William Hayley was a literary figure who failed in his writing for the theatre before concentrating on poetry. He was best
known for his Life of Milton (1796). He was
later a patron of William Blake. In August 1811 Godwin writes to him, and six days later visits him (and his wife)as Felpham. His letter to Mary Jane describes the walk, and the meeting.
Godwin did not take to Hayley - whom he refers to as the 'literary hermit', but he did like his wife. Godwin writes to
him again in 1812.
Godwin records his death.
