Simon Armitage

Simon Armitage is Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds, within the School of English, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. He has also held professorial positions at Oxford University and the University of Sheffield. Armitage is a leading figure in contemporary British poetry, known for his innovative translations, dramatic works, and public engagement projects.

His research interests center on poetry, creative writing, literary translation (particularly of medieval texts), and the intersection of poetry with media and performance. He has made significant contributions to radio, television, and theatre, often blending poetic form with documentary and dramatic storytelling.

The body of his recent works reflects a deep engagement with classical literature, public art, and social justice. From translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and The Death of King Arthur to stage adaptations like The Last Days of Troy and socially resonant works like Black Roses, his output spans genres and media. His poetry often explores landscape, identity, and the everyday, grounded in his Yorkshire roots.

• CBE for services to poetry (2010)
• Hay Medal for Poetry (2012)
• PEN Award for Translation (2017)
• BAFTA and Ivor Novello Awards
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (2004)
• Multiple shortlistings for the T.S. Eliot Prize, Forward Prize, and Whitbread Prize

Armitage has advised and collaborated on major cultural initiatives such as Poetry Parnassus and the Stanza Stones project. He has served as a judge for major literary prizes including the Man Booker Prize and the T.S. Eliot Prize. He has held visiting positions at the University of Iowa and Manchester Metropolitan University and is a Patron of several literary organizations including the Poetry Society and the Arvon Foundation. His work is characterized by a commitment to accessibility, public engagement, and the transformative power of poetry.