Hidden Robert Dover poem uncovered in 17th century plea roll

Discovery sheds light on colourful character part of leading literary and legal circles of the time

A hidden poem found in dusty early 17th century legal parchments at the National Archives has shed fresh light on a colourful character who moved in the leading literary and legal circles of the day.

Written by Robert Dover, a King’s Bench attorney and friend of the poet Ben Jonson, the short piece laments the quality of his handwritten legal plea rolls due to a lack of gall apples from which to make his ink.