William Topaz McGonagall, poet and tragedian of Dundee, has been widely hailed as the writer of the worst poetry in the English language. A self-educated hand loom weaver of Irish descent, he discovered his discordant muse in 1877 and embarked upon a 25 year career as a working poet, delighting and appalling audiences across Scotland and beyond.

His audiences threw rotten fish at him, the authorities banned his performances, and he died a pauper over a century ago. But his books remain in print to this day, and he’s remembered and quoted long after more talented contemporaries have been forgotten.

This site provides a comprehensive guide to the life and works of William McGonagall, including 258 of his poems and his remarkable (and unintentionally hilarious) autobiography. Please click on one of the headings below to begin your visit.

Works

Though he’s best known today for The Tay Bridge Disaster, McGonagall actually published well over 200 poems in his lifetime. Explore this collection of his work, or try the “Gem of the Day” (above).

Life

McGonagall left us several accounts of his eventful life, all of which are presented here. These accounts are supplemented with contemporary press reports of the Poet’s activities.

Articles

More recent articles written about all aspects of McGonagall’s life and work.

News

News, reviews and readers’ own gems about the great man.

Shop

Support this site by buying your McGonagall merchandise here.