Edward Carpenter

Edward Carpenter (1844–1929) was and English poet, socialist and gay activist.

During his time as an undergraduate at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, he began to develop romantic attachments for other men. He became a priest in the Church of England, but became disillusioned with the Church and left the ministry to become a lecturer. While living in Sheffield he became very aware of the poor living conditions of the working classes, and became active in the socialist movement. In 1882 a legacy from his father enabled him to embrace the rural life as a market gardener at Millthorpe, Derbyshire. In 1890, having been influenced by Hindu mysticism he travelled to Ceylon and India.

On returning from India, Carpenter began a relationship with a working-class man, George Merill. They set up house together in 1895, and remained together until Merill's death in 1928. They managed to escape scandal and arrest, at a time when homosexual acts were illegal (and Oscar Wilde and others were prosecuted and sent to prison).