What would Sir John Betjeman have made of this? by fishers

What would Sir John Betjeman have made of this?

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!

Ian
A great shot. He was a particular fan of the old Somerset and Dorset line. Fav
April 17th, 2014  
Great shot of the statue. looking forward to see pictures from Paris through your lenses. enjoy your time with Lucy.
April 17th, 2014  
Super shot and very interesting narrative. Fav. Enjoy Paris.
April 17th, 2014  
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.
April 17th, 2014  
love this
April 17th, 2014  
Fab shot, love the POV. Have fun in Paris!
April 17th, 2014  
Great shot. Look forward to Paris through your lens!
April 17th, 2014  
Great shot and pov
April 18th, 2014  
Great shot Ian and I agree that rail is much more civilised than flying.
April 18th, 2014  
Lovely shot - look forward to two Fishers' Paris shots.
April 18th, 2014  
I love this shot and the story to go along with it. Enjoy your time in Paris!
April 18th, 2014  
very awesome shot!
April 18th, 2014  
@thresheg

Thank you Graham - I didn't know Betjeman was a Somerset and Dorset fan. Thank you for the fav too.

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
@bruni

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
April 18th, 2014  
@ivan

Thank you Ivan, and thank you for the fav!

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
@pyrrhula

Thank you Ferry, and thank you for the fav. Lucy says hello back!

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
@pittcj17

Thank you Cindy, glad you like it!

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
@gillg

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
April 18th, 2014  
@purplehaze12

Thank you Hazel. The camera has been very busy in Paris!

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
@bkbinthecity

Thank you Brian, glad you like it.

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
@tonydebont

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
April 18th, 2014  
@dide

Thank you Dianne - both Lucy and I have been busy taking photos, so we will be spoilt for choice!

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
@bernicrumb

Thank you Berni - I've found it fascinating so far!

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
@monkeykid

Thank you Therese, glad you like it!

Ian
April 18th, 2014  
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.
April 18th, 2014  
Super pov great idea for a photo.
April 19th, 2014  
@dolphin

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
April 20th, 2014  
@pjr

Thank you Pete, glad you like it!

Ian
April 20th, 2014  
I love that statue and agree Eurostar is great too, lovely idea to put them together here.
April 21st, 2014  
@lindsaydaisyboo

Thank you Lindsay - though I must confess I stole the idea from a photo in a magazine!

Ian
April 22nd, 2014  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.