The British poet laureate is an honorary position appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom on the advice of the prime minister. The role does not entail any specific duties, but there is an expe
John Dryden, the first poet laureate
John Dryden, Poet and Playwright
Thomas Shadwell from NPG
Nicholas Rowe from NPG
Nahum Tate
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Nahum Tate was an Anglo-Irish poet, hymnist, and lyricist, who became Poet Laureate in 1692. Tate is best known for The History of King Lear, his 1681 adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear, and for hi
Title page of Tate's version of King Lear
