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, (1667-1689)
John Dryden, Poet and Playwright
Thomas Shadwell from NPG
Nicholas Rowe from NPG
Carol Ann Duffy
Videos
Dame Carol Ann Duffy is a Scottish poet and playwright. She is a professor of contemporary poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University, and was appointed Poet Laureate in May 2009, serving in this po
Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom
…unfixed term and typically for life, but since 1999 the term has been ten years. The holder of the position as at 2026 is Simon Armitage who succeeded Carol Ann Duffy in May 2019 after her ten years in office. The origins of the British poet laureateship date back to 1616 when James I of England granted a pension to…
Duffy in 2009