Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey (1517–1547), was an influential English nobleman and poet. He is regarded as one of the earliest developers of the English sonnet and blank verse, helping to shape modern English poetry. Surrey was known for his political involvement and military service under King Henry VIII, as well as his literary talents. His work often explored themes of love, mortality, and life at court. Despite his talents, his career was cut short when he was executed for treason, but his literary contributions had a lasting impact on English literature.