John Betjeman Poems

John Betjeman was an English poet and broadcaster. He’s remembered as a well-loved figure in the English poetry scene and served as Poet Laureate from 1972 unto his death in 1984. He started his career as a journalist and wrote witty and humorous poems that were easily accessible.

Some of John Betjeman’s most famous poems include Diary of a Church Mouse, Senex, Slough, In Westminster Abbey, and The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel.

Christmas

by John Betjeman

‘Christmas’ by John Betjeman is an eight stanza poem that is divided into sets of six lines, or sextets. The

Death In Leamington

by John Betjeman

Within ‘Death in Leamington’ Betjeman delves into themes of death and silence. The tone is calm and contemplative, allowing the reader

Executive

by John Betjeman

‘Executive’ by John Betjeman is a six stanza poem that is separated into sets of four lines, or quatrains. These

Hunter Trials

by John Betjeman

‘Hunter Trials’ by John Betjeman is an eight stanza poem. The stanzas are quatrains, meaning they all contain four lines.

In Westminster Abbey

by John Betjeman

‘In Westminster Abbey’ is a satirical dramatic monologue in which Betjeman sends up the upper classes for their preoccupations with class and money.

Inexpensive Progress

by John Betjeman

‘Inexpensive Progress’ by John Betjeman is an incredibly effective poem. In it, the speaker acknowledges and speaks out against the way industrialism is removing humanity’s access to history and nature. 

Ireland With Emily

by John Betjeman

Within ‘Ireland With Emily’ Betjeman delves into themes of identity, heritage, landscapes, and Irish history. The tone is romantic and

Late Flowering Lust

by John Betjeman

As suggested by the title, Late Flowering Lust explores the establishing of a sexual relationship between two people drawing near

Senex

by John Betjeman

‘Senex’ by John Betjeman is a five stanza poem that is separated into sets of five lines, or quintains. These

Slough

by John Betjeman

John Betjeman’s Slough focuses on the poet’s hate for the city of Slough, pointing out various things he finds disgusting

The Village Inn

by John Betjeman

‘The Village Inn’ by John Betjeman is a twelve stanza poem that is divide into uneven sets of lines. The

Upper Lambourne

by John Betjeman

‘Upper Lambourne’ by John Betjeman is a four stanza poem that is separated into sets of six lines, or sextets.

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