The Poetry Archive is a treasure-trove of English-language poets reading their own work. Some are historic recordings, some have been made specially for the Archive - which means its range is the widest possible: from Tennyson at the end of the c19, through poets such as Allen Ginsberg and Langston Hughes in the middle of the c20, to contemporary poets including Seamus Heaney, Ruth Padel and Kathleen Jamie. On this page, you'll find information about who to look for in the Archive, and how to find them, as well as information about how to discover - by theme or region or guided tour - poets whose work you may not yet know.
The Poetry Archive is a treasure-trove of English-language poets reading their own work. Some are historic recordings, some have been made specially for the Archive - which means its range is the widest possible: from Tennyson at the end of the c19, through poets such as Allen Ginsberg and Langston Hughes in the middle of the c20, to contemporary poets including Seamus Heaney, Ruth Padel and Kathleen Jamie. On this page, you'll find information about who to look for in the Archive, and how to find them, as well as information about how to discover - by theme or region or guided tour - poets whose work you may not yet know.
Each term a different poet is in residence here, talking about poetry with anyone who wants to join in the conversation. You are welcome to explore our archive of past residencies and read some of the lively and varied discussions you'll find there.
This part of the Archive is full of poems chosen specially for children. Meet old favourites and make new discoveries.
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U.S.A.
Rest of the World
Join Jackie Kay as she reveals the musical influences on her award-winning poetry, and passes on some of her tips for helping you put pen to paper.
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07 July 2009
Pamela Robertson-Pearce presents her film, which will accompany the first British edition of Samuel Menashe's New & Selected Poems. Filmed in the apartment where he has lived for the past half century and where his reading for the Poetry Archive was recorded, Menashe speaks direct to camera - almost as if he's talking to posterity - and recites some of his poems. 5.30 p.m. till 6.45 p.m.
Market Theatre, Ledbury
Pamela Robertson-Pearce presents her film, which will accompany the first British edition of Samuel Menashe's New & Selected Poems. Filmed in the apartment where he has lived for the past half century and where his reading for the Poetry Archive was recorded, Menashe speaks direct to camera - almost as if he's talking to posterity - and recites some of his poems. 5.30 p.m. till 6.45 p.m.
Market Theatre, Ledbury
08 July 2009
Alan Brownjohn and Eddie Linden in conversation. Come and listen to these two wise, opinionated poets as they converse and read from their work. When the readings are over, relax in their company with a glass of wine. 8 p.m. till 9 p.m.
Burgage Hall, Ledbury
Organise a poetry reading
Alan Brownjohn and Eddie Linden in conversation. Come and listen to these two wise, opinionated poets as they converse and read from their work. When the readings are over, relax in their company with a glass of wine. 8 p.m. till 9 p.m.
Burgage Hall, Ledbury
By 
Tour by:Clive James
The writer and broadcaster Clive James introduces a few of his favourite poems in the Poetry Archive.
Clive James's tour
The Poetry Archive depends on donations from public bodies and private individuals. Find out how you can contribute to the work of the Archive.