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When did John Dryden become poet laureate of England?

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Poet John Dryden — John Dryden John Dryden, oil painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1693; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

John Dryden became the poet laureate of England in 1668. He was appointed to the position following the death of his predecessor, Sir William Davenant. Dryden held this royal office until 1689.12