Poet
Katherine Philips
Katherine Philips, often known as “The Matchless Orinda,” was one of the most celebrated poets of the 17th century. Her poetry, known for its elegance and emotional depth, often focused on themes of friendship, loyalty, and love. Philips was a key figure in the Royalist literary circles during the English Civil War, and her work stood out for its exploration of female friendship and the complexities of personal relationships.
One of her most famous poems, ‘To My Excellent Lucasia, on Our Friendship’, is a poignant expression of deep affection and intellectual companionship between women, a rare subject at the time. Another notable poem, ‘Epitaph on her Son H.P.’, reflects her personal grief and maternal love, written after the tragic loss of her young son.
Philips’ poetry was highly regarded by her contemporaries, and she became one of the first English women to have her work published under her own name. Her legacy as a pioneering female poet endures, offering a unique voice in an era dominated by male writers.