Churchill, Charles 1731-64
English satirical poet

Born in Westminster, London, he was educated at Westminster School and St John's College, Cambridge, but ruined his academic career with a clandestine marriage at the age of 17. He was ordained priest in 1756, and in 1758 succeeded his father as curate of St John's, Westminster, but gave up the church in 1763. His Rosciad (1761) had already made him famous and The Apology (also 1761) was an onslaught on his critics, particularly Tobias Smollett. The Ghost (1762) ridiculed Dr Johnson and others. He went on to assist John Wilkes in The North Briton, and ridiculed the Scots in the satire, The Prophecy of Famine (1763). For The Epistle to Hogarth (1763) the artist retaliated with a savage caricature. Other works include The Candidate (1764), Independence (1794), The Journey (unfinished) and Dedication. He died suddenly on a visit to Wilkes in France.

Bibliography: W C Brown, Poet, rake and rebel (1953)