John Betjeman at St Pancras Station station, London

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Sir John Betjeman CBE (1906 – 1984) was an English poet and writer who boldly described himself as a "poet and hack" in his Who's Who entry. As the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, he held this prestigious title from 1972 until his passing. Betjeman played a pivotal role in preserving St Pancras railway station, London, and was honored when it became an international terminus for Eurostar in November 2007. He fiercely opposed the plan to demolish St Pancras, labeling it "criminal folly." His vivid description of the station's iconic features includes a cluster of towers and pinnacles visible from Pentonville Hill against a foggy sunset backdrop, with the grand arc of Barlow's train shed devouring incoming engines and the sudden burst of exuberant Gothic style of the hotel seen from gloomy Judd Street. Upon St Pancras station's reopening in 2007, a statue of Betjeman was commissioned by curators Futurecity. Artist Martin Jennings' proposal stood out from a shortlist, and his finished work was erected at platform level, featuring slate roundels showcasing selections of Betjeman's writings.