Matthew Arnold is buried in the family plot in All Saints' Churchyard, Laleham, Middlesex. Arnold was the son of Thomas Arnold, a Headmaster of Rugby School, who is also buried in the churchyard. 

In 1851 Arnold became an inspector of schools - a career to which he dedicated 35 years of his life.In 1858 Arnold became Professor of Poetry at Oxford University which was rather ironic as, with the exception of one further poetry collection, he wrote prose for the rest of his life.

Arnold's early poetry was heavily influenced by Byron. In his later years he was renowned as the greatest literary critic of his day - influencing the likes of T.S Eliot.

Arnold died in Liverpool in 1888 whilst awaiting the arrival of his daughter from America.  He was running for a tram car in the city when he suffered a heart attack.Arnold is commemorated with a bust in Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey.