c. 1370-c. 1450. English poet. He was a
Benedictine monk and later prior. His
numerous works were often translations or
adaptations, such as Troy Book and Falls of
Princes. Born probably at Lydgate, Suffolk,
he entered the Benedictine abbey of Bury St
Edmunds, was ordained in 1397, and was prior
of Hatfield Broadoak 1423-34. He was a friend
of Chaucer.