Poets Laureate

The position of Poet Laureate can be traced back to the reign of King James I, who informally recognised Benjamin Jonson as a Poet Laureate in 1617. the post was establisged in a more formal capacity in 1668, When King Charles II chose John Dryden as the Poet Laureate and the position was recognised as an established royal office, to be filled when vacant. The term originates from the laurel, a wreath worn by poets which referenced Apollo, the patron of poets in Ancient Greece. Traditionally, the role was a lifetime appointment and associated with specific duties, including composing poems for military victories, coronations and royal birthdays. For the last 200 years the Prime Minister has selected the Poet Laureate, in place of the Lord Chamberlain and the role has less specific requirements attached to it. Carol Ann Duffy was the first woman to be appointed in 2009, with a fixed ten-year term.