William Fowler

William Fowler, poet, courtier, spy, and Secretary to James VI’s queen, Anne of Denmark, was an important member of what is usually known as the “Castalian band”. Whereas the notion of this band and their social organisation has recently been challenged (see below), it is usually understood to refer to a number of poets and musicians connected to the Scottish court of James VI, active primarily between 1581 and 1585. Other notable members include Alexander Montgomerie, John Stewart of Baldynneis, Alexander Hume, the Hudson brothers, and indeed James VI himself. Even though today Fowler’s status is that of a relatively minor author, his influence on this small group of coterie poets and musicians is significant. He i