His early years in the navy inspired Salt Water Ballads 1902 and several adventure novels; he also wrote children's books, such as The Box of Delights 1935, and plays. He was poet laureate from 1930. The Everlasting Mercy 1911, characterized by its forcefully colloquial language, and Reynard the Fox 1919 are long verse narratives. His other works include the novel Sard Harker 1924 and the critical work Badon Parchments 1947.
