What is Poets' Corner?
Q: What is Poets' Corner?
A: Poets' Corner is an area in the south transept of Westminster Abbey where many people have been buried in recognition of their contributions to British culture, mostly poets, playwrights, and writers.
Q: Who was the first person buried in Poets' Corner?
A: Geoffrey Chaucer was the first person buried in Poets' Corner in 1556.
Q: When was the tradition of burying literary notables in Poets' Corner established?
A: The tradition of burying literary notables in Poets' Corner was established when Edmund Spenser was buried nearby.
Q: Who was the most recently commemorated person in Poets' Corner?
A: Poet Laureate Ted Hughes was the most recently commemorated person in Poets' Corner on 6 December 2011.
Q: Who will be the next person to be commemorated in Poets' Corner and when?
A: Writer C. S. Lewis will be the next person to be commemorated in Poets' Corner on 22 November 2013, the fiftieth anniversary of his death.
Q: Is burial in Poets' Corner automatic following death?
A: No, burial in Poets' Corner is not automatic following death. Lord Byron died in 1824, for example, but a memorial in the corner was not raised to him until 1969.
Q: Who qualifies to be buried in Poets' Corner?
A: Those who have made significant contributions to British culture, mostly poets, playwrights, and writers, qualify to be buried or commemorated in Poets' Corner.
