William McGonagall
(c. 1825—1902)

Poet

An amateur showman, McGonagall’s his love of the dramatic was evident in his poetry, which he printed on sheets, to be sold across the country, and enthusiastically recited on stage. Typical is The Death of Lord and Lady Dalhousie: ‘Alas! Lord and Lady Dalhousie are dead, and buried at last, / Which causes many people to feel a little downcast.’ His poetry has been called some of the worst ever written.