Career
Beckett was born on 12 February 1920 in The Fylde, Lancashire, England. He was educated at Baines School, then a grammar school in Poulton-le-Fylde. He studied at the School of Pharmacy and Birkbeck College, both part of the University of London.
He completed his Bachelor of Science (Bachelor of Science) degree in 1947 and his Doctor of Philosophy (Doctor of Philosophy) degree in 1950.
He took, but failed, the Civil Service entrance examination.
