Charles Cottrell

Sir Charles Cotterell was an influential English courtier and translator, known for his service at the royal court during a tumultuous period in English history. Appointed as master of ceremonies to King Charles I in 1641, he held this prestigious position until the king's execution in 1649. Following the king's death, Cotterell resided in Antwerp during the early Interregnum, later serving as steward to Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, and as secretary to Henry, Duke of Gloucester. His political career continued after the Restoration, where he served as master of ceremonies under Charles II and held a seat in the Cavalier Parliament for Cardigan from 1663 to 1678. In addition to his courtly duties, Cotterell was a notable literary figure, contributing translations of French romances and histories, as well as The Spiritual Year, a Spanish devotional work. He was a member of the Society of Friendship, a group of poets that included Katherine Philips, where he adopted the pastoral name Poliarchus. His literary endeavors and connections to prominent figures of his time reflect the cultural exchanges and intellectual currents of the 17th century, marking him as a significant figure in the literary landscape of his era. Cotterell's work not only enriched English literature but also showcased the interplay between politics and the arts during a time of great change in England.