The British Library has apologised for linking the late poet Ted Hughes to colonialism and slavery. In a statement the library said a reference to a distant ancestor of the former poet laureate had been removed from one of its documents. Expand Close The British Library (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp The British Library (Stefan Rousseau/PA)In a statement, the library said it “profoundly” regrets the distress it has caused by linking people to the actions of their ancestors. “While the document involved has been removed pending review, this reference will not be made again.”Expand Close Ted and Carol Hughes (PA) PA / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Ted and Carol Hughes (PA)A statement issued on behalf of Hughes’ widow welcomed the apology “and its assurance that these comments will not be repeated”. Hughes, who was appointed poet laureate in 1984 and is known for his Birthday Letters collection of poems, died in 1998.

Source: Irish Independent November 24, 2020 18:00 UTC