A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature/Spencer, William Robert

by John William Cousin

Spencer, William Robert (1769-1834). -- Poet, ed. at Harrow and Oxf., belonged to the Whig set of Fox and Sheridan. He wrote graceful vers de societé, made translations from Bürger, and is best remembered by his well-known ballad of Gelert. After a life of extravagance he d. in poverty in Paris.