06 Apr 2022
On This Day
6 April 2022 Cheryl

6 April 1843: William Wordsworth is appointed Poet Laureate

William Wordsworth, Poet Laureate 1843-1850

A British Poet Laureate’s remuneration is partly composed of payment in sherry. Between 1630 and 1800 “a sack of butt,” a barrel of sweet Canary wine, went to the incumbent. After a break of 184 years, the practice was revived, so since 1930 a barrel, equivalent to 720 bottles of sherry, has been awarded to each Poet Laureate. [1]

William Wordsworth was appointed British Poet Laureate by Queen Victoria on 6 April 1843, succeeding Robert Southey.

Wordsworth, a well-known literary and respected public figure, was a natural choice for the position. He initially refused the honour, saying that he was too old, but accepted when the Prime Minister, Robert Peel, assured him that “you shall have nothing required of you”. Wordsworth thus became the only poet laureate to write no official verses, but he served as an ambassador for poetry in the United Kingdom, promoting and celebrating its role in British culture and identity.

The title of Poet Laureate has traditionally been awarded to a poet who has work of significant, often national, importance. Its origins can be traced back to 1616, but the first official holder of the position was John Dryden, appointed in 1668 by Charles II and it remains an official role within the British royal household. The Poet Laureate is expected to produce poetry on national occasions, such as royal weddings, state funerals, and other significant events and celebrate and promote the art of poetry in the United Kingdom.

The role of the Poet Laureate has evolved over time. The position was once only replaced when the current incumbent died, but since 1999 the tenure has been for a period of ten years only, and while the Poet Laureate is still expected to produce poetry on official occasions, they are also encouraged to use their position to raise awareness of important social and political issues.