Office-Holders in Modern Britain: Volume 11 (Revised), Court Officers, 1660-1837. Originally published by University of London, London, 2006.
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'THE ARTISTIC ESTABLISHMENT: Poet Laureate 1660-1837', in Office-Holders in Modern Britain: Volume 11 (Revised), Court Officers, 1660-1837, (London, 2006) pp. 178. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/office-holders/vol11/p178 [accessed 25 April 2024]
Poet Laureate 1660–1837
The poet laureate was expected to produce annual odes in praise of the Sovereign for his birthday and New Years' Day as well as other, similar panegyrics as occasion demanded. This office appears originally to have been in the gift of the Crown which made appointments by letters patent under the great seal granting the office during pleasure. (fn. 1) During the tenure of John Dryden and Thomas Shadwell (1668–92) the office was combined with that of historiographer. Thereafter the two offices were held separately. Nahum Tate was the last holder of the office to be appointed by letters patent; subsequent appointments were made by lord chamberlain's warrant. The salary, fixed at £200 in 1670, was reduced to £100 in 1692. In addition, the poet laureate was allowed an annual butt of sack or £30 in lieu thereof (fn. 2)