Robert Southwell was an English Jesuit priest and poet who lived during the late 16th century. Born in Norfolk, he studied in Douai and Paris before joining the Society of Jesus in 1580. Following his ordination in 1584, he returned to England as a clandestine missionary. While working undercover, he served as a chaplain to Anne Howard and used the pseudonym Cotton. His religious activities eventually led to his arrest at Uxendon Hall, resulting in his imprisonment and eventual execution for high treason.