Here is the full text of the Dean of Westminster’s announcement, made on 17th June 2015.

Philip Larkin

University of Hull

Statement by the Dean of Westminster

17^th June 2015

With the kings and queens in Westminster Abbey are buried or memorialised 3,300 men and women, many of whom have contributed with distinction to the health and well-being not only of the people of England and the United Kingdom and Commonwealth but of the whole English-speaking world. Within the Abbey’s ancient walls, alive with prayer and celebration, are writers and poets whose work has entertained and ennobled their readers, lying among the benefactors, inventors and scientists, actors and architects, clergy, artists and musicians, politicians, judges and explorers, soldiers, sailors and airmen.

Decisions whom to memorialise are not altogether easy. And they must be made by the Dean, who is of course fallible. There are no rules or regulations applying to the decision. Each Dean makes his own decision. Of course, generally Deans have consulted those with experience and recognised expertise. In the end, no doubt, Deans go with their gut instinct or are swayed by impressive voices and circumstances.

My predecessor Wesley Carr was approached many years ago about a memorial for Philip Larkin in Poets’ Corner and was impressed by the case as his predecessor Michael Mayne would have been. But Dr Carr believed it right to wait at least twenty years until it was possible to see whether a reputation was likely to be secure. He did not refuse memorialisation but delayed it.

On 6 December 2011 – Ted Hughes was memorialised in the Abbey. The intention to memorialise him in Poets’ Corner had been announced in March 2010. Alan Bennett wrote in his diary on 23 March 2010, ‘That Ted Hughes should have got into Poets’ Corner ahead of Larkin wouldn’t have surprised Larkin, though he must surely have a better claim. Though Hughes fits the popular notion of what a poet should be, many more of Larkin’s writings have passed into the national memory.’

Philip Larkin had a memorial service in the Abbey on 1^st February 1986 – and it was not entirely without controversy with some traditionalist clergy. I do not know what were their reasons. Perhaps they were only concerned about one pithy expression in the opening line of one of his poems. If so, their concern can be summarily dismissed. His letters had not yet been published. They give us pause. He was expressing himself in a way that would be generally unacceptable today but that was then and private.

It may be that some might have complained back in 1986 that Larkin was no practising Christian, no adherent of the Church. That does not appear to me to erect a barrier against memorialisation in the Abbey. We who are Christian believers see God’s work in all that is good and beautiful, see the love and joy of God working through those who share in God’s wonderful work of creation, even when they are unaware of their share in God’s work. Philip Larkin, it has been said, was an agnostic but an Anglican agnostic.

Alan Bennett also wrote in his diary on that day in 2010, ‘Two deans back, and not long after Larkin’s death, I remember Michael Mayne saying that Larkin had earned his place on the strength of ‘Church Going’ alone.’ I agree but there is much more besides.

I am pleased to announce here in his library my decision to place a ledger stone in Poets’ Corner near the grave of Geoffrey Chaucer to commemorate the life and work of Philip Larkin. I am grateful for the collaboration of the Philip Larkin Society.

It is my intention that the memorial should be installed and dedicated in the autumn of 2016. Some will see it as a fitting curtain raiser for Hull’s year as City of Culture 2017.

 

On June 8^th 2015 the Philip Larkin Society presented a Philip Larkin Study Day for the Yorkshire and Humber regions of the University of The Third Age (U3A) at the Lawns Centre in Cottingham. About 60 U3A members attended and heard talks from James Booth, Philip Pullen and Belinda Hakes.

 

 

 

Hazel Ward, of Swanland U3A introduces the speakers

 

 

James began the day with a presentation entitled ‘Philip Larkin: Living for Others’, which drew on the themes of his recent biography of Larkin and focused on the very different versions of the man provided by the women with whom he was romantically involved, his friends and university colleagues.

In a talk entitled ‘Dearest Old Creature’ Philip explored the life of Larkin’s mother, Eva, based largely on his research into the extensive correspondence she had with her son and on what the letters tell us about the importance of Larkin’s relationship with his mother.

 

‘When I see a couple of kids…’ examined the ways in which Larkin’s poetry has featured in the sixth form curricula over the past three decades. Belinda outlined some of the challenges this has presented to teachers and the ways in which the ‘teaching and learning’ of Larkin has impacted on young minds.

The day was a great success and led to some lively and thoughtful discussion – and, without doubt, an enhanced interest in Larkin for many of those who attended.

 

 

 

 

 

On 17^th June the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall announced that Philip Larkin is to be honoured by a memorial stone in Poets’ Corner. Fittingly, the announcement was made from Larkin’s old office in the Brynmor Jones Library at The University of Hull.

Dr Hall said: “With the kings and queens in Westminster Abbey are buried or memorialised 3,300 men and women, many of whom have contributed with distinction to the health and well-being not only of the people of England and the United Kingdom and Commonwealth but of the whole English-speaking world. Philip Larkin will be memorialised very near Geoffrey Chaucer, finding a fitting place among his fellow poets. I have no doubt that his work and memory will live on as long as the English language continues to be understood.”

This accolade has long been campaigned for by members of the Society and friends of Philip Larkin and recognises his position as the most admired and popular poet of the 20^th century.

The memorial will be unveiled on 2^nd December 2016, the 31^st anniversary of Larkin’s death. As well as enabling Larkin to take his rightful place at the very cultural heart of the nation in Westminster Abbey, it will also form a wonderful prelude to Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017.

The Philip Larkin Society is delighted to reveal its new website. Designed by Graham Scott (Human Design), who was responsible for the highly successful Larkin 25 website, this site aims to provide an improved platform for gaining access to information and resources relating to Philip Larkin.

The launching of the site marks an important first step in expanding access to ‘all things Larkin’, particularly electronically, at a time when world wide interest in him continues to grow.