John Betjeman Collection

Boston, Lincolnshire, 1838, (1943). Creator: Unknown
Boston, Lincolnshire, 1838, (1943). View of St Botolphs Church and ships on the River Witham in the town of Boston. After an engaving by JMW Turner

Market Hall, Sudbury, c1850, (1943). Creator: Walker
Market Hall, Sudbury, c1850, (1943). View of Market Hill, with St Peters Church, and the Corn Exchange (right), built in 1841, in the town of Sudbury, Suffolk

Map of England, with principal towns and cities, 1943. Creator: F Nichols
Map of England, with principal towns and cities, 1943. Places Mentioned in the Text. From " English Cities and Small Towns", by John Betjeman. [Collins, London, 1943]

Plan of Canterbury in the Sixteenth Century, (1943). Creator: Frans Hogenberg
Plan of Canterbury in the Sixteenth Century, (1943). Map of the walled city of Cantuarbury in Kent, originally published c1580 by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenburg

John Betjeman at Marlborough College, portrait (b / w photo)
5998076 John Betjeman at Marlborough College, portrait (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Betjeman at Marlborough College)

Queenstown Bridge, Swindon, 1885, (1943). Creator: G. Puckey
Queenstown Bridge, Swindon, 1885, (1943). View of bridge over the Wilshire & Berkshire Canal at Swindon in Wiltshire. From " English Cities and Small Towns", by John Betjeman

Lace Manufactory, Tiverton, c1836, (1943). Creator: Unknown
Lace Manufactory, Tiverton, c1836, (1943). Heathcoats Lace Manufactory at Tiverton in Devon, opened in 1816. From " English Cities and Small Towns", by John Betjeman. [Collins, London, 1943]

West Prospect of Oxford, 19th century, (1943). Creator: William Turner
West Prospect of Oxford, 19th century, (1943). Boats on the Isis at Oxford. From " English Cities and Small Towns", by John Betjeman. [Collins, London, 1943]

The Semaphore, Portsmouth, (1943). Creator: Unknown
The Semaphore, Portsmouth, (1943). Building constructed in the early 19th century in the town of Portsmouth. It was one of a network of such towers used in an optical telegraph system

View of Dawlish from the West Cliff, 1817, (1943). Creator: Joseph Constantine Stadler
View of Dawlish from the West Cliff, 1817, (1943). The town of Dawlish on the south coast of Devon. From " English Cities and Small Towns", by John Betjeman. [Collins, London, 1943]

View of Manchester from Higher Broughton, 1835, (1943). Creator: William Wyld
View of Manchester from Higher Broughton, 1835, (1943). Rural scene with smoking chimneys on the horizon. Painting also known as Manchester from the Cliff, Higher Broughton, in the City Art Gallery

View of York, 1756, (1943). Creator: Charles Grignion
View of York, 1756, (1943). Smartly dressed people promenading along the riverbank in York, north Yorkshire. After Prospect of a Noble Terras Walk in the city of York

Sugar refinery in Leman Street, Stepney, London, 1851. Artist: Vincent Brooks
Fireproof Sugar Refinery, Leman Street, Stepney, London, 1851. From Vintage London by John Betjeman. [William Collins, 1942]

The Licensed Victuallers Annual Dinner, Mermaid Tavern, Hackney, 1866. Artist: George Hunt
The Licensed Victuallers Annual Dinner, Mermaid Tavern, Hackney, 1866; showing a marching band, people eating and drinking and a fairground ride

View of Regent Street looking towards the Quadrant with Hanover Chapel in the foreground, 1842. From Vintage London by John Betjeman. [William Collins, 1942]

St Jamess Park, Westminster, London, 1809. Artist: Heinrich Schutz
St Jamess Park, Westminster, London, 1809. View of the Horse Guards from Buckingham House. From Vintage London by John Betjeman. [William Collins, 1942]

Interior of Custom House, London, 1808. Artists: Augustus Charles Pugin, Thomas Rowlandson
Interior view of the Long Room, Custom House, London, 1808. From Vintage London by John Betjeman. [William Collins, 1942]

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

John Betjeman, born in Boston, Lincolnshire in 1838, was a prominent figure in British literature and architecture. His contributions to the preservation of historical landmarks were invaluable. In 1943, he embarked on a mission to document various architectural wonders across England. One of his notable works includes capturing the essence of Market Hall in Sudbury around 1850. The photograph taken by Walker showcases the grandeur and significance of this iconic structure. Betjeman's passion for history is evident through his exploration of Canterbury's sixteenth-century plan. With Frans Hogenberg as the creator, this detailed map provides insights into the city's layout during that era. During his time at Marlborough College, Betjeman had an enchanting portrait captured in black and white photography. This image portrays him as a young scholar with immense potential and talent waiting to be unleashed upon the world. As part of his documentation journey, Betjeman also included a map highlighting England's principal towns and cities from 1943. Created by F Nichols, this map serves as a valuable resource for understanding geographical locations within the country during that period. Queenstown Bridge in Swindon caught Betjeman's attention due to its architectural brilliance dating back to 1885. G. Puckey skillfully captured its charm through photography, allowing future generations to appreciate its beauty. Another fascinating subject was Tiverton's Lace Manufactory from approximately 1836. Although created by an unknown artist, Betjeman recognized its historical importance and ensured it was documented for posterity. Oxford holds a special place in John Betjeman's heart; hence he couldn't resist capturing its west prospect during the nineteenth century using William Turner's artistic skills. This painting beautifully encapsulates Oxford’s timeless elegance and intellectual atmosphere. The Semaphore at Portsmouth intrigued him due to its role in communication systems throughout history.