Simon Armitage has been named the U.K.’s new Poet Laureate. He succeeds Carol Ann Duffy in the 10-year post. Queen Elizabeth II has approved the appointment, Britain’s highest literary honour.
It is up to the poet to decide whether or not to produce poetry for national and royal occasions. Previous laureates have included John Dryden and William Wordsworth.
| Article and Schedule Quiz | Start Test! |
Simon Armitage:
Armitage, a professor of poetry at the University of Leeds, has published 28 collections of poetry and his work is studied by British schoolchildren as part of the national curriculum.
Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright praised Armitage for his witty and profound take on modern life.
Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom:
The British Poet Laureate is an honorary position appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom, currently on the advice of the Prime Minister.
It is expected that the role holder will write verse for significant national occasions.
The origins of the laureateship date back to 1616 when a pension was provided to Ben Jonson. But the first official holder of the position was John Dryden. He was appointed in 1668 by Charles II.
