He wrote about his wartime experiences in his first published books of short stories, ‘Hands to Dance and Skylark’ (1951) as well as in his  first collection of poems, ‘Farewell, Aggie Weston’ (also 1951).

Now working as a primary school teacher in Launceston, he next published his collection of poetry, ‘Survivor’s Leave’ in 1953.  Whilst he rarely left Cornwall, other than for a short period in Australia, Causley became in demand for poetry readings, on stage, on radio and on television.  He was, for many years, the presenter of the BBC Radio 4 series ‘Poetry Please’.

Whilst a very private person, he became friends with writers including Jack Clemo, Susan Hill, Ted Hughes and Siegfried Sassoon and, in 1962, a book, celebrating his 65th birthday, included contributions from Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes and Philip Larkin and twenty three other well known poets. 

Hughes wrote that ‘Before I was made Poet Laureate, I was asked to name my choice of the best poet for the job. Without hesitation I named Charles Causley.’