Top 10 Greatest British Poet Laureates

British Poet Laureate 1850 - 1892

The poem 'The Charge Of The Light Brigade' by Tennyson is perhaps the most notable ever Laureate poem! He chronicled events so well, and did such a great job! He held the post for 42 years, the longest legnth of time on the post. There was about 4 years gap in respect before Austin was given the post in 1896.

British Poet Laureate 1930 - 1967

He was a great poet who represented so well the working classes! He stood for people and working labour and was a great laureate!

I love his One Happy Moment poem. The emotion just floats from it and into your heart.

The verse: "I can die with her, but not live without her..."

Just beautiful.
Beautiful list by the way, MikeFuller. Thank you.

British Poet Laureate 1668 - 1688

Despite being sacked from the post he was a great poet who wrote fantastic verse for the laureateship!

British Poet Laureate 1999 - 2009

New Labour changed the British Poet Laureateship to 10 years after the death of Ted Hughes in 1998. Andrew Motion
Used his laureateship to introduce people to poetry, giving discussions, work on the web and other public work.

British Poet Laureate 1984 - 1998

Using symbolism in his laureate poetry and playing to his friendship with the Queen Mother, he wrote great laureate poetry! His collection of laureate poems 'Raincharm For The Duchy' is terrific!

British Poet Laureate 1813 - 1843

He was considered the greatest lakeland poet in his day! He used his immense genius in his laureate poetry!

British Poet Laureate 1913 - 1930

He had a great use of words and was a great laureate.

British Poet Laureate 1896 - 1913

A prolific writer for the laureateship, although he was a poor poet, his work is refreshing! An example being Sonnets 'Written In Mid Channel'

British Poet Laureate 1785 - 1790

Perhaps the best poet to be given the post of laureate between Dryden and Southey. Although I don't know, if he wrote as well for the laureateship he would have done well!