CHURCHYARD, Thomas, a poet who flourished in the reigns of Henry VIII., Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth. He was born at Shrewsbury; and inherited a small patrimony, which was soon exhausted in a fruitless attendance on the court. He found his only recompense in having gained the favour of Lord Surrey, who retained him as a domestic, and encouraged his first poetical attempts. On his patron's death he joined the army; and in the engagements at which he was present he was frequently wounded, and twice made prisoner. He published several pieces, which were afterwards collected into one volume under the title of Churchyard's Chips; and also the tragedy of Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. He died in 1604.