Sir John Betjeman (1906 - 1984) was an English poet, writer and broadcaster who described himself in Who's Who as a "poet and hack". He was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1972 until his death.
He was a founding member of the Victorian Society and a passionate defender of Victorian architecture. One of the buildings threatened with closure and demolition that he campaigned to save was St Pancras Railway Station in London, which was saved, and is now home to Eurostar services to France and Belgium.
Here Sir John Betjeman's statue looks across the station, and a Eurostar service waits for departure. And why am I here? Well, I'm waiting for a later Eurostar to Paris to spend some time with Lucy, so for a while there will be two of us posting shots of Paris.
And what did I think of the Eurostar service? - excellent, far more civilised than travel by air, and so comfortable. A great way to travel!
Fav you explanation/background story on this beautiful pic. of the train , the statue and railway station. Have a great time in Paris and with Lucy. Say her hello from me.
Thank you Tony - although I was fortunate not to travel yesterday because there were serious delays following someone being hit by a Eurostar train in France early in the day.
Have never noticed this statue. Very interesting shot and read. I rarely fly if I go to the continent - am a great fan of the Eurostar - and of continental trains in general.
Thank you Molly - this statue is quite close to the one of the embracing couple. From that one head towards the East Midlands platforms and you quite quickly pass it.
Thank you Graham - I didn't know Betjeman was a Somerset and Dorset fan. Thank you for the fav too.
Ian
Thank you Bruni - Lucy and I have had two excellent days so far, with lots of photos taken. I'll be spoilt for choice when it's my turn to post next!
Ian
Thank you Ivan, and thank you for the fav!
Ian
Thank you Ferry, and thank you for the fav. Lucy says hello back!
Ian
Thank you Cindy, glad you like it!
Ian
Thank you Gill - Paris has been fascinating so far! - lots of photos, so I'm going to have fun sorting them when I get home!
Ian
Thank you Hazel. The camera has been very busy in Paris!
Ian
Thank you Brian, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you Tony - although I was fortunate not to travel yesterday because there were serious delays following someone being hit by a Eurostar train in France early in the day.
Ian
Thank you Dianne - both Lucy and I have been busy taking photos, so we will be spoilt for choice!
Ian
Thank you Berni - I've found it fascinating so far!
Ian
Thank you Therese, glad you like it!
Ian
Thank you Molly - this statue is quite close to the one of the embracing couple. From that one head towards the East Midlands platforms and you quite quickly pass it.
Ian
Thank you Pete, glad you like it!
Ian
Thank you Lindsay - though I must confess I stole the idea from a photo in a magazine!
Ian