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Andrew Marvell was born in Winestead-in-Holderness, Yorkshire to Reverend Andrew Marvell and his wife, Anne, on March 31, 1621. The Reverend was a poius, learned man who believed in conforming to the established rites of the Church of England. He sent his son, Andrew, to Trinity College in Cambridge. There young Marvell earned is B.A. degree in 1638, having published two poems, one in Latin and one in Greek, the year before. Also in 1638, he mother died. Two years later his father drowned.

Marvell traveled abroad from 1642-1646, visiting France, Holland, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. In 1650, he became the tutor to Mary Fairfax, daughter of Sir Thomas Fairfax. While with teh Fairfax family, Marvell is believed to have written many of his most famous poems. In 1653, he befriended fellow poet John Milton, who helped him to beocme Latin Secretary in 1657.

After the restoration in 1660, Andrew Marvell was elected to Parliament to represent Hull. He made a diplomatic journey to Holland from 1662-1663. From 1663-1665, he made other diplomatic journeys to Russia, Sweden, and Denmark.

Andrew Marvell died on August 16, 1678 of a fever and the malpractice of the physician. He had written many poems and political pieces, including pamphlets and satires. He had served in Parliament for eighteen years. At the time of his death it was rumored that Jesuits had poisoned him. Today his is buried in the church of St. Giles-in-the-Fields.