John Skelton, an influential figure in English literature, was born around 1460. Though details of his early life remain scant, Skelton is believed to have been educated at Cambridge University at an early age. By 1490, Skelton had already garnered attention as a scholar and writer, achieving recognition from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Louvain, though the exact nature of his accolades is still a matter of historical discussion.

Royal Connections and Influences

Skelton's talents earned him a place in royal circles when he became the tutor to Prince Henry, who would later ascend the throne as King Henry VIII, around 1496. His ordination as a priest followed in 1498. During these years, he formed a notable friendship with Erasmus, a visiting scholar from the Netherlands, who later complimented Skelton by referring to him as “England’s Homer.” Skelton’s keen observations of court life became the foundation for his satirical work, The Bowge of Court, which critiqued the sycophants surrounding royalty.

Transitions and Literary Contributions

The untimely death of Prince Arthur in 1502 marked the end of Skelton’s role as a royal tutor. Although his skills were deemed suitable for the upbringing of a potential archbishop, they did not align with the aspirations King Henry VII held for the future monarch. As a result, Skelton was appointed rector of Diss in Norfolk, where he carried out his duties as a parish priest for several years. It is during this time that many believe Skelton composed a significant portion of his poetry, although he was more renowned for his fervent and often controversial debates.

Return to Court and Literary Achievements

With Henry VIII’s ascension in 1509, Skelton sought to rekindle their former association by presenting him with various gifts, eventually securing his patronage. By 1512, Skelton had reassumed a prominent position at Westminster as the orator regius, the court poet. In this role, he crafted both Latin and English verses to mark important events, including elegies for Henry VII and Lady Margaret Beaufort—Skelton’s former patron—and celebrated the English triumph over James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden.

Conflict with Cardinal Wolsey

Skelton's tenure as orator regius was marked by his bold critiques of Cardinal Wolsey, whose influence on the king was growing. Through his play Magnyfycence, Skelton employed the format of a Tudor interlude—a dramatic contest between virtuous and villainous figures vying for a hero's soul—to criticize Wolsey’s sway over the young monarch. Fortunately for Skelton, he resided within the sanctuary of Westminster Abbey, which protected him from likely arrest due to his sharp satire. By 1522, a truce of sorts appeared to have been reached, as Skelton spent the holidays at the countess of Surrey's residence in York. However, his subsequent works, including “Speke, Parot” and “Why Come Ye Not to Court?” continued his critique of Wolsey's abuses, even as he dedicated The Garlande of Laurell to him in 1523.

Champion of Tradition Amidst Change

Skelton's advocacy for traditional values was evident in the "grammarians' war" of 1519 and 1520, a scholarly dispute over Latin education. His vehement opposition to reformers reflected his medieval roots, aligning him with conservative educational doctrines. Despite the rise of Renaissance humanism, which challenged his views, Skelton maintained his medieval stance, making him a figure of transition between eras. Skelton spent his remaining years living and writing in Westminster, where he passed away on June 21, 1529.