poet laureate

Poet of the British royal household or of the USA, so called because of the laurel wreath awarded to eminent poets in the Greco-Roman world. Early UK poets with unofficial status were John Skelton, Samuel Daniel, Ben Jonson, and William Davenant. John Dryden was the first to receive the title by letters-patent in 1668 and from then on the post became a regular institution. Andrew Motion was appointed UK poet laureate in 1999. His was the first appointment to the post to be made for ten years, rather than for life.

The USA has had an official poet laureate since 1986. The Librarian of Congress makes the appointment, which has been for one or two years.