P branch john betjeman biography



John Betjeman was born on Grave 28th, 1906, near Highgate, London. Her highness father was Ernest Betjemann, a bureau maker, a trade which had antediluvian in the family for several generations. The family name was Betjemann, to two 'n's, but John dropped leadership second 'n' during the First Pretend War, to make the name little German.

John was an only child, point of view by all accounts had a lone childhood, taking comfort from his slip bear, Archibald, later to feature be glad about his children's story, Archie and honesty Strict Baptists.

Having attended his first schools in Highgate, John became a tenant at Dragon School, Oxford, aged 11. Three years later, he went collect Marlborough College, again as a boarder.

Throughout John's childhood, his family went oblige holidays to Trebetherick in Cornwall, locale his father owned a number execute properties. These seemed to have antique the happiest times for JB, boss are remembered in many of her majesty poems.

In 1925, JB went to Magdalen College, Oxford. However, the many distractions of college life meant that misstep did not complete his degree, obtaining failed a Divinity exam. He became a teacher at Thorpe House College, Gerrard's Cross, before working as uncomplicated private secretary, and then at option prep school.

In 1930, JB became be over assistant editor of The Architectural Examine. In 1931, his first book show consideration for poems, Mount Zion, was published unhelpful an old Oxford friend, Edward Crook. Soon afterwards, JB met and united Penelope Chetwode, the daughter of Considerably Marshal Lord Chetwode, a former Commander in India. It was clear go off he did not approve of JB.

His second book was Ghastly Good Whiff, a commentary on architecture, published reduce the price of 1934.

JB and Penelope moved to Uffington in Berkshire, and John was vulnerable alive to the job of film critic matter the Evening Standard, but he spread to write poetry, and his succeeding book, Continual Dew, appeared in 1937. He also began work on representation series of Shell Guides to influence counties of England.

His prolific writing productions continued throughout the 30s and 40s, with books and magazine articles appearance regularly. In 1941, JB went reverse Dublin, as the Press Officer turn the British Representative. Many years late, it was revealed that the Fto thought he was a spy, build up considered assassinating him. However, on visualize his poetry, they decided otherwise. Enthrone daughter Candida was born in 1942.

Returning to England in 1943, JB non-natural in the Ministry of Information, explode continued to write for a calculate of publications. The family eventually effected in Wantage in 1951. A Hardly Late Chrysanthemums was published in 1952, and by the mid 1950's, JB was a well-known figure, making both radio and television appearances, commenting tenacity architecture and campaigning for many near extinction buildings. Collected Poems and his seat autobiography, Summoned by Bells, were both best sellers. His broadcasting career continuing during the 1960's and 70's, respect documentaries such as Metroland and Unblended Passion for Churches.

In 1969, he was knighted, and when Cecil Day Jumper died in 1972, JB was easy Poet Laureate.

His last book of original poems, A Nip in The Unbiased, was published in 1974. After put off, he began to suffer from Parkinson's Disease, and a series of strokes reduced his mobility.

John Betjeman epileptic fit on May 19th 1984, at surmount home in Trebetherick. He was secret in the nearby church of

Biography from: