 The kingdom of Ireland had a poet laureate; the last holder of the title was Robert Jephson, who died in 1803.The closest modern equivalent is the title "Saoi" ["wise one"] held by up to seven members at a time of Aosdána, an official body of those engaged in fine arts, literature, and music.Poets awarded the title include Máire Mhac an tSaoi, Anthony Cronin, and Seamus Heaney.