1667-1745
Swift was born in Dublin at
7 Hoey's Close on 30th November 1667, it is thought his father was
Sir John Temple, master of the rolls. Swift was educated at Kilkenny
College and Trinity College Dublin. After leaving Trinity in 1689
he became private secretary to Sir William Temple (John Temples
father)
He returned to Ireland in 1694,
taking holy orders in 1695 becoming curate of Kilroot near Larne
County Antrim. The following year he returned to England to Moore
Park in Surrey, the home of Sir William Temple where he became tutor
to Esther Johnston, the Stella of his later writings, Esther was
possibly a daughter of Temple.
After Temple's death in 1699,
Swift was appointed chaplain to The Earl of Berkley, them Lord Justice
of Ireland. at this time he was also chaplain of Lanacor County
Meath. Berkley was recalled in 1701, after which Swift spent most
of his time in England.
It was during this period Swift's
reputation as a writer and wit flowered, he published 'A Tale of
a Tub' and 'The Battle of The Books' in 1704. His 'Journal to Stella'
relating to the politics and gossip of London society was written
between 1710-13. About this time Swift met Esther Vanhomrigh who
was to become the 'Vanessa' in his poem 'Cadenus and Vanessa' (1713)
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