite his father's death in 1568 and a modest inheritance, Gascoigne found himself in debt, eventually landing in Bedford jail by 1570.

Military Ventures and Literary Recognition

Faced with financial ruin, Gascoigne sought new avenues for success, volunteering to fight alongside William of Orange in the Low Countries and publishing his writings to gain patronage. His military stint proved disheartening, yet it enriched his poetry, particularly The Fruites of Warre. After an unsuccessful campaign in 1572, he returned to England and found favor with Lord Grey of Wilton, even contributing a masque for the Montague-Dormer wedding the same year. Gascoigne's literary efforts continued with the preparation of A Hundreth Sundrie Flowres for publication. However, his second military venture in 1573 ended disastrously, resulting in a four-month imprisonment by the Spaniards. Returning to England in 1574, he discovered that his book had sparked a scandal, leading to its seizure by authorities.

Later Years and Final Works

During the last years of his life, Gascoigne was prolific in his writing, often reflecting on his earlier misdeeds. He revised his controversial work into The Posies of George Gascoigne Esquire, which again faced censorship. He also published the original play The Glasse of Governement and contributed significantly to The Princely Pleasures at Kenelworth Castle in 1575, a literary tribute for Queen Elizabeth I. His performance as Sylvanus during these festivities earned him the queen's notice.

A Legacy Unfulfilled

Gascoigne's literary output remained steady, with noteworthy publications such as The Steele Glas and The Complaynt of Phylomene in 1576. His writings from that year also include The Droomme of Doomes Day, a repentance tract, and A Delicate Diet, for Daintiemouthde Droonkardes, a temperance piece. Additionally, he crafted The Grief of Joye, gifted to the queen as a New Year's offering. His appointment to government service under Sir Francis Walsingham saw him witness and document the sacking of Antwerp, resulting in The Spoyle of Antwerpe, originally intended as a report for Lord Burleigh.

Tragically, just as Gascoigne began to gain recognition, his health declined. He frequently alluded to his ailments in his writings and passed away on October 7, 1577, in Stamford, England, before he could fully enjoy the fruits of his literary endeavors.