John Betjeman explains that much of his poetry has been inspired by London. He explores the site of the former Manchester Hotel and reminisces about its heyday, though it now resides in the bombed-out remains of Aldersgate Street station. It continues to function, serving a curious mixture of suburban steam trains and electric Tube trains.

Betjeman recalls the refreshment room and its plate-glass windows, offering afternoon tea. He laments the recent decision to remove the station's cast-iron roof, which he believes also took away much of its personality. He reads his 'Monody on the Death of Aldersgate Street Station' over images of the bombed-out City of London and its new rising multi-storey offices.

Betjeman comments on these "new white cliffs" and commiserates with the plight of the commuters, particularly young women, most of whom live in houses converted into suburban flats. He reads 'Business Girls' over images of suburban flats occasionally obscured by the steam from passing trains.

Betjeman apologises for being unable to keep sex out of his poems but feels it would be hypocritical to do so, as he's constantly distracted by beautiful girls. He reads 'The Olympic Girl' over a montage of posters featuring large images of young women.

Betjeman talks about his poems about childhood, recalling in his poem 'Hertfordshire' an earlier time there when he was embarrassed by his father on a shooting trip. He walks along a dirt road into the distance.