William Whitehead (poet)

William Whitehead
A portrait of Whitehead by artist Benjamin Wilson.
Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom
In office
19 December 1757  14 April 1785
MonarchGeorge II
Preceded byColley Cibber
Succeeded byThomas Warton
Personal details
Bornbaptized 12 February 1715
Cambridge, England
Died14 April 1785 (aged 70)
Berkeley Square, London
Resting placeGrosvenor Chapel
EducationWinchester College (1735)
Clare College, Cambridge
BA (1739); MA (1743)
OccupationPoet, Playwright
Writing career
Notable worksCreusa, Queen of Athens (1754)
The School for Lovers (1762)

William Whitehead (baptized 12 February 1715 – 14 April 1785) was an English poet and playwright. He became Poet Laureate in December 1757 after Thomas Gray declined the position.