Sir John Betjeman in January 1965 - Sir John Betjeman CBE (28 August 1906 - 19 May 1984) was an English poet, writer and broadcaster who described himself in Who's Who as a "poet and hack". He was born to a middle class family in Edwardian London. Although he failed his degree at Oxford University, his early ability in writing poetry and interest in architecture would support him throughout his life. He wrote poetry throughout his life; starting his career as a lowly journalist, he ended it as British Poet Laureate and a much loved figure on British television. ?006 TopFoto