Oxford Professor of Poetry

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The chair of Professor of Poetry at the University of Oxford is an unusual academic appointment, now held for a term of five years, and chosen through an election open to all "members of Convocation" (loosely, all former students of Oxford University who received a degree other than an honorary degree). It carries an obligation to lecture, but is in effect a part-time position. As of 2005, it carries a stipend of £4,695 plus £40 for each Creweian Oration travel expenses for one Oration.

The Professor of Poetry delivers three lectures each year. Also, every second year (alternating with the University Orator), the Professor of Poetry delivers the Creweian Oration, which offers formal thanks to benefactors of the University. Until 1968 this oration was delivered in Latin.

It is filled by election, with an electorate restricted to members of the Convocation of the University. Convocation consists of holders of all degrees awarded by the University of Oxford. The elections typically attract media attention, and involve campaigning by proponents of quite diverse candidates (who are not subject to any restriction — anyone may stand). In practice both poets and academics have been chosen.

The chair was endowed in 1708 following a bequest by Henry Birkhead of Berkshire.