William Whitehead
William Whitehead was an 18th-century English poet and playwright born in February 1715 in Cambridge, England. He was educated at Winchester College and Clare Hall, Cambridge, where he developed a connection with notable literary figures, including the poet Alexander Pope. Whitehead gained recognition early in his career with the publication of his poem, *The Danger of Writing Verse: An Epistle*, in 1741. He served as a tutor to prominent figures' sons, such as George Bussy Villiers, and achieved success with his tragedy, *The Roman Father*, which premiered at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane in 1750.
In 1758, he became poet laureate of England, succeeding Thomas Gray, and held the position until his death in 1785. During his tenure, he composed official odes and celebrated the English people and monarchy through works like *Verses to the People of England*. Despite the popularity of his plays, Whitehead's poetry did not achieve the same acclaim during his lifetime. He is remembered for the dignity he brought to the laureateship and for his contributions to English literature. Whitehead passed away on April 14, 1785, while working on an ode dedicated to the king.
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William Whitehead
Poet
- Born: February 1, 1715
- Birthplace: Cambridge, England
- Died: April 14, 1785
Biography
William Whitehead was born in February, 1715, in Cambridge, England. His father, Richard Whitehead, was a baker for Pembroke Hall at Cambridge University. Whitehead attended Winchester College, Cambridge, from 1729 until 1735, where he met the poet Alexander Pope in 1733 upon winning a poetry contest. Admitted to Clare Hall, Cambridge, he earned his B.A. in 1739 and his M.A. in 1743.
Whitehead’s poem, The Danger of Writing Verse: An Epistle, written in heroic couplets in the style of Pope, was published in 1741. In 1745, he became tutor to George Bussy Villiers, son of the earl of Jersey, William Villiers. Later, he tutored George Simon Harcourt, son of Lord Harcourt, as well. In 1750, his tragedy The Roman Father, an adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s Horace, was produced at London’s Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. The tragedy was a popular success. Whitehead toured the European continent with his two students from 1754 through 1756, writing occasional odes and elegies along the way.
In 1758, he became poet laureate of England, the position having first been offered and declined by Thomas Gray. Whitehead served as poet laureate until his death in 1785. In this position, he extolled the virtues of the English people as well as the English king, publishing the patriotic Verses to the People of England in 1758. His position required him to write two official odes per year. His original comedy, A Trip to Scotland, was produced at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane in 1770. This play proved another popular success. Whitehead died on April 14, 1785, while at work on an ode to the king. Although productions of Whitehead’s plays were well received by his contemporaries, his poetry was not. He is recognized for the honor and dignity he brought to the position of poet laureate.