What is a Poet Laureate?
The Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom is an honorary position appointed by the monarch. Traditionally, the Poet Laureate is expected to write poems for significant national occasions, such as royal weddings, births, or other state events. The role also involves producing poems that reflect the spirit of the nation or address important social or political issues.
While there is no strict requirement for the Poet Laureate to produce a certain number of poems during their tenure, they are expected to be available to write verse when called upon by the government or the royal family. Additionally, the Poet Laureate may be asked to compose poems celebrating notable individuals or events in British culture.
Tennyson - Poet Laureate 1850-1892
Tennyson served as the Poet Laureate from 1850 until his death in 1892. During his tenure, he wrote several poems, including "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1854) which was written to commemorate the ill-fated charge of the British Light Cavalry Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War. The poem vividly describes the bravery and valor of the soldiers who followed orders despite facing overwhelming odds.
Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns!" he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred. (The Charge of the Light Brigade - 1854)
The poem captures the tragic heroism of the soldiers who obeyed their orders despite the fatal consequences, emphasizing themes of duty, sacrifice, and the horrors of war.
In 1852 Tennyson wrote "Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington" to commemorate the death of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington - a great national hero of the time. Tennyson captures the sense of loss and reverence felt by the British people.
Bury the Great Duke
With an empire's lamentation,
Let us bury the Great Duke
To the noise of the mourning of a mighty nation,
Mourning when their leaders fall,
Warriors carry the warrior's pall,
And sorrow darkens hamlet and hall. (Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington - 1852)
The poem reflects on the impact of his death and the mourning of the nation for the loss of such a prominent figure as well as paying tribute to Wellington's military achievements and his significance in British history.
In recent years, Poets Laureate have also taken on additional roles, such as promoting poetry and literature in schools and communities, supporting emerging poets, and acting as cultural ambassadors for the United Kingdom. However, these activities are not formal requirements of the position and vary depending on the individual poet appointed.
The current Poet Laureate is Simon Armitage who succeeded Carol Ann Duffy in May 2019 after 10 years in office.