Who was England's first Poet Laureate?

A poet laureate is a poet officially given a title by the government to a well known poet. It is assumed that the poet will at certain times write poetry for a specific national event.

In England the first Poet Laureate was Ben Johnson, although it is not clear whether he was officially given the position. Since 1688 there have been 17 poets and the most recent successors have been John Betjeman (1972-84), Ted Hughes (1984-98), and Andrew Motion (1999- ).

Until 1999 the title was bestowed for life and the holder was rewarded with an annual present of wine; it is now a salaried post with a fixed tenure of 10 years.

The other three were Poet Laureate's as follows:

1813 Robert Southey, on the refusal of Sir Walter Scott.

William Wordsworth (1843-1850).

Alfred Tennyson (1850 – 1896).

More Info: www.poetseers.org

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20 Comments

Albeck1994

John Dryden was the first in 1668. Ben Johnson was never post laureate. In 1688 Laurence Eusden was the Fifth poet laureate. Remove this question.

Linda Golding

It's spelt Jonson!

John Manley

Wrong answer and incorrect spelling of the answer given!- other than that great question!!

Denise Currie

Wrong answer I think, it was John Dryden in 1668-89.

Ron Mejka

Incorrect answer, not good enough !

deborahpmercer

I think there are grounds for considering this question contentious, but for heaven's sake, it's a setter most of whose questions are excellent and as a far less able one I have certainly made some slip ups! Just stop being so judgemental!

Christine Perfect

It's John Dryden, bs again

David Colloby

YET ANOTHER INCORRECT QUESTION AND ANSWER

John Moore

There has never been a Poet Laureate for England. The post is for the whole nation, not one of the kingdoms. The question is wrong. Ben Johnson was appointed poet laureate by James VI and I but was not a continuous position until Charles II appointed John Dryden, however Ben Johnson was the first Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland

Lorna Lake

Lazy question - lazy editor - even lazy spelling! As others have said, Ben Jonson was court poet but that is not the same as Poet Laureate! Not difficult to grasp surely?? Quizzclub, remove this question!

Emma Clements

You spelled Jonson incorrectly. I also don’t think he was officially the poet laureate.

Vonda Summers

Dryden was listed multiple places but wasn't one we could choose from.

Steve Kemp

Ben Johnson died 31 years before the post of Poet Laureate was instated. He was awarded a pension as a 'thank you' but that is all. About time your question setters learnt some history before posting such garbage

Roger Edwards

Please check facts! Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was never 'Poet Laureate'. Correct that Eusden was 5th and was born in 1688 - he was appointed to the position in 1718 by George 1st. (who did not speak English!). John Dryden was the first, appointed by Charles 2nd in 1688.