A young British Poet in Rome: the tale of Edmund Ashcroft

A young British Poet in Rome: the tale of Edmund Ashcroft

In the late 18th century, amidst the cultural awakening of the Grand Tour, a young British poet named Edmund Ashcroft found his destiny intertwined with the eternal city of Rome. Born into a family of modest aristocracy in the rolling hills of Devonshire, Edmund was the youngest son of Sir Walter Ashcroft, a landowner, and Lady Amelia, a patron of the arts. From an early age, Edmund displayed a remarkable gift for words, weaving vivid imagery and tender emotions into verses that captivated all who heard them.

At the age of 21, Edmund embarked on the Grand Tour, an educational pilgrimage across Europe that promised to refine his intellect and broaden his horizons. While Paris and Florence intrigued him, it was Rome that ensnared his heart. Enchanted by its sun-drenched ruins, bustling piazzas, and vibrant artistic scene, Edmund decided to settle there, calling the city “a living poem where every stone breathes eternity.”

His poetry soon captured the attention of Roman nobility, who were drawn to the way he blended classical themes with the romantic sensibilities of his English heritage. At salons and gatherings, his recitations held audiences spellbound, his words painting pictures as vivid as Caravaggio’s canvases. The poet’s charm was as irresistible as his verses, and women across the city were enthralled by his charisma, often inspired to write poetry of their own in admiration.

Despite his success, Edmund’s life was tragically brief. Plagued by ill health, he succumbed to consumption at the age of 31. He was laid to rest in the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Testaccio, his tomb inscribed with the epitaph: “Here lies a poet who made Rome his muse and eternity his verse.” Surrounded by the graves of artists from across Europe, Edmund Ashcroft remains a timeless figure, his legacy woven into the fabric of Rome itself.

Discover more about the tale of Edmund by booking our walking tour: “Testaccio food market“.