1685 - 1732.

English playwright and poet.

Born in Barnstaple.

Educated at the local grammar school.

Was apprenticed to a silk mercer before commencing his literary career in London.

His poetry includes "The Shepherd's Week" (1714) and "Trivia", or the "Art of Walking the Streets of London" (1716).

His plays include "The Beggar's Opera" (1728).

Gay composed the lyrics to many songs, including "'Twas When the Seas Were Roaring," and he wrote many ballads, the most familiar of which is "Sweet William's Farewell to Black-eyed Susan."



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