Poet laureate and Wordsworth died. Edward Gibbon condemned the position's artificial approach to poetry: The salary has varied, but traditionally includes some alcohol. Ben Jonson first received a pension of 100 marks, and later an annual "terse of Canary wine". Dryden had a pension of £300 and a butt of Canary wine. Pye received £27 instead of the wine. Tennyson drew £72 a year from the Lord Chamberlain's department, and £27 from the Lord Steward's "in lieu of the butt of sack". The current annual salary is £5,750. The present laureate is Carol Ann Duffy, appointed in May 2009. The United Kingdom
Martha's Vineyard Poet Laureate seek to enhance the presence of poetry on the Vineyard and throughout the world. The purpose of Martha's Vineyard Poetry Society's is to promote poetry on Martha's Vineyard through education and through the support of existing and new poetry groups. It is the organization's hope that through elevation of poetry in people's lives and consciousness – it will facilitate a positive contribution to Martha's Vineyard culture and life styles. Over the years, MVPS has sponsored and hosted free public poetry events such as: "Martha's Vineyard Poet Laureate" celebration gatherings; “Summer Solstice In Poetry and Song” held at Featherstone Center for