Henry Carey

Background

Henry Carey was born probably in Yorkshire about 1687, probably the illegitimate son of Sir George Savile, Marquess of Halifax.

Career

Coming to London about 1713, Carey made a precarious living from his plays, verses, and tunes. Though popular, his productions did not support his increasing family, and he ultimately committed suicide in London on Oct. 4, 1743. Of Carey's farces, parodies, and burlesques the best remembered is Chrononhotonthologos (1734), a burlesque of the contemporary theater. Of his two volumes of verse, he set one, The Musical Century (1737), to music, Carey is famous for his ballad Sally in Our Alley, celebrating the love of a London apprentice, and for Namby Pamby, ridiculing Ambrose Philips. His poetry reveals genuine feeling, patriotism, and humor.

Achievements

• He was an outstanding English poet, playwright, and musician chiefly remembered for his ballads, especially “Sally in Our Alley, ” which appeared in a collection of his best poems set to music, called The Musical Century (1737).

Connections

Spouse:

Sarah

Spouse:

Elizabeth Pearks