ROCHESTER, JOHN WILMOT, 2ND EARL OF (1647 1680), English poet and wit, the son of Henry Wilmot, the ist Earl, was born at Ditchley in Oxfordshire on April io, 1647, and succeeded his father as 2nd earl in 1658. He was educated at Wadham college, Oxford, and in 1661, although he was only 14 years of age, received the degree of M.A. On leaving Oxford he travelled in France and Italy with a tutor. He returned in 1664, and at once made his way to Charles II.'s court, where his youth, good looks and wit assured him of a welcome. In 1665 he joined the fleet serving against the Dutch as a volunteer. He became gentleman of the bedchamber to Charles II. John Dryden had dedicated to him his (1672) ; but his Aurengzebe (1675) was dedicated to Lord Mulgrave, who was Rochester's enemy. Consequently Rochester thwarted Dryden at every turn, and in 1679 a band of roughs set on the poet in Rose Alley, Covent Garden, and beat him. Rochester obviously felt no shame for this infamous attack, for in his "Imitation of the First Satire of Juvenal" he says, "Who'd be a wit in Dryden's cudgelled skin?" His health was already undermined, and in the spring of 168o he retired to High Lodge, Woodstock Park. He began to show signs of a more serious temper, and at his own request was visited (July 20 to July 24) by Bishop Burnet, who attested the sincerity of his repentance. He died, however, two days after the bishop left him. When his son Charles, the 3rd earl, died on Nov. 12,1681, his titles became extinct.
As a poet Rochester was a follower of Abraham Cowley and of Boileau, to both of whom he was considerably indebted. His love lyrics are often happy, but his real vigour and ability is best shown in his critical poems and satires. The political satires are notable for their fierce exposure of Charles II.'s weakness.