Felicia Dorothea Hemans (25 September 1793 - 16 May 1835) was an English poet (who identified as Welsh by adoption). Regarded as the leading female poet of her day, Hemans was immensely popular during her lifetime in both England and the United States, and was second only to Lord Byron in terms of sales. Two of her opening lines, "The boy stood on the burning deck" and "The stately homes of England", have acquired classic status.

Early life and education