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)
1. Letter from Paul Nash to John Betjeman, December 11, 1935
- Title:
- Letter from Paul Nash to John Betjeman, December 11, 1935
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjemen and artist Paul Nash. Nash asks Betjeman if they can meet to go over what he has done so far for the Shell Guide to Dorset.
- Subject:
- Nash, Paul, 1889-1946, Authors, English, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Literature, Modern, Authors, Poets, English, Modernism (Literature), Poets, Television journalists, and Authors, English--Correspondence
- Creator:
- Nash, Paul, 1889-1946
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1935-12-11
- 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 ; 26 x 20.25 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Swanage
- Coordinates:
- 50.60827, -1.95664
- 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:
- correspondence and letters (correspondence)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 33, Folder 3
- 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:
- 2022-07-19
- 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.
2. Postcard from Paul Nash to John Betjeman, 1936
- Title:
- Postcard from Paul Nash to John Betjeman, 1936
- Description:
- Correspondence between John Betjemen and artist Paul Nash. Nash reminds Betjeman that he promised John Piper a guide. Nash mentions that the postcard he sent is from his own collection.
- Subject:
- Nash, Paul, 1889-1946, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Authors, Modernism (Literature), Literature, Modern, Authors, English--Correspondence, Poets, English, Poets, Television journalists, and Authors, English
- Creator:
- Nash, Paul, 1889-1946
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1936
- 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 ; 8 x 13.75 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Sheringham
- Coordinates:
- 52.94078, 1.20931
- 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:
- picture postcards, correspondence, photographic postcards, and postcards
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2000-010; File: Box 33, Folder 3
- 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:
- 2022-07-19
- 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.
3. Letter from J. R. Ackerley to John Betjeman, June 24, 1937
- Title:
- Letter from J. R. Ackerley to John Betjeman, June 24, 1937
- 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 writes that because he had been traveling in the south of France, he was unable to get to Betjeman's letter until now. He will try to see some of Betjamen's talks but fears it might be too late by now.
- Subject:
- Authors, Literature, Modern, Authors, English, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Poets, English, Modernism (Literature), Ackerley, J. R. (Joe Randolph), 1896-1967, Television journalists, Authors, English--Correspondence, and Poets
- Creator:
- Ackerley, J. R. (Joe Randolph), 1896-1967
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1937-06-24
- 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 ; 20.2 x 12.6 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink with "The Listener" letterhead. Paper watermark "Portland Bond".
- 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.
4. Letter from J. R. Ackerley to John Betjeman, [1938?]
- Title:
- Letter from J. R. Ackerley to John Betjeman, [1938?]
- 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 describes to Betjeman some of the editorial decisions he is working on.
- Subject:
- Modernism (Literature), Poets, English, Television journalists, Authors, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Poets, Authors, English, Literature, Modern, Authors, English--Correspondence, and Ackerley, J. R. (Joe Randolph), 1896-1967
- Creator:
- Ackerley, J. R. (Joe Randolph), 1896-1967
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1938?
- 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 ; 20.2 x 12.6 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink with "The Listener" letterhead. Paper watermark "Portland Bond".
- 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.
5. Newspaper clipping of poem "The Umbrella" by William Plomer, 1938-1973
- Title:
- Newspaper clipping of poem "The Umbrella" by William Plomer, 1938-1973
- Description:
- Part of a collection of letters to John Betjeman from William Plomer (British poet, novelist and literary editor). A newspaper clipping of Plomer's poem "The Umbrella".
- Subject:
- Authors, Modernism (Literature), Literature, Modern, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Authors, English--Correspondence, Authors, English, Plomer, William, 1903-1973, Television journalists, Poets, English, and Poets
- Creator:
- Plomer, William, 1903-1973
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1938/1973
- 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 clipping ; 13 x 23.5 cm
- 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 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.
6. Postcard from William Plomer to John Betjeman, 1938-1973 [01]
- Title:
- Postcard from William Plomer to John Betjeman, 1938-1973 [01]
- Description:
- Part of a collection of letters to John Betjeman from William Plomer (British poet, novelist and literary editor). Plomer writes that he has enclosed an excerpt from the book "from "Henry Scott Tuke: A Memoir" by Maria Tuke Sainsbury. Postcard image is an image of Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex.
- Subject:
- Poets, Authors, English--Correspondence, Poets, English, Modernism (Literature), Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Plomer, William, 1903-1973, Authors, English, Authors, Literature, Modern, and Television journalists
- Creator:
- Plomer, William, 1903-1973
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1938/1973
- 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 ; 14 x 9 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Chichester
- Coordinates:
- 50.83673, -0.78003
- 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.
7. Postcard from William Plomer to John Betjeman, 1938-1973 [02]
- Title:
- Postcard from William Plomer to John Betjeman, 1938-1973 [02]
- Description:
- Part of a collection of letters to John Betjeman from William Plomer (British poet, novelist and literary editor). Plomer reminds Betjeman of this year's Kilvert Commemoration Service at Langley Burrell and encourages him to go. Front of postcard features a photo of "Literary Celebrities: - Jerome K. Jerome".
- Subject:
- Television journalists, Poets, English, Authors, English, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Modernism (Literature), Poets, Literature, Modern, Authors, English--Correspondence, Plomer, William, 1903-1973, and Authors
- Creator:
- Plomer, William, 1903-1973
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1938/1973
- 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 ; 14 x 8.75 cm
- 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.
8. Postcard from William Plomer to John Betjeman, February 23, 1938
- Title:
- Postcard from William Plomer to John Betjeman, February 23, 1938
- Description:
- Part of a collection of letters to John Betjeman from William Plomer (British poet, novelist and literary editor). Plomer thanks Betjeman for his feedback on his satire The Dorking Thigh. Postcard postmarked February 23, 1938, 1130am, from Brighton and Hove, Sussex. Postcard is titled "For England, Home and Beauty" by Raphael Tuck & Sons.
- Subject:
- Poets, Literature, Modern, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Television journalists, Authors, English, Modernism (Literature), Authors, Authors, English--Correspondence, Plomer, William, 1903-1973, and Poets, English
- Creator:
- Plomer, William, 1903-1973
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1938-02-23
- 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 ; 14 x 9 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Sussex and England--Uffington (Oxfordshire)
- Coordinates:
- 51.60251, -1.55997 and 50.91667, -0.08333
- 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:
- 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:
- 2022-07-20
- 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.
9. Letter from Walter de la Mare to John Betjeman, May 04, 1938
- Title:
- Letter from Walter de la Mare to John Betjeman, May 04, 1938
- Description:
- A letter from English critic and writer Walter de la Mare, known for his children’s and horror stories. In this letter, de la Mare declines Betjeman’s invitation to take part in a memorial for Richard Jefferies and Alfred Williams, on the grounds that such a project requires significant amounts of time and correspondence. He suggests that Betjeman ask Henry Williamson instead. This letter is published with acknowledgement to The Literary Trustees of Walter de la Mare and the Society of Authors as their Representative.
- Subject:
- Poets laureate, De la Mare, Walter, 1873-1956, Scholars, Authors, Periodical editors, Broadcasters, Novelists, English, Journalists, Critics, Authors, English, Novelists, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Poets, and Poets, English
- Creator:
- De la Mare, Walter, 1873-1956
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1938-05-04
- 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--Taplow
- Coordinates:
- 51.53299, -0.68682
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Typewritten and handwritten in black ink.
- 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 16, Folder 1
- 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:
- 2023-01-04
- Technical Note:
- Scanning and metadata by Rowan O'Brian and additional metadata by SC.
10. Letter from J. R. Ackerley to John Betjeman, October 26, 1938
- Title:
- Letter from J. R. Ackerley to John Betjeman, October 26, 1938
- 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 tells Betjeman that he wished he sent him more of his poems as The Listener does not only publish "serious" works. He also invites him to visit him at his new office in London.
- Subject:
- Modernism (Literature), Literature, Modern, Authors, English--Correspondence, Ackerley, J. R. (Joe Randolph), 1896-1967, Television journalists, Authors, Betjeman, John, 1906-1984, Authors, English, Poets, English, and Poets
- Creator:
- Ackerley, J. R. (Joe Randolph), 1896-1967
- Contributor:
- Betjeman, John, 1906-1984
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1938-10-26
- 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 ; 25.4 x 20.2 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--London
- Coordinates:
- 51.50853, -0.12574
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Typescript and handwritten in black ink with "The Listener" letterhead. Paper watermark "Portland Bond".
- 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.