Death of John Skelton – The Jester-Priest Who Reshaped English Verse

John Skelton shattered poetic convention with his raw, rhythmic “Skeltonics”—short-lined, sharp-tongued verse that jabbed at power and privilege. As priest, tutor, and satirist, he fused medieval roots with modern rebellion, forging a new voice that danced, mocked, and dared. His words hit fast, hit hard, and never asked permission.