John Cunningham (poet and dramatist)

John Cunningham (1729–1773) was a Dublin-born playwright, poet and actor, who spent much of his life in, and according to Thomas Allan, "whose name and fame will for ever be identified with Newcastle.

It was at Edinburgh that he first came to notice as a poet, and on leaving it he returned to Newcastle, where he had previously made his headquarters while playing in the North of England.

Writing to a friend, the poet says of Slack: "His Bounty proceeds from his heart, Tis principle prompts the supply; His friendship exceeds my desert, And often suppresses a sigh."

Of his excellence As a Pastoral Poet His works will remain a monument for ages After this temporary Tribute of Esteem Is in dust forgotten.

Some of his descriptions of natural scenery are very true and very pleasing in their simplicity; there is much tenderness and grace in his pastorals, but he never rises into passion, or allows himself to be carried away by poetic enthusiasm.

Often were their servants sent round to see where the beer was in best condition (each house brewed its own then), and acting on their reports, the masters would patronise mine host who had the best on tap.

[4] His works include the following :- The play – Love in a mist A book of Poems – published 1766 Extract from an Elegy on a pile of Ruins Search where Ambition raged with rigour steeled Where Slaughter like the rapid lightning ran And say, while memory weeps the blood-stained field Where lies the chief?