Edmund Spenser matriculated at Pembroke College as a sizar in May 1569. He had previously attended Merchant Taylors' School. He graduated with a B.A. in 1573. A varied career followed with positions in Ireland, culminating in being made Sheriff of Cork, Ireland in 1598 by the Privy Council. His most widely read poem has been 'The Faerie Queene', but 'The Shepheardes Calender' was also a significant piece.