Charles Causley

Charles Causley (1917-2003) was a Cornish poet and writer. His father’s death when Causley was a teenager had an impact on him that informed his poetic sensibilities. His early promise as a poet emerged at school when the quality of his poetry was praised by his teacher.

When he was sixteen, because of family need, he began work in a builder’s office, though later obtained an education and became a teacher.

His work is characterised by its simplicity, though this can be misleading; there are adult themes interwoven, with spiritual references. He often wrote in ballad form, his inspiration being taken from the folklore of his native Cornwall.