Richard Lovelace

Richard Lovelace (1618 - 1657) English poet and nobleman was born in Woolwich, today part of south-east London.

He was imprisoned briefly in 1642 for supporting the Royalists during the time of Oliver Cromwell.

While in prison, Lovelace wrote the words for which he is perhaps most famous:

Stone walls do not a prison make,

Nor iron bars a cage;

Minds innocent and quiet take

That for an hermitage;

If I have freedom in my love,

And in my soul am free,

Angels alone, that soar above,

Enjoy such liberty.

from "To Althea. From Prison".