First female poetry professor

A GREAT-great granddaughter of Charles Darwin has become the new Oxford Professor of Poetry following a contest tinged with controversy.

Ruth Padel, who was elected at the weekend, is the first female to take on the role since it was created in 1708. She also follows in the footsteps of Matthew Arnold, WH Auden and Seamus Heaney.

After a very public battle, which saw the withdrawal of Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, the Oxford alumna secured the prestigious post with 297 votes cast by graduates and academic staff.

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courtsperson: charles darwinperson: ruth padelperson: matthew arnoldperson: wh audenperson: seamus heaneyperson: nobel laureateperson: derek walcottorganisation: oxford

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