Since Thomas Gray majestically declined the offer of the laureateship in 1757, it has never been clear whether the post is honourable or onerous.
Christopher Ricks , Professor of English at Cambridge University, traces the history of the Laureateship and the means by which poets have elevated it to coincide with their loyalties. Verse read by Paul Rogers Other readers PATRICK BARR , JOHN CHURCH, LEONARD FENTON , SONIA FRASER , MARTIN FRIEND, GORDON REID Producer TOM SUTCLIFFE followed by an interlude