Tim Grayson, the poet-in-residence at Belvoir Castle, has celebrated a decade in his role, writing verses for various events and family occasions at the historic estate.
The 37-year-old poet reflected on how his journey with the castle began after the Duchess of Rutland discovered his work. She was particularly impressed by a poem he wrote for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Following this, she commissioned him to write an original piece for the estate and suggested the idea of a poet-in-residence.
“I was speechless when the Duchess first mentioned the role,” Grayson recalled. “At 27, I felt a mixture of excitement, imposter syndrome, and some nervousness about the responsibility.”
While the role of poet-in-residence may evoke images of famous poets like Lord Byron at Newstead Abbey, Grayson prefers to keep his work private when meeting new people. Nevertheless, he takes immense pride in bringing friends and family to the castle, where he often draws inspiration for his poems.
“The setting is magical, with breathtaking views,” Grayson said. “It’s amazing to see people’s reactions when the castle appears through the trees. It feels like entering a real-life Hogwarts, and it’s a privilege to share that moment with them.”
Unlike a typical 9-5 job, Grayson’s work is focused on creative commissions from the Duchess. The projects vary in scope, sometimes taking six to 12 months to complete, with Grayson visiting the castle every few months as needed.
One of the highlights of his career was being commissioned to write lyrics for a significant family event at Belvoir. He said, “It was an honor to see the family perform the lyrics I’d written. It was a truly memorable experience.”
In 2023, Grayson also created the “Beast of Belvoir” Halloween trail for the children’s Adventure Playground, which combined poetry, storytelling, and a spooky adventure.
For Grayson, the experience of having his work displayed at Christie’s and presented in front of Lords, Ladies, and celebrities has been surreal. “It’s been incredible,” he said, “to see my work in such prestigious settings.”
Currently, Grayson is focused on supporting local writers through initiatives such as The Belvoir Prize for Poetry, an annual award in partnership with De Montfort University. The prize helps students discover and develop their poetic voices. The winners are invited to the castle for an informal ceremony, where they meet the Duchess and receive a commemorative medal.
Grayson’s vision for the future is to leave a lasting legacy of literature and creativity at Belvoir. He hopes the castle and the surrounding area will become cultural hubs for creative pursuits, much like Florence is known for its connection to the Renaissance.
“I would love to see Belvoir and Leicestershire recognized as centers for culture and creativity in the near future,” he said. “That would be a dream come true.”
