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.
U.K. Region
- East
- East Midlands
- London
- North East
- Northern Ireland
- North West
- Scotland
- South East
- South West
- Wales
- West Midlands
- Yorkshire
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.
View all interviews
04 February 2012 9:30 AM
Love your library - celebrate National Libraries Day at Minchinhampton Library. With authors: Jenny Joseph, Alice Jolly, Cindy Jefferies, Seb Goffe & John Dougherty and ‘Familiar Minch Faces’ sharing their favourite books. Readings, musical entertainment and a fun activity for the children. This event is free. For more information visit: friendsofminchinhamptonlibrary.wordpress.com
Minchinhampton Library, School Road, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL6 9BP
Love your library - celebrate National Libraries Day at Minchinhampton Library. With authors: Jenny Joseph, Alice Jolly, Cindy Jefferies, Seb Goffe & John Dougherty and ‘Familiar Minch Faces’ sharing their favourite books. Readings, musical entertainment and a fun activity for the children. This event is free. For more information visit: friendsofminchinhamptonlibrary.wordpress.com
Minchinhampton Library, School Road, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL6 9BP
07 February 2012 6:30 PM
Poet in the City's Stone Circles Drop-In, Waterstones, Picadilly. Do the mid-winter mists evoke something ancient in our busy modern landscapes? In Neolithic Britain people wrought talismen from the mountainsides and dragged them into shapes that would stand the test of time. We live alongside their legacy, surrounded by the circles of our own pagan roots. Perhaps today our rituals are more digital than stone; maybe we have created coping mechanisms online rather than in nature. Either way, the pull of the wider world endures. You are invited to attend, and to read their favorite poems or poems they have written themselves, exploring the theme. The drop-in will be hosted by Poet in the City’s acclaimed poet in residence, John Mole. Free event. For more information or to RSVP visit: www.poetinthecity.co.uk/poetry-events or email: events@piccadilly.waterstones.co.uk
Waterstones, 203-205 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD
Organise a poetry reading
Poet in the City's Stone Circles Drop-In, Waterstones, Picadilly. Do the mid-winter mists evoke something ancient in our busy modern landscapes? In Neolithic Britain people wrought talismen from the mountainsides and dragged them into shapes that would stand the test of time. We live alongside their legacy, surrounded by the circles of our own pagan roots. Perhaps today our rituals are more digital than stone; maybe we have created coping mechanisms online rather than in nature. Either way, the pull of the wider world endures. You are invited to attend, and to read their favorite poems or poems they have written themselves, exploring the theme. The drop-in will be hosted by Poet in the City’s acclaimed poet in residence, John Mole. Free event. For more information or to RSVP visit: www.poetinthecity.co.uk/poetry-events or email: events@piccadilly.waterstones.co.uk
Waterstones, 203-205 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD
My Archive
Create lists of your favourite poems and poets and share them with friends.
By 
Tour by:Mark Grist
Over the years I’ve become increasingly interested in the lyrical nature of poetry. I find that the more I’ve taken in, the more I’ve developed a palette for playful use of language; particularly rhyme. The pieces I’ve chosen from the archive all highlight the joy that can be found in messing about with words. I hope that these pieces also go some way to show how alive British poetry is, both in voice and on the page.
Mark Grist'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.