Robert Heywood

Robert Heywood (?1574–1645) was an English poet.

Life
Heywood was the eldest son of Peter Heywood of Heywood Hall, Lancashire, born about 1574. He married Margaret, daughter and coheiress of John Asheton of Penketh, Lancashire, and in 1611 rebuilt Heywood Hall.

In 1636 he entertained scholar and poet Richard James, who recorded the chief events of his visit in his Iter Lancastrense. He was called by nonconformist Oliver Heywood "a pious reverend old gentleman, and an excellent poet."

Heywood died in 1645, aged 71.

Writing
His poetry was supposed to have perished until in 1868 a transcript turned up in a sale at Sotheby's, with the title of Observations and Instructions: Divine and morall. This was printed, under the editorship of James Crossley, by the Chetham Society in 1869. The verses, which are not without vigour or point, are arranged in 5 "centuries."