odd one out

[tpw536w]

What is the odd one out and why
Robert Southey, William Wordsworth, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Alfred Austin, Robert Bridges.

Thanks for any help

[Quizmonkey]

This is tricky...

They're obviosuly all former Poets Laureate. And they all accepted the laurels AFTER another poet refused - apart from Wordsworth and Bridges, as far I can see. Hmmm...

[tpw536w]

Thanks Quizmonkey, tricky is not the word for it, I have read up on all of them but still can't find an answer.

[Quizmonkey]

I'm sure it has something to do with the 'second choice' thing - too much of a coincidence otherwise. Maybe a mistake in the question?

[quizbabe]

Could it be Robert Bridges because he was the only one in the 20th century (1913)
Southey 1813
Austin 1896
Wordsworth 1843-50
Tennyson 1850-96

[slaney]

Not easy, but perhaps Alfred Austin.
He was the only one not to follow on directly , but took up appointment in 1896, four years after Tennyson's death.(Also the only one not to go to Oxford or Cambridge)