Cartwright, William

Cartwright, William an English clergyman and poet, was born at Northway, near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, in September, 1611. He was educated at the free school of Cirencester, Westminster School, and Christ Church, Oxford. He took holy orders in 1638, and became "the most florid and yet seraphical preacher in the university." In 1642 he was made succentor of the church of Salisbury, and in the same year was appointed a delegate to provide for the troops sent by the king to protect the colleges. His zeal in this office caused his imprisonment by the parliamentary forces. In 1643 he was chosen junior proctor of the university and reader in metaphysics. He died Dec. 23 of the same year. He wrote several poetical pieces, among which were The Royal Slave; a Tragedy (1639): —Tragic Comedies, with other Poems (1640). See Chalmers, Biog. Dict. s.v.; Allibone, Dict. of Brit. and Amer. Authors, s.v.