Regius Chair of Rhetoric and English Literature
The Regius Chair of Rhetoric and English Literature at the University of Edinburgh was established in 1762 (as the Regius Chair of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres). It is arguably the first professorship of English Literature established anywhere in the world. Its first holder was Professor Hugh Blair. Recent holders have included Professors Alistair Fowler, Ian Donaldson, John Frow, and Laura Marcus. The Current holder is Greg Walker.
See also
http://www.ed.ac.uk/news/staff/greg-walker-290710
