Thomas Chatterton was an English poet born in 1752 in Bristol. He is best known for his works that he claimed were written by a fictional medieval poet named Thomas Rowley. Chatterton's talent for creating elaborate poems and historical documents at a young age gained him some recognition, but he struggled for financial stability. Despite his early promise, Chatterton faced many challenges, including poverty and lack of support. Tragically, he died at the age of 17 in 1770, likely from suicide. His work later influenced the Romantic poets and sparked interest in medieval literature, making him a significant figure in literary history.