Was Wordsworth the Poet Laureate, or were any of the other highly acclaimed and internationally well known British poets?

mibmob

In 1843 he succeeded Robert Southey (1774-1843) as England's poet laureate. Wordsworth died on April 23, 1850. Apr 09 05, 8:00 AM

lanfranco

When you say "were," to what period are you referring? Ben Jonson, Lord Tennyson and Ted Hughes were all Poets Laureate. Apr 09 05, 9:59 AM

lanfranco

Masefield, too. Apr 09 05, 10:09 AM

mibmob

But not at the same time as Wordsworth! Apr 09 05, 10:10 AM

mibmob

Actually the Q doesn't make sense as it stands, does it? Apr 09 05, 10:12 AM

lanfranco

And speaking of Poets Laureate (and weddings), did anyone see that great line (quoted in the NYT)from Ted Hughes' poem in honor of Sarah and Andrew's wedding? A helicoptor snatched you up, The pilot, it was me. Now, that's verse for the ages. Apr 09 05, 10:41 AM

eschatologist

Please explain how it doesn't make sense. Apr 09 05, 10:42 AM

lanfranco

Never ask me to indulge my penchant for pedantry, because I will always oblige. The question would have been a bit clearer, and more inclusive of all eras, had you written, "Was Wordsworth Poet Laureate? Have any other highly-acclaimed and internationally-known British poets been named to this post?" Now you're going to hate me, and you have such a great name, too. Apr 09 05, 2:34 PM

MrsAce

I thought it was interesting to see who had refused the position. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poet_Laureate Apr 10 05, 12:27 AM

gmackematix

And I thought Sir Walter Scott was keen to be regarded as a poet. As for the wallpaper man, I'll admit I didn't even realise he was regarded as a poet. Feb 18 06, 6:24 AM