Richard Lovelace's life, though broadly mapped, leaves much of its finer details to the realm of speculation. Born in 1618, potentially at the family manor in Kent or while his mother was in Holland, Lovelace was the eldest child of Sir William Lovelace and Anne Barne. His father, a soldier under Sir Horace Vere, perished in the siege of Groll when Richard was only nine.

Family and Early Education

Lovelace hailed from a large family, with four brothers—Thomas, Francis, William, and Dudley—and three sisters—Anne, Elizabeth, and Johanna. Dudley would later play a pivotal role in publishing Richard's posthumous works. In 1630, his mother remarried Jonathan Brown, a London doctor of laws, possibly boosting the family’s status. Lovelace was educated at Charterhouse School and continued his studies at Oxford’s Gloucester Hall, now Worcester College, where he enrolled as a gentleman commoner in 1634.

Academic Accomplishments and Court Life

Lovelace's striking appearance and charming demeanor were noted by his contemporaries. During his second year at college, Anthony à Wood claims that a distinguished lady of the queen influenced the university chancellor to award Lovelace a master of arts prematurely. The subsequent year, he was at Cambridge, mingling with future contributors to his poetry collection, 'Lucasta,' including the poet Andrew Marvell.

Military Service and Early Writings

After completing his studies, Lovelace entered court life, capturing the interest of George, Lord Goring. He soon found himself an ensign in the 1639 campaign against the Scots and was promoted to captain during the second expedition. It was during this time that he supposedly penned the tragedy 'The Soldier' and his well-known drinking song "To General Goring, after the pacification of Berwick." Sir John Suckling, who accompanied Lovelace, is believed to have addressed him in his renowned "Ballad upon a Wedding."

Political Involvement and Imprisonment

Returning to Kent, Lovelace inherited family estates. In 1642, he was imprisoned for delivering the Kentish Petition to Parliament, advocating for the king and against Parliament’s measures. He was detained for about two months and released on bail under strict conditions. Despite restrictions, Lovelace supported the royalist cause, equipping his brothers for battle and facilitating Dudley’s military education in Holland.

Years Abroad and Artistic Pursuits

Between 1643 and 1646, Lovelace likely spent time in Holland and France. His travels inspired works such as "To Lucasta, going beyond the seas." In Holland, he immersed himself in the cultural flourishing of the arts and witnessed the siege of Dunkirk in 1646, where he sustained injuries. By 1647, Lovelace was back in London, joining Peter Lely in the Painters’ Company. His imprisonment in 1648 at Peterhouse in London was short-lived, and he used this time to prepare his poetry for publication the following year.

Later Life and Legacy

Little is documented about Lovelace’s activities before his death, which occurred before October 1657, marked by an elegy in Eldred Revett’s 'Poems.' A popular but possibly exaggerated account by Wood describes Lovelace’s death as one of poverty and despair. However, recent interpretations suggest his situation was not as dire. Lovelace wrote "The Triumphs of Philamore and Amoret" for Charles Cotton's wedding, which might have been misconstrued by Wood. Despite financial hardships, Lovelace was likely aided by friends like Cotton and other literary figures.

The Poet’s Final Resting Place

According to Wood, Lovelace was laid to rest at St. Bride’s Church in London, alongside his kinsman William. Unfortunately, the Great Fire of London in 1666 obliterated the church and any remaining records of his burial site. Lovelace’s enduring legacy is preserved through his works and the community of poets who commemorated him, ensuring his contributions to literature are not forgotten.