His reputation was established in 1891, with the publication of "Wordsworth's Grave", and the appearance in The Fortnightly Review, August 1891, of an article by Grant Allen entitled "A New Poet."

On the occasion of Alfred Tennyson's death in 1892, he was a strong candidate to be his eulogist, the commission resulting in his "Lachrymae Musarum" (in a book by that name that also contained other poems).

[2] Watson regained his standing in 1894 with the publication of Odes and other poems, which included "Vita Nuova", expressing gratitude for his recovery.

A number of literary men in 1935 issued a public appeal for a fund to support him in his old age; he died the same year.

He is buried in the graveyard of All Saints Church, Childwall, Liverpool Watson married Adeline Maureen Pring in 1909; they had two daughters.