Poems: 'In the soul of man they are floating, thronging, As wind-blown petals, pale, flickering hosts''

Frederic Manning was born on 22nd July 1882 in Sydney, Australia, one of eight children to local politician Sir William Patrick Manning. The family were Roman Catholics of Irish origin.

Manning was a poorly child and thus schooled extensively at home. As a teenager he became friends with the Reverend Arthur Galton, who was secretary to the Governor of New South Wales. In 1898 Galton returned to England and Manning went with him. Manning returned to Australia in 1900 before settling permanen...