The Battle of Verse
The Battle of Verse
A celebrated tradition of poetic wit and eccentric brilliance, The Battle of Verse stands as one of the most eagerly anticipated annual events of The Eccentric Club, a grand celebration of poetic ingenuity, eloquence, and theatrical eccentricity. Rooted in the Club’s long-standing tradition of intellectual playfulness, this vibrant literary contest invites members, distinguished guests, and aspiring wordsmiths to engage in a spirited and convivial battle of verse, where creativity knows no bounds. Participants compete by delivering original poetry, satirical rhymes, and spontaneous verse; each performance is judged on its ingenuity, humour, and command of language. The event embodies the Club’s ethos of celebrating unconventional brilliance, encouraging both seasoned poets and daring newcomers to showcase their linguistic prowess in an intimate and grand setting, befitting the rich heritage of the Eccentric Club.
A Legacy of Poetic Tradition
The origins of The Battle of Verse can be traced back to the 18th century, when the Eccentric Club, then known as the Eccentric Society Club, encouraged the literary and artistic expression of its members. The first recorded mention of the Poet Laureate of the Eccentric Club dates back to 1829, when George Weguelin (1767-1858) held the title. However, another notable early figure was J.G. Jones, one of the original members of the Eccentric Society Club, a poet and political radical married to the niece of R.B. Sheridan. Jones composed poetry for the Club in 1799-1803 and, though not officially titled, effectively served as its Poet Laureate.
A celebrated tradition of poetic wit and eccentric brilliance, The Battle of Verse stands as one of the most eagerly anticipated annual events of The Eccentric Club, a grand celebration of poetic ingenuity, eloquence, and theatrical eccentricity. Rooted in the Club’s long-standing tradition of intellectual playfulness, this vibrant literary contest invites members, distinguished guests, and aspiring wordsmiths to engage in a spirited and convivial battle of verse, where creativity knows no bounds. Participants compete by delivering original poetry, satirical rhymes, and spontaneous verse; each performance is judged on its ingenuity, humour, and command of language. The event embodies the Club’s ethos of celebrating unconventional brilliance, encouraging both seasoned poets and daring newcomers to showcase their linguistic prowess in an intimate and grand setting, befitting the rich heritage of the Eccentric Club.
A Legacy of Poetic Tradition
The origins of The Battle of Verse can be traced back to the 18th century, when the Eccentric Club, then known as the Eccentric Society Club, encouraged the literary and artistic expression of its members. The first recorded mention of the Poet Laureate of the Eccentric Club dates back to 1829, when George Weguelin (1767-1858) held the title. However, another notable early figure was J.G. Jones, one of the original members of the Eccentric Society Club, a poet and political radical married to the niece of R.B. Sheridan. Jones composed poetry for the Club in 1799-1803 and, though not officially titled, effectively served as its Poet Laureate.
The Eccentric Club maintained this tradition of poetic gatherings throughout its history in Soho and St. James’s, promoting a culture of literary camaraderie and wit.
Since the Club’s revival in 2008, this celebrated event has been reimagined as The Battle of Verse, where the winner is awarded the esteemed titles of The Eccentric Club Poet Laureate and The Grand Master of the Knights of Verse.
For many years, the Club’s Poet Laureate was Adrian Brown (1929-2019), a distinguished poet, playwright, theatrical and television producer, and close friend of Terence Rattigan. His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of poetic eccentrics.
The Contest and Its Spirit
The Contest and Its Spirit
The Battle of Verse is a competition where artistry, language, and performance take centre stage. Each time it is held, participants are presented with themes that challenge them to craft verses reflecting on eccentricity, history, society, the Eccentric Club and the whimsical absurdities of life. Whether through sonnets, limericks, or free verse, competitors battle wits, with the audience and a panel of esteemed judges awarding points for creativity, delivery, and sheer entertainment value. The victorious poet, crowned the Laureate of Eccentricity, not only earns the admiration of their peers but also secures a place in the Club’s rich poetic legacy. This position carries with it the responsibility of upholding the Club’s tradition of literary brilliance, contributing to its cultural tapestry, and inspiring future generations of eccentric poets.
With its unique blend of refined literary tradition and theatrical fun, The Battle of Verse remains a highlight of The Eccentric Club’s calendar. It reinforces the Club’s mission to celebrate creativity, originality, and intellectual engagement, ensuring that the art of poetic wit continues to flourish within its historic circles. Whether as a participant or an enthralled audience member, those who partake in this grand poetic duel witness the enduring spirit of eccentric artistry — where words become weapons, wit is the battlefield, and the victor emerges as a champion of the spoken word.
With its unique blend of refined literary tradition and theatrical fun, The Battle of Verse remains a highlight of The Eccentric Club’s calendar. It reinforces the Club’s mission to celebrate creativity, originality, and intellectual engagement, ensuring that the art of poetic wit continues to flourish within its historic circles. Whether as a participant or an enthralled audience member, those who partake in this grand poetic duel witness the enduring spirit of eccentric artistry — where words become weapons, wit is the battlefield, and the victor emerges as a champion of the spoken word.