R. H. (Richard H.) Horne

Born in 1802, Richard Henry Horne—later known as Richard Hengist Horne—was an English poet, critic, dramatist, and journalist. He is most often remembered for Orion, the 1843 epic poem that helped make him known in literary circles and earned him the nickname "the Farthing Poet" because of its famously low price.

Horne wrote across many forms, including poetry, prose, reviews, and plays, and he was closely involved in the busy world of 19th-century publishing. His career connected him with major literary figures of the period, and his work shows both high ambition and a willingness to experiment.

He also spent important years in Australia, where he continued to write and work in public and cultural life before eventually returning to England. Today he remains an interesting figure for listeners who enjoy the broader world of Victorian literature beyond the best-known names.