William Whitehead (poet)

William Whitehead (1715 – 1785) was an English poet and playwright, who served as Poet Laureate from 1757 until his death.

Born in Cambridge, Whitehead was educated at Winchester College and Clare College, Cambridge. He became a fellow of Clare College in 1742. While at Cambridge, he gained recognition for his poetic abilities, particularly his elegy "On the Danger of Writing Verses."

Whitehead's early works included the tragedy The Roman Father (1750), which proved popular and secured his literary reputation. His other plays include Creusa, Queen of Athens (1754) and The School for Lovers (1762). He also published poems, odes, and essays.

In 1757, Whitehead was appointed Poet Laureate, succeeding Colley Cibber. His tenure as Laureate was marked by a competent but unremarkable output of official verse for court occasions. He was often compared unfavorably to his predecessor and was frequently criticized for his bland and conventional style.

Despite the criticism, Whitehead held the position of Poet Laureate until his death in 1785. He died unmarried at his lodgings in Charles Street, London, and was buried in Grosvenor Chapel. While not considered a major figure in English literature, William Whitehead remains a notable figure for his position as Poet Laureate during a significant period of English history. His works provide insight into the literary tastes and expectations of the 18th century.