John Betjeman Collection
User Collection Public
The John Betjeman Collection is comprised of selections from the John Betjeman Archives held at the University of Victoria Libraries. John Betjeman (1906–1984) was a British poet, writer, and broadcaster, and active in the campaigning for the preservation of churches, buildings and landscape. He was knighted in 1969 and became poet laureate in the U.K. in 1972.
The collection is comprised of correspondence sent to John Betjeman from family and friends, professional and business associates, and aspiring poets and fans. Correspondents primarily include J.R. Ackerley, a British writer and editor.
Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/7fe5b788-ef83-40b8-b2f8-9a3957894ce7
Collection Details
- Items 112
- Last Updated 2025-01-28
Works (112)
101. Postcard from William Plomer to John Betjeman, February 19, 1970
- Title:
- Postcard from William Plomer to John Betjeman, February 19, 1970
- Description:
- Part of a collection of letters to John Betjeman from William Plomer (British poet, novelist and literary editor). Plomer is disappointed that Betjeman won't be able to attend the luncheon but is hopeful for another year. He tells Betjeman that he will be president of the Poetry Society for 3 years, until autumn 1971. Front of postcard shows Lumley Road in Skegness, Lincolnshire.
- Subject:
- Authors, Television journalists, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Poets, English, Plomer, William, 1903-1973, Poets, Literature, Modern, Authors, English, Modernism (Literature), and Authors, English--Correspondence
- Creator:
- Plomer, William, 1903-1973
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1970-02-19
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Skegness
- Coordinates:
- 53.14362, 0.3363
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- postcards, picture postcards, and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 36, Folder 9
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2023-07-13
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on Plustek OpticBookA300 @ 300 & 600 DPI Tiff, as well as on Epson 10000XL @ 300 & 600 DPI by KM. Images cropped and resized for Vault @ approx 35MB. Metadata by MT.
102. Letter from Hughes to John Betjeman, May 07, 1970
- Title:
- Letter from Hughes to John Betjeman, May 07, 1970
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjeman and Hughes(?). Hughes informs Betjeman that the decision to demolish the Market Street facade will go ahead. In the end, the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland decided that the design of the replacement facade was acceptable. Also enclosed is Betjeman's reply (May 14, 1970): Betjeman replies that he is sad to hear about the decision, but thanks him for letting him know about it.
- Subject:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Hughes, Poets, English, Literature, Modern, Poets, Television journalists, Modernism (Literature), Authors, English--Correspondence, Authors, and Authors, English
- Creator:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984 and Hughes
- Contributor:
- Hughes and Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1970-05-07
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page ; 29.7 x 20.7 cm and 1 page ; 25.2 x 20 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Typescript with "Scottish Office" letterhead. Salutation and signature signed in black ink. and Typescript with Betjeman's address letterhead in red lettering.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- letters (correspondence) and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 1, Folder 2
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2021-11-09
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on Plustek OpticbookA300 at 600 DPI Tiff, each image cropped and resized to under 35MB for Vault by PD. Metadata by MT.
103. Letter from Alfred William Raffan to John Betjeman, August 26, 1970
- Title:
- Letter from Alfred William Raffan to John Betjeman, August 26, 1970
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjeman and Alfred William Raffan. Raffan invites Betjeman to give a lecture for the Aberdeen University Medical Faculty Annual Lecture Series. He gives details about the lecture and tells Betjeman that he can talk about any subject he likes. Also enclosed is Betjeman's reply (August 28, 1970): Betjeman replies that he cannot accept the invitation due to committing to completing his new book on cathedrals by the end of that year.
- Subject:
- Authors, English, Modernism (Literature), Authors, Poets, English, Poets, Authors, English--Correspondence, Raffan, Alfred William, Television journalists, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, and Literature, Modern
- Creator:
- Raffan, Alfred William and Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Contributor:
- Raffan, Alfred William, 1912-2006 and Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1970-08-26
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page ; 25.3 x 20.3 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- Scotland--Aberdeen and England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574 and 57.14369, -2.09814
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Typescript with Betjeman's address letterhead in red lettering. and Typescript with "Dr. A. W. Raffan" letterhead. Salutation and signature signed in black ink.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- letters (correspondence) and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 1, Folder 2
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2021-11-09
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on Plustek OpticbookA300 at 600 DPI Tiff, each image cropped and resized to under 35MB for Vault by PD. Metadata by MT.
104. Letter from J. R. Ackerley to John Betjeman, [October 30, 1970?]
- Title:
- Letter from J. R. Ackerley to John Betjeman, [October 30, 1970?]
- Description:
- Part of a collection of letters to John Betjeman from Joe Randolph "J. R." Ackerley (writer and literary editor of the BBC's weekly magazine The Listener, and open homosexual). Ackerley gives some feedback to Betjeman's short story. He encourages him to write and send more to him.
- Subject:
- Ackerley, J. R. (Joe Randolph), 1896-1967, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Poets, Poets, English, Modernism (Literature), Authors, English, Authors, English--Correspondence, Literature, Modern, Authors, and Television journalists
- Creator:
- Ackerley, J. R. (Joe Randolph), 1896-1967
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1970?-10-30
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page ; 22.8 x 18 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- letters (correspondence) and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 1, Folder 2
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2021-11-09
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on Plustek OpticbookA300 at 600 DPI Tiff, each image cropped and resized to under 35MB for Vault by PD. Metadata by MT.
105. Letter from the Oxford University Blue Ribbon Club to John Betjemen, March 28, 1971
- Title:
- Letter from the Oxford University Blue Ribbon Club to John Betjemen, March 28, 1971
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjemen and the Blue Ribbon Club (Oxford University Conservative Association). The President of the Blue Ribbon Club in Oxford University, invites Betjeman as a guest speaker to their annual dinner. Betjeman replies that he cannot make it as he will be away filming, before going to the west and then to Australia. He mentions that it is rare for him to have free time to accept these kind of invitations.
- Subject:
- Authors, English--Correspondence, Associations, institutions, etc., Literature, Modern, Modernism (Literature), Television journalists, Authors, Poets, English, Oxford University Blue Ribbon Club, Poets, Magdalen College (University of Oxford), Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, and Authors, English
- Creator:
- Groom, S. C.
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1971-03-28
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 5 pages ; 15 x 20.3 cm and 20.3 x 25.4 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Oxford and England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574 and 51.75222, -1.25596
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in blue ink. Typescript on white paper with letterhead "43, Cloth Fair, London, EC1A 7JJ" in red lettering in upper right hand corner.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- correspondence and letters (correspondence)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 6, Folder 10
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2021-10-27
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on Plustek OpticbookA300 at 600 DPI Tiff, cropped and resized to under 35MB each image for Vault by PD. Metadata by MT.
106. Letter from Gordon Clark to John Betjeman, May 05, 1971
- Title:
- Letter from Gordon Clark to John Betjeman, May 05, 1971
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjeman and Gordon Clark. Clark invites Betjeman to read some of his poetry at the Abbotsholme Arts & Film Society. Also enclosed is Betjeman's reply (July 12, 1971): Betjeman replies that he unfortunately won't be able to as he will be in Australia for work, and won't be back until the following year.
- Subject:
- Authors, Poets, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Clark, Gordon, Modernism (Literature), Authors, English--Correspondence, Authors, English, Literature, Modern, Television journalists, and Poets, English
- Creator:
- Clark, Gordon and Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Contributor:
- Clark, Gordon and Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1971-05-05
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 4 pages ; 20.9 x 20.4 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Uttoxeter and England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574 and 52.89838, -1.86488
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in blue ink with "Abbotsholme Arts & Film Society" letterhead. and Typescript with Betjeman's address letterhead in red lettering.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- correspondence and letters (correspondence)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 1, Folder 2
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2021-11-09
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on Plustek OpticbookA300 at 600 DPI Tiff, each image cropped and resized to under 35MB for Vault by PD. Metadata by MT.
107. Letter from Humphrey J. Case to John Betjeman, July 05, 1971
- Title:
- Letter from Humphrey J. Case to John Betjeman, July 05, 1971
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjeman and Humphrey J. Case. Case writes Betjeman that the Upper Thames Archeological Committee has become concerned about the impending destruction of sites in Abingdon. The Abingdon Excavation Committee was formed with the Mayor. They are working on a plan to excavate and record details by a professional archeologist. Case welcomes any advice and also invites Betjeman to join the committee.
- Subject:
- Literature, Modern, Poets, Authors, English, Poets, English, Modernism (Literature), Authors, English--Correspondence, Case, H. J. (Humphrey J.), Authors, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, and Television journalists
- Creator:
- Case, H. J. (Humphrey J.)
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1971-07-05
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page ; 25.4 x 20.3 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Oxford and England--Wantage
- Coordinates:
- 51.58846, -1.42565 and 51.75222, -1.25596
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Typescript with "Department of Antiquities Ashmolean Museum" letterhead. Signature in blue ink.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- letters (correspondence) and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 1, Folder 2
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2021-11-09
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on Plustek OpticbookA300 at 600 DPI Tiff, each image cropped and resized to under 35MB for Vault by PD. Metadata by MT.
108. Letter from Heather Cripps to John Betjeman, December 21, 1971
- Title:
- Letter from Heather Cripps to John Betjeman, December 21, 1971
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjeman and Heather Cripps. Cripps asks Betjeman if he would be available to address the Abingdon Conservative Club at one of their meetings. Also enclosed is Betjeman's reply (January 03, 1972): Betjeman replies to decline the invitation, saying that he tries not to speak to clubs with political affiliations. Due to working with different political parties, he feels that it is essential to remain as neutral as possible.
- Subject:
- Television journalists, Modernism (Literature), Authors, English--Correspondence, Poets, English, Poets, Cripps, Heather, Authors, English, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Authors, and Literature, Modern
- Creator:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984 and Cripps, Heather
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984 and Cripps, Heather
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1971-12-21
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page ; 20.3 x 15.2 cm and 1 page ; 25.2 x 20 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Wantage and England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.58846, -1.42565 and 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink on grey paper. and Typescript with Betjeman's address letterhead in red lettering.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- letters (correspondence) and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 1, Folder 2
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2021-11-09
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on Plustek OpticbookA300 at 600 DPI Tiff, each image cropped and resized to under 35MB for Vault by PD. Metadata by MT.
109. Letter from Kathleen Raine to John Betjeman, April 03, [1972?-1973?]
- Title:
- Letter from Kathleen Raine to John Betjeman, April 03, [1972?-1973?]
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjeman and Kathleen Raine. Raine was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 1992. In addition to poetry she completed scholarly work on William Blake and W. B. Yeats, and co-founded the Temenos literary journal and later the Temenos Academy of Integral Studies. In this letter, Raine writes about titles and asks Betjeman to write a letter of recommendation for Peter Russell to Robin Skelton at the University of Victoria.
- Subject:
- Poets laureate, Broadcasters, Poets, Journalists, Authors, English, Raine, Kathleen, 1908-2003, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Poets, English, Critics, Authors, Scholars, and Periodical editors
- Creator:
- Raine, Kathleen, 1908-2003
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1972-04-03?/1973-04-03?
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 2 pages
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in blue ink.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- letters (correspondence) and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; Box 37, Folder 13
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2023-03-17
- Technical Note:
- Scanning and metadata by Rowan O'Brian and additional metadata by SC.
110. Telegram from Kathleen Raine to John Betjeman, [October 10, 1972]
- Title:
- Telegram from Kathleen Raine to John Betjeman, [October 10, 1972]
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjeman and Kathleen Raine. Raine was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 1992. In addition to poetry she completed scholarly work on William Blake and W. B. Yeats, and co-founded the Temenos literary journal and later the Temenos Academy of Integral Studies. In this telegram Raine congratulates Betjeman on becoming England's Poet Laureate.
- Subject:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Poets laureate, Raine, Kathleen, 1908-2003, Broadcasters, Critics, Scholars, Periodical editors, Telegraph, Poets, Authors, English, Journalists, Poets, English, and Authors
- Creator:
- Raine, Kathleen, 1908-2003
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1972-10-10
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
- License:
- Use of this material is permitted for research and private study purposes only. For all other uses, contact University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 1 page
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Typewritten.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- John Betjeman Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- correspondence and telegrams
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; Box 37, Folder 13
- Fonds Title:
- John Betjeman fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC015
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections finding aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/john-betjeman-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2023-03-17
- Technical Note:
- Scanning and metadata by Rowan O'Brian and additional metadata by SC.