Thank you for such a lovely video. In the sixties I had my Nan and Grandad living at 9 Alwyne Villas and my Nan and Grandad living at 2 Union Square, Islington. Now they have all passed away and I miss them every day. I now live on Hove seafront on the promenade in a Victorian house which I love but do so miss London. Walking through Canonbury Square with my Nan and sister to get to the shops was a heavenly experience. I am now approaching my 81st birthday but I can remember so clearly those days and looking at these videos now brings back such wonderful memories John. Thank you.
I've always thought so too but thought I must just be prejudice since I never heard anyone else comment on it. The strip across from New River between Northampton St and Marquees Tavern always feels to me like its out of Mother Goose or Jane Austen, SO charming.
In the relatively few months since discovering by happy accident, and watching John's excellent videos, I've been entertained, enthralled and educated in equal measure. I cannot help but think (and I realise I may be alone in this) there is a similarity between John and one Bill Bailey, actor, musician, comedian, all round clever bloke. To me both gents have a shared appreciation and interest in social history and nature, wildlife and the environment, and they have a similar and intelligent delivery style. I''d love to see John and Bill on a river walk together. Their shared appreciation of history, wildlife, nature etc would make for compelling viewing.
@@BrianBoru5523 Obviously what you saw in the places along this walk were very different to the things I saw. Perhaps you're harking back to the days of footpads, disease and child exploitation? Oh well, things change I suppose - but I'm pretty sure John will agree with me when I say that, at heart, London remains London. Always has and always will. (And I say that, for what it's worth, as one who used to live in Hackney and Islington many, many years ago and was excited then as now by all its fascinating diversity.)
My dream pairing is John walking and chatting with the inimitable and effervescent Paul "Derlict London" Talling. 5 million quid gaffs are all very well John, but the wasteland and dereliction is where the kids know where it's at!
As a school girl at Barnsbury High all of these streets were my daily haunts. Even before its gentrification Canonbury Square and surrounding streets were a journey back to Georgian London. Those stairs and the slant of the pavement were magical. I can't thank you enough, John for your incredible journeys to the hidden jewels of London and envirnons.
Hello John, wow, this takes mo back to 1950's, I lived at Highbury Barn in those days, went to Canonbury Rd school, we always felt that Canonbury was a bit ' posher' than Highbury even then , Highbury was a bit run down in those days, Canonbury seemed to have been spared a lot of the war bombing because most of the georgian houses still survive., Used to the Pied Bull in Cross St to listen to Irish rebel songs....great video John.
Canonbury Square is the rare example of a made public square remaining beautiful. There are plenty of examples of the opposite. It is for this reason I oppose them all being made public, as you suggest. Thank you as always for a great video!
My favourite film so far. If I hadn’t seen this village, tucked away in the middle of North London, in this lovely little film I wouldn’t have believed it. Hats off, everyone! Hats off!
Thank you, John. Each time I travel to London, I love staying in non-touristy places and trying to be a local. (Usually works until i speak and my Texas accent comes out). My first trip to London I actually stayed in a guest house off of Essex near St Paul’s Rd. I remember Canonbury Square and the New River walk very well. I did not know about the Regents Canal tunnel though. I will need to come back and explore that. Your videos are so informative and educational - like walking with a good friend as they talk about their neighborhood. Thank you for the time you dedicate to doing these.
Thank you John for the upload.It brought back many happy memories of when i worked for Islington council as a gas engineer.We used to hold our union meetings at the union chapel.The marquess estate had a bad reputation then in the 90s.Alas the council made us reduntant and brought in private contractors to replace us.Our old council yard is now Arsenals new football stadium.
What an enchanting, tranquil neighbourhood, esp for a south Londoner whose ventures to Islington have tended to be for gigs at the Garage or the Union Chapel. Just as you were explaining the origins of the Tudor tower, I was reminded of some similarity with Harrow. Canonbury is now firmly on my to-walk list. Looking forward to your tales from the Wandle riverbank.
I wonder if you realize you and your delightful videos have been a great blessing during the Covid pandemic. Suddenly through your eyes we get to see the beauty of London and surrounds, hear the sounds and are reminded of the deep history of this great city. I suspect your videos have kept us just a bit saner. Thanks John. You are a miracle.
Great video John when I was out on my scooter years ago studying the Knowledge of London I always enjoyed Islington. So much greenery and people very friendly and helpful.
Thank you for this tour. I used to work in Canonbury in the mid 1970's at a pharmaceutical company called Biorex Laboratories which went bankrupt shortly after I left. The building (in Canonbury Villas) was eventually bought by Greenpeace and they still occupy it today. The tour of the area brought back many memories.
Thanks for s great video John. Born in Islington 1956, this took me around my old stomping ground. I moved away in 1990, so it's been a while (now living in Glasgow)
Hi John brilliant video of a part of London i don't know much on so was interesting to hear the history and your facts of Islington. Picked a good day for it too. Thanks again John 👍
The New River used to flow through those gardens in the middle of Duncan Terrace. That section of the New River Walk in Canonbury is just a pond though. The river finishes up at Woodberry Downs reservoir now.
@@filfvideos I'm not sure about the Cole Brook, but the New River definitely ran down Colebrooke Row. There are lots of clear signs of where it used to run through that final section. I think it was cut short at Woodberry Downs in the 1940s, although my Dad says he remembers the river running through Clissold Park in the 1950s
Loved this John. Me and my wife found an amazing flat to rent in Wallace road for a really cheap price (not sure how - like you said) about 10 years ago and we often just found ourselves doing the exact circuit around Canonbury in the evening to wind down. Just out looking for cats with an ice cream. We still walk down there from Stoke Newington with our kid just to stroll around, there's a real calming air to the place. And I could wind through Canonbury, Barnsbury, caledonian road then kings Cross for an amazingly quiet history-soaked commute to work every day. I always thought Canonbury was the most wealthy and beautiful yet un-pretentious area of London. Hope you ended up in the Island Queen by the looks of it :)
I assume the 4 folks who gave a thumbs down must be suffering from heatstroke today? Go give your heads a shake😠 Fab video. Always a pleasure to be shown around the boroughs virtually. Have a safe week and see you next Sunday🌞
From The Kenneth Williams Diaries: Sunday, 15 November 1964 "I got the 73 up to Angel, and called on Joe Orton & Ken Halliwell at 25 Noel Road. It was frugal to say the least. The room contained only two easy chairs & Joe had to have a stool all the time. The food was one ham sandwich & the dialogue revolved around it..."
@@JohnRogersWalks There are many entries in both Kenneth's diaries and also Joe Orton's about the many visits he made to Noel Road. Must have been comedy gold!
John. That was a brilliant walk. I grew up in St Peters St. went to school in Noel Rd (Hanover JM). Saturday morning pictures in The ABC Essex Rd and did a paper round in Duncan Terrace. So many memories. Thank you.
I may have got the name of the Cinema wrong, we had three in the area, one at the Angel, the Rex at the Green and this one. I'm thinking it may have been the Odeon or Carlton, anyone remember?
This is a lovely area with some fascinating history for sure - interesting that quite a few writers lived around these parts...I could see myself living here - in my dreams.
Thanks John, lovely walk. Saw many areas I know and many I don’t even though they are really close to the ones I do. By walking along the wonderful New River walk gardens, I had no idea what I’d been missing in Canonbury Park etc. Especially that amazing tower!
I’m late to the party. So many times I have been jogging around Highbury Fields and yet I’m unaware of Canonbury. Yes it does look like another place from another time. I will jog there next time. Thanks again for the lovely video.
Lovely walk, sir! Good to see the Union Chapel, one of my favourite venues (saw 5 Blind Boys Of Alabama there back in the day) & played the good ship Hope & Anchor a few times...also saw a few Beckett plays in the fabulous Kings Head, great pub...here's a nice coincidence...as I began playing this video my 'Sacred River Lea' t shirt arrived! My summer wardrobe thus enhanced...
absolutely amazing area. beautiful buildings and so they should be for five million. Makes me feel quite meek n mild in my humble abode 220 thousand. I viewed this while eating lunch and every time the scenes made my mouth drop open I shoved some salad in it. lol, Really did love this one John. thank you
I’m new to your channel but really enjoy going through all these walks, Essex road and Cannonbury that majestic looking 1930’s building was the ABC Carlton cinema.
John, thanks for an especially interesting walk. I lived in Islington for a few months in 1997, but I was unaware of the many interesting sites, especially the fact that Orwell wrote and lived there! Excellent walk as usual. Thanks loads. Best, Richard from Reno.
What a lovely film thank you John . I honestly was shocked but in a pleasant way to see so many beautiful streets and houses in Islington . It really was like stepping into a different world yet so close to the city. I imagined how it must have looked in Canonbury back in the time of gentrification with the streets filled with horses and carriages a real class place then and still classy now. The regents Canal tunnel looks amazing too I need to find out more . Hope you enjoyed your well deserved pint 🍺. 😊👍
I used to live in a council property on Canonbury Court. I had no idea most of that was on my doorstep. Thanks for taking us along with you on another wonderful wander. Much love 💗
another great History lesson, reminded me of how much I would love to sit in a London Square with a Beers bought from a nearby off license and soak up the surrounding view talking and listening to the people that live there.
Great video John, some of my local haunts. I did pop into the Winchester for a pint before the first lockdown just waiting for the whole thing to blow over (Shaun of the Dead reference), however not been back since! The place next door, The Meat People, is the location of the cafe in Quadrophenia.
Fantastic video!! I was born in Islington (corner of Essex rd/New north rd) and went to school locally, this brings back such wonderful memories for me way back to my birth there in 1948, thank you.
Thank you;!!! I loved watching this. It's been many years since I lived in either Islington or London, so it was so good to be able to watch this walk and rediscover some of my old favourite spots and buildings! :-)
That was truly wonderful and jam packed with history. I adore those streets and such amazing houses some are fortunate to own. I had many fun times there 30 years ago. Clubbing and raucous pub nights with friends. Always was an eclectic mix of people. I liked a pub called the Edward. Jimmy Somerville Bronski Beat, often called in and was always so friendly and happy.
Memories. I used to live close to Canonbury, first in Highbury Barn in some shed-like concrete-mould-monstrosity behind a wine bar, then near Arsenal stadium. Compton Terrace Gardens is a nice patch full of edible plants, and Canonbury Place is just magical durng the early hours after a boozy night out. An underrated aspect of this area and Islington as a whole are the river walks and canal. I managed to get a bit of writing done there, and before I left the Country took a two week job delivering leaflets to doors around the area. Needed the money for the flights. Whilst I may have been a hateful figure, it was a wonderful gig, walking around these parts every day just as summer was nearing. This video brings back a foreboding yearning, because it was the best place I ever lived, but also has embedded memories of my ex-girlfirend. However, I would love to create new ones and since then I am at the position where I could probably get a deposit on a one bedroom basement flat... near the Finsbury Park parts of Islington... Who said dreams can't come true!
@@JohnRogersWalks Yes John spent my childhood and part of my teens there, Canonbury station and the beginning of new river walk was only two minutes fro where i use to live,take care of yourself,regards,Sean
Nice work John. I spent a lot of my childhood in St Paul’s Rd not too far from there in a very haunted house (that’s another story). Islington certainly has an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in London. It has a feeling of antiquity, but with plenty of life, if that makes sense. Cheers for another fantastic video mate.
Thank you John I have walked these streets more or less everyday for the last 25 years as I'm fortunate enough to live in the area, you met my friend Mario who told me he had met you. My partner ironically lives and works in Leyton which you know well and have visited for the last 20 years so I have an affinity with you life story as it mirrors my own, all I can say It's a very small world.
Thank you so much for this video. I grew up in Barnsbury from 1946 - 74 so all the streets you walked today ment so much to me, it was memory lane with tears of joy. Thank you so much 💕🇦🇺
I was a milkman in Canonbury for United Dairies and know the area you covered so well. My nicest customers amongst many, were Sir James Ross and his wife who lived in John Spencer Square. He and his wife were the epitome of upper class niceness who were always so appreciative of me, unlike some of the jumped up toffee nosed g*ts who also lived in Canonbury!
I should have mentioned that Sir James Ross was the Queen Mother’s surgeon John and I believe he has a plaque at Bart’s hospital in remembrance of his distinguished career. Other noteworthy people who lived in the area at the time included Barbara Castle, Simon Ward, Jim Rosental, Dyson Lovell, Sammy Nelson and my least favourite Noel Dyson for reasons I shall keep to myself. Nearly forgot Gwyneth Strong who was a lovely lady. I don’t live far from Canonbury and a couple of years ago I met Paul Whitehouse in St Mary’s Grove. I walked along with him and he was good enough to do some of his impersonations of football managers and Fast Show characters. A lot of respect for him, even though he’s a Spurs fan!
Such a lovely walk, and with the Douglas Adams connection prompting happy childhood memories of his wonderfully funny narratives as well as an early introduction to the joys of science. Thank you, thank you for reminding me. Have many fond memories of going to concerts at Union Chapel and Islington Town Hall. Hope to be back soon when international travel is easier. Many thanks from a regular viewer in Sweden, and keep up the good work!
Conker trees in blossom, other trees in leaf, red flowers, blue flowers. A magical time of year and a lovely day. Great area and a enjoyable walk. Den .
Brilliant 👏 not watched it yet but will be sitting down soon to watch it. I Love Islington! Worked there for a few years and got to know the Borough well. But every time you do a video on Islington I learn something new. Thanks John for your knowledge and taking time to do these amazing walks. Just read your book and I couldn't put it down! Looking forward to the next one.
Hey John. Thank you for the mention (and my mum!) in the video. It was an great to meet you. Such a hot day and I couldn’t stop chatting. Anyway, I’ve bought the T-Shirt in your honour. Keep up the good work!
Wonderful sunny stroll, really interesting and picturesque, full of interesting ancient and modern history and som e fab architecture, thanks John, glad you got your pint at the end!
Lovely trip down memory Lane. I grew up living in Douglas Road (now Marquis estate). I went to Canonbury Road School & to a nursery school next to the Canonbury Tower.
Thank you for such a lovely video. In the sixties I had my Nan and Grandad living at 9 Alwyne Villas and my Nan and Grandad living at 2 Union Square, Islington. Now they have all passed away and I miss them every day. I now live on Hove seafront on the promenade in a Victorian house which I love but do so miss London. Walking through Canonbury Square with my Nan and sister to get to the shops was a heavenly experience. I am now approaching my 81st birthday but I can remember so clearly those days and looking at these videos now brings back such wonderful memories John. Thank you.
God bless you.❤❤❤
Thank you for this lovely walk John beautiful wide streets & Georgian architecture. Sad news about the chap. 😢
Islington without doubt is one of the most beautiful boroughs in London
Completely agree
I worked in a Jewellery shop in the late 60's, which was located in Chapel Market, Islington. Loved the market.
@Ed Yeo I agree with that, during the eighties and nineties I used to work a fair bit in that area and got to see the good bits and the bad
I've always thought so too but thought I must just be prejudice since I never heard anyone else comment on it. The strip across from New River between Northampton St and Marquees Tavern always feels to me like its out of Mother Goose or Jane Austen, SO charming.
It's got a dark side..Tony Blair lived there
Fantastic! Caught a glimpse of myself pointing to say “it’s him!” On Essex road
Ha, brilliant- feel free to say hello next time
23:33 :D
@@DreamClean haha yes
That’s great !!
In the relatively few months since discovering by happy accident, and watching John's excellent videos, I've been entertained, enthralled and educated in equal measure.
I cannot help but think (and I realise I may be alone in this) there is a similarity between John and one Bill Bailey, actor, musician, comedian, all round clever bloke. To me both gents have a shared appreciation and interest in social history and nature, wildlife and the environment, and they have a similar and intelligent delivery style. I''d love to see John and Bill on a river walk together. Their shared appreciation of history, wildlife, nature etc would make for compelling viewing.
thanks for the kind comment aarjay - I'd love to do a river walk with Bill Bailey
@@JohnRogersWalks I'm sure everyone would love watching too
I get choked up thinking about what has happened a once glorious city. Same in all capitals of Western European cities. This is victory they tell me.
@@BrianBoru5523
Obviously what you saw in the places along this walk were very different to the things I saw. Perhaps you're harking back to the days of footpads, disease and child exploitation? Oh well, things change I suppose - but I'm pretty sure John will agree with me when I say that, at heart, London remains London. Always has and always will. (And I say that, for what it's worth, as one who used to live in Hackney and Islington many, many years ago and was excited then as now by all its fascinating diversity.)
My dream pairing is John walking and chatting with the inimitable and effervescent Paul "Derlict London" Talling. 5 million quid gaffs are all very well John, but the wasteland and dereliction is where the kids know where it's at!
As a school girl at Barnsbury High all of these streets were my daily haunts. Even before its gentrification Canonbury Square and surrounding streets were a journey back to Georgian London. Those stairs and the slant of the pavement were magical. I can't thank you enough, John for your incredible journeys to the hidden jewels of London and envirnons.
This Islington born and bred girl thanks you very much for the walk today. xx
That’s brilliant Jan thank you
Beautiful part of London. The walk from Cannonbury to the De Beauvouir Estate near Dalston has always been a favourite of mine . Beautiful places
Hello John, wow, this takes mo back to 1950's, I lived at Highbury Barn in those days, went to Canonbury Rd school, we always felt that Canonbury was a bit ' posher' than Highbury even then , Highbury was a bit run down in those days, Canonbury seemed to have been spared a lot of the war bombing because most of the georgian houses still survive., Used to the Pied Bull in Cross St to listen to Irish rebel songs....great video John.
Canonbury Square is the rare example of a made public square remaining beautiful. There are plenty of examples of the opposite. It is for this reason I oppose them all being made public, as you suggest. Thank you as always for a great video!
My favourite place. Union chapel. Blessed to live here
My favourite film so far. If I hadn’t seen this village, tucked away in the middle of North London, in this lovely little film I wouldn’t have believed it. Hats off, everyone! Hats off!
John, do you know if those gaslights are still functional? I really hope they are..
My guess Peter is that they may be modern reproductions or at least restorations so I reckon they do work
19:28 I used to visit The New River in Virginia (USA). Arguably one of the 5 oldest rivers in the world. A different river, but magical.
Thank you, John. Each time I travel to London, I love staying in non-touristy places and trying to be a local. (Usually works until i speak and my Texas accent comes out). My first trip to London I actually stayed in a guest house off of Essex near St Paul’s Rd. I remember Canonbury Square and the New River walk very well. I did not know about the Regents Canal tunnel though. I will need to come back and explore that. Your videos are so informative and educational - like walking with a good friend as they talk about their neighborhood. Thank you for the time you dedicate to doing these.
Many thanks for that Darrell- hope you can get back to London in the not too distant future
Thank you John for the upload.It brought back many happy memories of when i worked for Islington council as a gas engineer.We used to hold our union meetings at the union chapel.The marquess estate had a bad reputation then in the 90s.Alas the council made us reduntant and brought in private contractors to replace us.Our old council yard is now Arsenals new football stadium.
Amazing video superb area John and Bill Bailey walk sounds a good idea
What an enchanting, tranquil neighbourhood, esp for a south Londoner whose ventures to Islington have tended to be for gigs at the Garage or the Union Chapel. Just as you were explaining the origins of the Tudor tower, I was reminded of some similarity with Harrow. Canonbury is now firmly on my to-walk list. Looking forward to your tales from the Wandle riverbank.
How magical Islington is such history ❤️
I wonder if you realize you and your delightful videos have been a great blessing during the Covid pandemic. Suddenly through your eyes we get to see the beauty of London and surrounds, hear the sounds and are reminded of the deep history of this great city. I suspect your videos have kept us just a bit saner. Thanks John. You are a miracle.
Great video John when I was out on my scooter years ago studying the Knowledge of London I always enjoyed Islington. So much greenery and people very friendly and helpful.
Thank you for this tour. I used to work in Canonbury in the mid 1970's at a pharmaceutical company called Biorex Laboratories which went bankrupt shortly after I left. The building (in Canonbury Villas) was eventually bought by Greenpeace and they still occupy it today.
The tour of the area brought back many memories.
A great walk John. Thanks so much for this - very, very enjoyable.
thanks formdemon
Thanks for s great video John. Born in Islington 1956, this took me around my old stomping ground. I moved away in 1990, so it's been a while (now living in Glasgow)
Your knowledge of London is second to none congratulations on a wonderful video well done John Rogers thanks for sharing.
Thanks Brian
Hi John brilliant video of a part of London i don't know much on so was interesting to hear the history and your facts of Islington. Picked a good day for it too. Thanks again John 👍
Love the architecture. I had no idea that Islington is so grand - I can see why you were willing to pay extra to live there.
Thank you, I spent my later teenage years on Maquess Road in Jethou House. What a change has occured.
The New River used to flow through those gardens in the middle of Duncan Terrace. That section of the New River Walk in Canonbury is just a pond though. The river finishes up at Woodberry Downs reservoir now.
So that must have run next to the Cole brook that runs through the middle of colebrooke row.
@@filfvideos I'm not sure about the Cole Brook, but the New River definitely ran down Colebrooke Row. There are lots of clear signs of where it used to run through that final section. I think it was cut short at Woodberry Downs in the 1940s, although my Dad says he remembers the river running through Clissold Park in the 1950s
@@filfvideos straight over his head, bro........
I might have to watch this one again, you managed to fit in so much John, great insights, jam packed with interesting stuff. Thanks, I learnt alot!
thanks very much rossy
Thanks for waking up such great memories 😊
Loved this John. Me and my wife found an amazing flat to rent in Wallace road for a really cheap price (not sure how - like you said) about 10 years ago and we often just found ourselves doing the exact circuit around Canonbury in the evening to wind down. Just out looking for cats with an ice cream. We still walk down there from Stoke Newington with our kid just to stroll around, there's a real calming air to the place. And I could wind through Canonbury, Barnsbury, caledonian road then kings Cross for an amazingly quiet history-soaked commute to work every day. I always thought Canonbury was the most wealthy and beautiful yet un-pretentious area of London. Hope you ended up in the Island Queen by the looks of it :)
Did you find any cats with ice creams?
@@vickywitton1008 My cat always preferred a Strawberry Mivi. The ice kept the ice cream out of his fur... 😺🍓
I went to Islington Green School, all these streets are etched in my memory - thanks for another fab video John.
Thanks Mustafa- wonderful area to grow up
Me too - now living in Norway and based in Genoa Italy but epic memories of strolling around our Islington manor 🎖
How many times did you get sent to Referral Base? 😂
I assume the 4 folks who gave a thumbs down must be suffering from heatstroke today? Go give your heads a shake😠
Fab video. Always a pleasure to be shown around the boroughs virtually. Have a safe week and see you next Sunday🌞
Thanks very much Lloyd
Love Islington. I used to spend a lot of time in the Eclipse pub on Barnsbury Road, no longer there, unfortunately. Thanks John, great walk.
Very nice town view.
The house build was so beautiful.
Thank you for sharing I Food Leveling
From The Kenneth Williams Diaries:
Sunday, 15 November 1964
"I got the 73 up to Angel, and called on Joe Orton & Ken Halliwell at 25 Noel Road. It was frugal to say the least. The room contained only two easy chairs & Joe had to have a stool all the time. The food was one ham sandwich & the dialogue revolved around it..."
Fantastic thanks Benjamin - I’ve got that book somewhere
@@JohnRogersWalks There are many entries in both Kenneth's diaries and also Joe Orton's about the many visits he made to Noel Road. Must have been comedy gold!
Mr Williams lived not far from upper st - off caledonian road.
That was terrific John,thankyou.
Glad you enjoyed it Kerry
John. That was a brilliant walk. I grew up in St Peters St. went to school in Noel Rd (Hanover JM). Saturday morning pictures in The ABC Essex Rd and did a paper round in Duncan Terrace. So many memories. Thank you.
I may have got the name of the Cinema wrong, we had three in the area, one at the Angel, the Rex at the Green and this one. I'm thinking it may have been the Odeon or Carlton, anyone remember?
thanks for sharing those memories Alfred
This is a lovely area with some fascinating history for sure - interesting that quite a few writers lived around these parts...I could see myself living here - in my dreams.
Thanks for that delightful walk, John. The Estorick is one of my favourite London galleries too. Tucked away in leafy Canonbury.
Thanks John, lovely walk. Saw many areas I know and many I don’t even though they are really close to the ones I do. By walking along the wonderful New River walk gardens, I had no idea what I’d been missing in Canonbury Park etc. Especially that amazing tower!
I’m late to the party. So many times I have been jogging around Highbury Fields and yet I’m unaware of Canonbury. Yes it does look like another place from another time. I will jog there next time. Thanks again for the lovely video.
AWESOME! Great Virtual Tour! 😊👍😊👍 Beautiful City Footage!
Many thanks Walk Around
Emma watson live in Canonbury Pl., am I right? @@JohnRogersWalks
Lovely walk, sir! Good to see the Union Chapel, one of my favourite venues (saw 5 Blind Boys Of Alabama there back in the day) & played the good ship Hope & Anchor a few times...also saw a few Beckett plays in the fabulous Kings Head, great pub...here's a nice coincidence...as I began playing this video my 'Sacred River Lea' t shirt arrived! My summer wardrobe thus enhanced...
absolutely amazing area. beautiful buildings and so they should be for five million. Makes me feel quite meek n mild in my humble abode 220 thousand. I viewed this while eating lunch and every time the scenes made my mouth drop open I shoved some salad in it. lol, Really did love this one John. thank you
Wonderful- thanks very much
I’m new to your channel but really enjoy going through all these walks, Essex road and Cannonbury that majestic looking 1930’s building was the ABC Carlton cinema.
A lovely relaxed tour of some of my favourite places in Islington. It is like having a nice walk and chat with a mate ! Thank you John
John, thanks for an especially interesting walk. I lived in Islington for a few months in 1997, but I was unaware of the many interesting sites, especially the fact that Orwell wrote and lived there!
Excellent walk as usual. Thanks loads. Best, Richard from Reno.
Thanks for this magical mystery tour.A beautiful piece of london i never new existed. Absolutely fantastic John.
thanks very much Jerry
What a lovely film thank you John . I honestly was shocked but in a pleasant way to see so many beautiful streets and houses in Islington . It really was like stepping into a different world yet so close to the city. I imagined how it must have looked in Canonbury back in the time of gentrification with the streets filled with horses and carriages a real class place then and still classy now. The regents Canal tunnel looks amazing too I need to find out more . Hope you enjoyed your well deserved pint 🍺. 😊👍
cheers Terry - yes those couple of pints of ale went down very well indeed
I used to live in a council property on Canonbury Court. I had no idea most of that was on my doorstep. Thanks for taking us along with you on another wonderful wander. Much love 💗
another great History lesson, reminded me of how much I would love to sit in a London Square with a Beers bought from a nearby off license and soak up the surrounding view talking and listening to the people that live there.
Where have you been all my
......Absolutely Fabulous !!
Great video John, some of my local haunts. I did pop into the Winchester for a pint before the first lockdown just waiting for the whole thing to blow over (Shaun of the Dead reference), however not been back since! The place next door, The Meat People, is the location of the cafe in Quadrophenia.
Thanks for that Steve - a Quadrophenia walk would be good
@@JohnRogersWalks how about a ‘blow up’ walk too?
Fantastic video!! I was born in Islington (corner of Essex rd/New north rd) and went to school locally, this brings back such wonderful memories for me way back to my birth there in 1948, thank you.
That’s great to hear - thanks Frances
Ahhh..the lovely soothing sounds of Pachabelly...Islington was one of my favourite places when I lived in London...what a smashing walk John...thanks
Thanks Maggie- glad you enjoyed it, I felt that was the perfect track for Canonbury
Fantastic walk with some really interesting sites, thanks, John!
My pleasure Mariana - glad you enjoyed it
Really Enjoyed that thank you. I’m born and raised here so I loved the information. Keep
Up the good work!
Thank you;!!! I loved watching this. It's been many years since I lived in either Islington or London, so it was so good to be able to watch this walk and rediscover some of my old favourite spots and buildings! :-)
As always very interesting!
Cheers Mark
That was truly wonderful and jam packed with history. I adore those streets and such amazing houses some are fortunate to own. I had many fun times there 30 years ago. Clubbing and raucous pub nights with friends. Always was an eclectic mix of people. I liked a pub called the Edward. Jimmy Somerville Bronski Beat, often called in and was always so friendly and happy.
Wonderful. Thanks so much John.
Memories. I used to live close to Canonbury, first in Highbury Barn in some shed-like concrete-mould-monstrosity behind a wine bar, then near Arsenal stadium. Compton Terrace Gardens is a nice patch full of edible plants, and Canonbury Place is just magical durng the early hours after a boozy night out. An underrated aspect of this area and Islington as a whole are the river walks and canal. I managed to get a bit of writing done there, and before I left the Country took a two week job delivering leaflets to doors around the area. Needed the money for the flights. Whilst I may have been a hateful figure, it was a wonderful gig, walking around these parts every day just as summer was nearing. This video brings back a foreboding yearning, because it was the best place I ever lived, but also has embedded memories of my ex-girlfirend. However, I would love to create new ones and since then I am at the position where I could probably get a deposit on a one bedroom basement flat... near the Finsbury Park parts of Islington... Who said dreams can't come true!
Islington is so much like a village! Lovely!
another triumph. Thanks.
Thanks Dolores
Lovely walk and thanks for sharing. I'm a firm believer in zen navigation!
ha, it's a great way to get around!
Lovely video John,brings back memories of my childhood,i lived in Canonbury from 1960 to 1974.
What a fantastic place to grow up Sean
@@JohnRogersWalks Yes John spent my childhood and part of my teens there, Canonbury station and the beginning of new river walk was only two minutes fro where i use to live,take care of yourself,regards,Sean
Nice work John. I spent a lot of my childhood in St Paul’s Rd not too far from there in a very haunted house (that’s another story). Islington certainly has an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in London. It has a feeling of antiquity, but with plenty of life, if that makes sense. Cheers for another fantastic video mate.
thanks very much Jay
I live in Canonbury, and have learnt a lot about the history from watching your video. So, thank you.
Just got back from a week climbing in Snowdonia John ...... this is the icing on my cake ..... Many thanks for the ace upload.
A wonderful urban ramble. What beautiful buildings. And the ending with Douglas Adam’s house was a great coup de grace!
Thank you John I have walked these streets more or less everyday for the last 25 years as I'm fortunate enough to live in the area, you met my friend Mario who told me he had met you. My partner ironically lives and works in Leyton which you know well and have visited for the last 20 years so I have an affinity with you life story as it mirrors my own, all I can say It's a very small world.
Thank you so much for this video. I grew up in Barnsbury from 1946 - 74 so all the streets you walked today ment so much to me, it was memory lane with tears of joy. Thank you so much 💕🇦🇺
Lived around here in my Mid Twenties, thanx for the memories John.
Enjoyed this a lot. Thank you very much.
Lived in Canonbury all my life , my local was the Canonbury Tavern , fantastic beer garden .
Homesick for London and my old area. Lovely videos John
I was a milkman in Canonbury for United Dairies and know the area you covered so well. My nicest customers amongst many, were Sir James Ross and his wife who lived in John Spencer Square. He and his wife were the epitome of upper class niceness who were always so appreciative of me, unlike some of the jumped up toffee nosed g*ts who also lived in Canonbury!
I should have mentioned that Sir James Ross was the Queen Mother’s surgeon John and I believe he has a plaque at Bart’s hospital in remembrance of his distinguished career. Other noteworthy people who lived in the area at the time included Barbara Castle, Simon Ward, Jim Rosental, Dyson Lovell, Sammy Nelson and my least favourite Noel Dyson for reasons I shall keep to myself. Nearly forgot Gwyneth Strong who was a lovely lady. I don’t live far from Canonbury and a couple of years ago I met Paul Whitehouse in St Mary’s Grove. I walked along with him and he was good enough to do some of his impersonations of football managers and Fast Show characters. A lot of respect for
him, even though he’s a Spurs fan!
What an excellent video. Thank you.
Such a lovely walk, and with the Douglas Adams connection prompting happy childhood memories of his wonderfully funny narratives as well as an early introduction to the joys of science. Thank you, thank you for reminding me. Have many fond memories of going to concerts at Union Chapel and Islington Town Hall. Hope to be back soon when international travel is easier. Many thanks from a regular viewer in Sweden, and keep up the good work!
I love this one! Takes in all my haunts
Conker trees in blossom, other trees in leaf, red flowers, blue flowers. A magical time of year and a lovely day. Great area and a enjoyable walk. Den .
Brilliant 👏 not watched it yet but will be sitting down soon to watch it.
I Love Islington! Worked there for a few years and got to know the Borough well. But every time you do a video on Islington I learn something new.
Thanks John for your knowledge and taking time to do these amazing walks.
Just read your book and I couldn't put it down! Looking forward to the next one.
that's brilliant - thanks Peter
Fantastic video, thank you so much I really enjoyed it
What nostalgia I experience watching these videos. Bloomsbury used to be part of my cycle routes from Hackney to Marylebone…
Another great video John, it was great to see where George Orwell wrote 1984,did the clock strike 13.!
Enchanting! Thank you
Hey John. Thank you for the mention (and my mum!) in the video. It was an great to meet you. Such a hot day and I couldn’t stop chatting. Anyway, I’ve bought the T-Shirt in your honour. Keep up the good work!
Second watch - absolutely wonderful. Thanks JR
Much appreciated Jennifer
Great video as ever, must look up the film, Gary is a favourite actor 👍🏻
Thanks John great video, in 38mins I re-lived my childhood memories.
Me too!
fantastic thanks Sharon
What a treat. Beautiful streets and weather to match. Thanks indeed.
My pleasure Joseph
Great walk round John like it very much thanku .....u doing anymore comeing up 😊
Thank you John - viewing your walks always a favorite Sunday past time. Love when you share memories of your old haunts!
Wonderful sunny stroll, really interesting and picturesque, full of interesting ancient and modern history and som e fab architecture, thanks John, glad you got your pint at the end!
Thanks Lois
Top video Roger... part of my old growing up area. Many thank to you. Stay safe.
Thanks for watching
Excellent video John. Beautiful streets, beautiful evening
Excellent as always, so close to my road Northchurch.
That was a lovely walk... And what an amazing area. Thanks John for sharing such fond memories.
Lovely trip down memory Lane. I grew up living in Douglas Road (now Marquis estate). I went to Canonbury Road School & to a nursery school next to the Canonbury Tower.
Nice one as ever John. A great wee slice of London, Albion Square near to Haggerston station is worth a little visit.
Thanks- that’s Iain Sinclair territory