Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Richard Steele

Role / Field:

Anglo-Irish writer, playwright, and politician, co-founder of The Spectator.

Born:

1671

Died:

1729-09-01

Century / Era:

1671s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Sir Richard Steele (c. 1671 – 1 September 1729) was an Anglo-Irish writer, playwright and politician best known as the co-founder of the magazine The Spectator alongside his close friend Joseph Addison. Steele was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1671 to Richard Steele, a wealthy attorney, and Elinor Symes (née Sheyles); his sister Katherine was born the previous year. He was the grandson of Sir William Steele, Lord Chancellor of Ireland and his first wife Elizabeth Godfrey.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father lived at Mountown House, Monkstown, Dublin. His mother, of whose family background little is known, was described as "a very beautiful woman, of a noble spirit". His father died when he was four, and his mother a year later. Steele was largely raised by his uncle and aunt, Henry Gascoigne (secretary to James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde), and Lady Katherine Mildmay. A member of the Protestant gentry, he was educated at Charterhouse School, where he first met Addison.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After starting at Christ Church, Oxford, he went on to Merton College, Oxford, then joined the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry in order to support King William's wars against France. He was commissioned in 1697, and rose to...

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• 1671 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1671
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Frequently Asked Questions about Richard Steele