London's Street of Stories & Myths (4K)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ธ.ค. 2021
- Fleet Street walking tour - one of the most famous streets in London. This continues the series on the Churches of the City of London. Thanks to my supporters on Patreon / johnrogers
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Our walk starts in Clement's Lane passing through the grounds of the London School of Economics and behind the Royal Courts of Justice. We then visit St Clement Danes Church and look for the medieval holy well. After looking at the statue of Samuel Johnson we go to Temple Bar the ancient western gate of the City of London. From here we visit St Dunstan-in-the-West with its statues of Gog and Magog and recount of the story of Brutus of Troy, Albina founding Britain and Corineus defeating the giant Gogmagog in Battle leading to Brutus becoming the first king of Britain and founding London. We also talk about the 14th Century statues of King Lud and his sons in the porch of the church.
We continue along Fleet Street and go into Inner Temple and visit Temple Church, Middle Temple Hall and Fountain Court before going along Whitefriars Street to St Bride's Church with its fantastic spire designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Our walk ends by looking for the site of Bridewell Palace first built by Henry III.
Credits & Info:
Music:
Allégro - Emmit Fenn (TH-cam Audio Library)
Pachabelly - Huma-Huma (TH-cam Audio Library)
Will He Live Again - Kikoru courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Before Daybreak - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Maps: Open Street Map “© OpenStreetMap contributors” using data available under the Open Database Licence
1851 Map of Aldwych
'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland'
maps.nls.uk/index.html
Image of Temple Bar from Walks in and Around London by Uncle Jonathan 1895
Brutus Image
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Gogmagog Image - Public Domain
One of two wooden figures displayed in the Guildhall in London, carved by Captain Richard Saunders in 1709, replacing earlier wicker and pasteboard effigies which were traditionally carried in the Lord Mayor's Show. They represent the legendary characters of Gogmagog and Corineus, but were later known as Gog and Magog. Both figures were destroyed during the London Blitz 1940; new figures were carved in 1953.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gogmago...
Corineus Image - Public Domain
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corineu...
One of two wooden figures displayed in the Guildhall in London, carved by Captain Richard Saunders in 1709, replacing earlier wicker and pasteboard effigies which were traditionally carried in the Lord Mayor's Show. They represented Gogmagog and Corineus, but were later known as Gog and Magog. Both figures were destroyed during the London Blitz in 1940; new figures were carved in 1953.
Europe Map
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Samuel Johnson's most important quote is "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." Something most Americans seem to have forgotten.
My mother worked for Withers, in Fleet Street in the 70s. I had the privilege, at ages 4 and 5 years, to roam about and meet people. Only one individual, whom shall reman nameless, frowned upon my inquisitive behaviour. Best moments were climbing up and down the spiral staircases, going up and down the old lift, with a metal closing gate! and the little balcony on the top floor, my mother's office, where I could climb out of the window and peer at everyone and listen. I am sure that those moments are very much responsible for my interests in architecture, industrial pieces and old streets. Thank you for igniting my memory banks.
Wonderful film! I am an American who worked on Fleet Street as a sub editor for the Press Association when it was at #85, along with Reuters. Did drink in the Bell, the Punch, and El Vino in the 1990s. Please do a north side Street of Shame film ... so many stories and so many memories for myself and others who were journalists. Fleet Street was a rogues gallery of characters then but also was where I met some of the smartest (and most honorable) people I ever had the pleasure to work alongside. Thank you for your films.
I worked for Taylor Joynson Garrett solicitors on fleet street same time as you...fantastic atmosphere
Hey... I was at Reuters from 1980 so we shared 85. The Bell was the Reuters haunt along with the Golf Club and Mrs Moons. Ah happy days.
El vino the wine bar... so 90s
You’re the worse kind
What a dream come true! So cool as a American myself I just so enjoy anything related to London!!!
Lovely walk, I am Italian and came to London in 1973, got a job in Fleet Street as a photographer, I used to walk to work in the mornings passing through Temple and since I was 18 at the time I had no idea of the history of this place, so it is very interesting and brings back many memories, thank you.
1/2 million views is a joke John you should be on TV mate. You are so knowledgable and your delivery is full of wonder. Fantastic John really enjoyed this walk/history lesson 👍
Curtis, 55, in Las Vegas, recently retired U.S. Navy.. and I love British history and videos like these are so interesting and so much fun, thanks.
Retired at 55 OMG life is just starting a new Curtis come and see us here in UK.. as a ex Tour Guide we would love to show more of England. My partner is always bored of English history. Think I need to change partners. 👱♀️😉
@@lovetravell well I've seen it all, boomers flirting on yt
@@wsk5846 absolutely 😅 beats Tinder any day, 😏. Seriously if he had seen my real channel he would be on the next plane! 😉
@@lovetravell haha well whats your real channel?
Morning!!! I'm from Argentina...I don't think I ever have the chance to visit England or the city of London...so watching your videos makes me feel like I'm there. I learn a lot about history as well, you are so kind so as to share your knowledge with us ...God bless you!!
You never know!!
Things occured in my life and I found myself living there, two different times!! (I never planned to, it just happened for me!). Life can bring in some interesting things lol.
I would love to visit Argentina 🙃. I've only ever been to Europe so far. (I'm from canada).
London is my favourite place in the world, it is so magical. As soon as I landed, it felt like I'd come home for the first time, and I felt it every time I was there. I love England, I love many places in England, ive lived many places, all over england, but London feels literally just so magical and special to me. Edinburgh in scotland, felt a bit similar, but London is still ❤❤❤❤❤❤ my baby. Lol.
Temple is my favourite area in London. The inner courtyards are so nice and peaceful; a good place to escape the chaos.
I used to work as a bus conductor on the route 15 routemasters along Fleet Street. Iale at night I would pick up workers from the print shops and they would hand me copies of tommorow's papers in return for a free ride. Great days! Brilliant video John. < Many thanks and a happy new year
I worked on route 63
I used to take the 15 to school in the morning in the 1970's, I used to go from the strand to commercial road in the east end, I wonder if I was on your bus any time?
Absolutely outstanding. Fascinating from start to finish. How blessed we are to live in an age where we have such content in the palm of our hands. I have walked fleet street many times, and never knew even a smidgeon of the history that I was walking in.
Ues
Well we can’t rely on the multi billion pound BBC to provide such quality content, they’re too busy making up fake news stories in the pursuit of their Frankfurt School agenda.
@GRAPHENE IS IN THE MASKS, SWABS and PCR TESTS!!! What an idiot
This brought back so many memories for me. My Dad, his brothers and cousins. My brother and many cousins all worked in Fleet Street and Shoe Lane. Mainly the Daily Express and Sunday Express at night. From before WW11 until it was closed. I remember when I was little my Dad used to go to the Printers Union meetings at Black Friars, the Union was always called the Chapel. We moved to Holborn from Barnsbury Islington in 1961 so my Dad was nearer work and I started work aged 16 at a bank in Lombard Street, so it was easy for me to get to work too. Many great little shops, jeweller, tailors etc during the early 60's. Also the pubs and the markets were the best ever. Thank you so much for this walk John. 💕🇦🇺
What an absolute treat John! You are spoiling us. As an idle strumpet and vagabond I related very much to your evocative film. Thank you so much for all your wonderful films in 2021 and for doing more than your bit in keeping the morale of the people up on Sunday nights. Can’t wait for your first film of 2022 “Wherever that may be”
Nicely said David...all the best!
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Strumpet? Have you misunderstood what the word means?
@@orbtastic A literalist is one that engages (from Merriam-Webster) in literalism, adherence to the explicit substance of an idea or expression.
Ignorance is bliss for you i take it?
You sound so much like my late Grandpa who was also from London. He migrated to the U.S. after his service in the RAF in WW1 and widowed, married my Grandmother, also widowed. Although not my biological grandfather, he was a wonderful Grandpa for me. The two of them cared for me for long stretches of time when my mother was not capable, making them more like parents than grandparents. I miss them so much! He longed to see London again and my Grandma said he'd be disappointed because after 60 years it would have changed too much. As I watch your video, I realize that there would have been much still there to recognize, despite the changes. So, I get to see, through you, the London he knew and hear a voice and accent so like his. Thank you!
To walk with you down Aldrich, St Clement Danes and Fleet Street has been so moving for me. My father left school at 14 and had a job as an office boy in the city, in the mid 1930s. His job was to run errands and messages from the city to the docks. He described to me that there were many short cuts to the docks, through all the alley ways, passages and even through the office buildings. Some more history for you. One time, walking down Fleet St I saw a lunch time recital in St Brides so went in to listen. Such a treat.
Your fan in W Canada and a long way from home. Thanks for this. It means so much.
You're not far from home ... it's in your DNA. 👍😉
@@vwright1021 Thanks for that. :)
Apropos Hoare's Bank; I used to work for a (perhaps, even, the) supplier of computers to the bank. Legend had it that the vaults below the building had three levels containing items of increasing value. The uppermost housed the filthy lucre, the middle deeds and documents, but the lowest level contained the holy of holies - the wine. I was told that members (customers) of the bank could buy wine at cost even after it had sat in the cellar for decades, so very special wine could be had for very ordinary prices.
Thank you for a lovely and fascinating film.
That was a stonkingly good tour.
Decades ago, I used to edit guide books to London and I thought I knew a lot. This video reminded me that I've only ever scratched the surface of the city and London is full of people who know massively more than me, Stonkingly good, man, stonkingly good.
It was really good. After two years of hibernation I needed this kick up the bum to start re-learning and re-loving my city.
Many, many, many, many, many thanks. I needed this.
(And, obviously, I've upped your subscriber count by one.)
Just stumbled on your video, bud. I’m from Manchester, rarely go to London, but love reading about its history. You bring it to life in a no nonsense manner. Thanks for your efforts. Appreciated. 👏👍😀😊
Thanks so much Shane
What a walk! It’s interesting to see how much history is tucked away down back alleys away from the main streets in London. Thank you!
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The wondfull thing is you can do this in most cities. I grew up in Sydney Australia. Which is a mere pup compared to London, but still loaded to the gills with quirky and interesting history.
@GRAPHENE IS IN THE MASKS, SWABS and PCR TESTS!!! So why is every solid object in the universe round except the Earth?
@@glenchapman3899 their brain is flat, too.
@@kjsbadfkjlasbdg Yeah sorry I channeled my in Sheldon for a minute lol
I bloody love these videos. I despise travelling to London but I’m always conflicted as I absolutely love the history! In these stressful times, John’s videos are such a welcome tonic.
Had to smile as you wandered in twists and turns, trying to find Temple Church. Absolutely well worth the maze, time and confusion, however. Once inside, the clerk noticed my obvious relief on finding the place and said, 'Good for you! Most people give up before locating us.' Indeed, mysterious and ancient - such history! THANK YOU!
My ancestors William and Elizabeth Perks, residents of Hanging Sword Alley, had their first child Dinah baptized at St Bride's Church in December 1753. It means alot to me to be able to see these visions of the area! Thanks :)
I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to visit London so I am drawing vicarious pleasure from your walk. Thank you so much! Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Great walk. .spent my time in the early 80s as a solicitor’s articled clerk wandering through inner and middle temple often getting lost trying to find the right set of barrister’s chambers to deliver or collect briefs (well before the internet and emails did that job for us). Temple, like the Royal Courts across the road really became spooky in the winter - those dull grey afternoons when you struggled to find the right address or room in the Courts! I also seem to recall that Middle Temple was still lit by gaslight!
Blackadder's Dr Johnson depicted by Robbie Coltrane is as classic a piece of British comedy as the Dictionary itself IMHO 😉. Having done my compositor apprenticeship nearby I found this a fascinating vid sir, thankyou. Where was I, Aardvark...
The statue of his cat Hodge is in New Street Square.
That was brilliant. I was lucky enough to stay at the Inner Temple my last week in London, I'm from New Zealand. It was amazing, so peaceful and mystical. My room was on the top floor and overlooked the west door of Temple church.
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When I was little, my aunt used to bring me to Fleet Street on Boxing Day. And she used to walk me round the Temples for a treat. There was always some chestnuts roasting somewhere on our walk. Happy Christmas and a blessed new year John 🎄😀
Hi. I lived with my spouse for two years in London. I actually worked at Fleet Street (at KPMG). Your tour guided me to places I walked and loved, which were just near the office. Many thanks!
This was so fascinating. Every bit of London has story upon story to tell and you told them so well. Thank you! Coming from a country that is only 74 years old, you can imagine how intriguing this is for me and I wonder how many of your fellow countrymen realise how lucky you are!
The bells of St Clement Danes play the first two lines of "Oranges and Lemons", I believe. I think an interesting video (and longish walk) would be to take in all the churches mentioned in that rhyme, because it is so evocative of historic London, which is why it keeps resurfacing in the confused memories of Winston Smith, way back in "Nineteen Eighty-Four". We should all trust the instincts of George Orwell - he usually was spot on with this kind of thing.
(Thank you for your periodic references to Daniel Defoe, by the way; I'm currently trying to put together a show about his amazing life, very loosely centred around the publication of his "Journal of the Plague Year" in 1722. Your wanderings through all my old stamping grounds of Hackney and environs help to keep the localities and the histories thereof more alive for this long-term resident of Australia.)
I do love it when you visit the City, my dad was a Black cab driver for over 40 years, he used to take me site-seeing around the City when I was young just to keep up his knowledge of London, brings many a happy memory back to me, Another absolutely brilliant video John, keep up the amazing work. and a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
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Hackney Cabs are the best!
My Dad was Kentish Town and later Islington. I spent a lot of my teens in Camden at a lot of time at Mean Fidler pub ^.^
Been so long since I last was there... Feels like another lifetime
Blimey! Talk about layer upon layer upon layer of history, myth and legends, thanks so much John, lots to ponder...
Cheers Lois, and that was only skimming the surface
Next door to the east of St Dunstan in the West in the red brick building is where Sweeney Todd is supposed to have had his premises. The wording on the building reading Dundee Evening Telegraph.
There are tunnels from that building into the catacombes of St Dunstan's, in which human bones were once found dumped rather than interred, which led to the public validation of the Sweeney Todd mythology.
As an LSE graduate, City Worker and Barbican resident - I’ve walked these streets for years, yet I love finding out the new history you show in your videos!
thanks
Fantastic walk and so many memories. I used to work at the RCJ with a view of St Clement Danes from my office window and probably stared out more than I should instead of concentrating on the job at hand. RCJ was built by an italian workforce and there are many many beautiful parts to the building but the story that always sticks with me is that the builders lived in the RCJ whilst building it. There is a cloister to the back of the great hall and to mark respect to God they left one arch unbuilt because of course only God could create perefct things.
Great video, John. I worked in the Temple for 45 years, 30 of those years opposite Temple Church in Dr Johnson’s. buildings. Many memories of El Vinos and the Bell and all of the surrounding area. I was told that the Bell was actually a hostel for workers on the construction of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Happy New Year to you John
That must have been a fascinating time John. Really intrigued by that info about the Bell
Hi John. Pleased to see you are still around. I am a regular at the Edgar and Dev if you are around any time soon.
You at your best John, thank you. 1981, I worked for Reg Hayters sports agency in Gough Square and took the football results on a Saturday afternoon to the sports desks of all the main newspapers of the day on Fleet Street and beyond.
Fantastic story Little Acorns - thanks
Worked in Fleet st and passed the Temple church every morning on my way up from the station. Absolutely loved every minute of it, so many years ago now.
Completely fallen in love with this channel John mate. Every single video blows me away, especially the London walks. When I was a youngster working in central London from the late 90s to the late 00s I had no idea of the hidden history around me. I guess youth really is wasted on the young. Cheers!
John, thank you so very much for an excellent presentation and explanation of the historical context of the Fleet Street and Temple area. Regarding the Holy Wells, they are still there, but for the time being closed by man. A Holy Well is an entrance to the 'other world' and a very subliminal place. There will come a time in the future when they will be rediscovered, re-dedicated and opened up, so that the energies can again flow between this world and the other, bringing harmony and balance. Because they are currently closed (and lost to our awareness), this is the reason why we have so much chaos and unhappiness. Let us look forward to when the holy places, wells, shrines and sacred trees again enter our lives and bring happiness, contentment and tranquillity. Again, thank you John for your sensitive presentation of our London heritage.
Ended up walking most of this walk today by accident...but the scenery made me think of this video. Very sad to see that 'Hanging Sword Alley' no longer exists. That whole block between Whitefriars Street and Salisbury Court has been flattened except for some exterior on the Salisbury Court. I walked to this area from Liverpool Street taking every alleyway I stumbled across. Great fun to explore London through these hidden passages.
I used to work on a ship down on Blackfriars Embankment and Fleet Street was a hive of activity at lunch time in those days. There was a place called Fuzzy Grubs where you could get a Sunday lunch in a bread roll! It was truly scrumptious especially if you went towards closing at 2pm and got extra meat; yes it also came with gravy. This video brought back so many memories of where I used to hang out.
Recently I've been researching Sweeney Todd and am planning a visit to Hen and Chicken Court in the New Year.
Merry Christmas John and a very Happy New Year to another great year of walking, wherever that may be.
...still there...
Thanks for sharing that Sean. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year
@@malcolmwinter6797 Fuzzys closed around 13 years ago.
Subscribed off the back of this video. Absolutely fascinating. Better than the dross on TV. Thank you..
I Desperately want to go live in London, and live alongside al the stories I've read all my life. Thank you for taking me on a tour of just a tiny piece of those places.
As an Ex International Tour Guide, I fully appreciate your passion and the work you have put into these amazing filmed guides to London. It reminds me of myself 17 years ago, before TH-cam. Your research is spot on. Your the love history and teaching people, is not always present in the average school teacher, and really makes the films come alive. I am thinking Andrew Cruikshank, History on the BBC etc. which we all love. Keep up your wonderful work
Such a delightful insight into that area of London, John. Thank you. In the early sixties I worked for a firm of solicitors in Arundel Street, near to the Law Courts. We later moved to Hind Court off Fleet Street. Your walk brought back memories of when I was young.
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First video of yours I’ve seen… Absolutely loved it. So informative and helped with my ‘Feeling Homesick’ lol. Been years since I last visited London. Thank you. Subscribed.
Well done John....you have made the history of this part of London come to life! I was a Building Surveyor with the City of London Corporation (1984-2011)and have great memories of working in some of these historic buildings mentioned in your video.I feel privileged to have experienced this.Keep up your good work...London is such a great City
John: I watched your tremendous walk with my eight-year-old son. As an avid Monopoly player, he was very interested in your exploration of Fleet St. Thanks, John. Brilliant stuff! 🙏
Of course it is the Street leading to The Fleet, rather than the street atop The Fleet, John mentioned his earlier walk but I thought he might have made a little more of reaching the line of the Fleet at the end.
As a Canadian working in London for two years, I’m obsessed with your content! It’s fabulous!
Smashing film thank you John. I can see why it took the work it did with all the visuals supporting the great story of Gogmagog. And you can't beat a sprinkling of idleness, strumpetry and vagabonding at this time of year. We really appreciate you giving up time to do this, especially at Christmas when there's so much else to do. Another fabulous walk, thank you for this work.
Many thanks for that appreciation Steve- I love making these videos so the extra work was worth it
The Tabbard! That made me smile. It's the Tablet. Wonderfully interesting videos - thank you so much. Mick
That was completely riveting!!!! Now I really miss London and can’t wait to get back. Fleet Street was never really my turf, but as law students wanting to be called to the Bar, we did have to dine at the Inns. Memories !
Magnificent! I had absolutely no intention of watching this through to the end this morning but once started I couldn't tear myself away. I will trace your steps when we can travel again. Many, many thanks for this most wonderful walk. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Boston, USA.
th-cam.com/video/TfHiNqF5oAY/w-d-xo.html
I was the same.
Thanks for this, John. I don't often comment on TH-cam videos but this video, and the rest of your videos that got me through lockdown as a newbie to london, are well worth it. Fascinating walk and content as always - keep up the great work!
Discovered this by accident and I am now gripped. Absolutely fab filled with facts and locations as a Londoner I did not know about.
As a native of SW15 who resides in E17 I'm really glad I found you John, GREAT content my friend! I think I've found my new healthy addiction.
Another tremendous film. Thanks John for helping keep us stay sane in strange times. Thanks too for stimulating me to do my own family tree walks visiting & filming locations important in the history of my family with an aim to leave them for my children so that they have our history available to them. I look forward to more from you in 2022 wherever that may be. All the best to you & your family.
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The Temple area of London is beautiful...tucked away from the hustle and bustle are churches dating back 900 years and buildings dating back over 500...London is truly a unique city.
Facinating video John i luv London greatest city in the world & i left the UK 60yrs ago the names of streets &areas i remember from my Mum who was a cockney
Great walk down memory lane for me. In the 60’s, I used to walk from Brooke Street, High Holborn, down chancery Lane, Fetter Lane to John Carpenter Street where The Guildhall School of Music and Drama was. It’s an office building now, but the facade still shows it’s musical history.
Randomly came across your video and bless you for it. After living and working in London for decades I moved to the far north of England 8 years ago. I love it here, total peace and near isolation but I do miss London. Back in the 60s, every Saturday I would push my toddler in her pushchair up and down Oxford St, Regent St exploring all the little passages. I walked miles but slowly, slowly, too many people pushing and shoving, no enjoyment any more. Sadly, the population, the traffic, crime, et all just made me move for I was tired of London, but unlike Johnson's quote, I am not tired of life! So your videos will dole out my "fix" and now I have the best of both worlds. Again, many thanks and can't wait to watch your other offerings.
Took much the same walk a hundred times from the age of 13 or so John. Fantastic to have you fill in history so entertainingly. Haven't lived in London for many years, but that was my favorite stretch for derives, years before I'd heard of the term psychogeography. Glorious stuff.
Simply the best. Look no further for informative content. This lad does what it says on the tin.
I’m from USA andI must tell you that I throughly enjoy this vid! Thank You for sharing this!!!
So enriching. Really helps me appreciate how lucky we are. We should all go around more slowly and look at things with more attention. Auguri
Great walk John- Growing up in Waltham Cross in the Seventies, Temple Bar was a strange site to see amongst the densely wooded Theobalds Park - Cedars Park close by is worth a visit for sure - Happy New Year..
Now u have found this channel i cant stop watching,binge from start to finish,thank you
...so very interesting & compelling to watch. I live outside of London in Essex, and there is something about London that makes me feel very nervous, a bit scared & insecure even - ...maybe I had a horrid past life there! - who knows.. This film was a brilliant & engaging way at looking at some of Londons glorious past. 💖thank you.
Just found your channel, John, what a treat! Thoroughly enjoyed your tour, kept me glued to my seat, fascinating! In Cambridge we have the Gog Magog Hills, rumoured to be the final resting place of the last giant who lived in Albion. A long way to be brought for burial all the way from Cornwall! 😀
Outstanding John. Simply brilliant. This hands down beats 99.9% of the drivel on mainstream TV. Why you and your outstanding knowledge and your natural camera presence haven't been snapped up by a professional documentary production company is beyond me. Keep them coming kind Sir.
Robbie Coltrane as Dr Johnstone,very good ,almost as entertaining as one of your walks John ,thank you , it’s so important to keep these tale’s stories legends and tidbits of info alive,for if it’s forgotten a couple of generations it’s gone for ever,just know your channel is much appreciated 👍🏻
Brilliant walk
My deceased husband worked in Fleet Street and surrounding places in 60’s 70’s as a printer till it all changed
Brought back lovely memories of him
Thank you
One of your best. That's was brilliant, John. What a way to wrap up the year. It's so easy sometimes to take London for granted. Watching videos like this it puts everything in perspective. Earlier in the year, I sat my Life in UK test for my permanent residence visa (I passed), and after watching this it all makes sense now. Happy new year, everyone!
This was a lovely history lesson for a New Year’s Eve. I used to work for solicitors in the building on the south side of the Strand right opposite St Clement Dane’s. I used to enjoy hearing the bells play “Oranges and Lemons” but sadly I never even went inside. It’s absolutely beautiful. At the time I was interested in more frivolous pastimes than looking at beautiful churches.
I wish you and your family a happy New Year from a frigid Regina, Saskatchewan where it hasn’t managed to get above 29 below Celsius for the past week!
great video, London is my home town, I spent the first 11 years of my life in Paddington, or as my mum use to say Maida Vale she was a bit of a snob, now almost 80 years old, London has always been in my heart
Wonderful to see Fleet Street again. I remember seeing the A board telling us that John Mccarthy was still a hostage. Also seeing the Temple Gardens where they chose the roses for the War of the Roses. I worked in Falcon Court and I remember hearing on the radio about the Marchioness disaster which happened very close to our side of the Thames.
I thought your potted history of the London origin story was very concise, John. More magical glimpses of London. St. Clement was martyred by being tied to an anchor and drowned. That would explain the naval link. Entertaining as always, John.🇯🇪
Did not Clement write one of the earliest non-canonical books/letters on Christianity ?
Thank you John - more nostalgia through your channel from my childhood and youth.
Just discovered your videos. Absolutely fantastic. Worked in Vauxhall, Southwark, City of London & West End from 1975 until left UK in 2007. Brings back so many great memories & introducing me to some many things & places I never Knew.
Thank you for a wonderful tour. My grandfather was a photographer and had a studio off Fleet Street. The whole area holds many many memories for me.
This was very special 🥰
Wow, what a treat - and well worth waiting an extra 24 hours for! Speaking personally this video has to be in my top 10, and one I'll be revisiting many times I'm sure.
The origin stories of London were fascinating, along with the other nuggets of history you related along the way. I'll await the second part of this duo; the northern side of Fleet Street, with quiet anticipation.
I'm sure I speak for many when I say a massive thank you for your amazing content, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in 2022. 🙂👍
Thanks so much for that Tony
Great stuff John! One could probably have a whole channel dedicated to Fleet ST. and The Strand and never run out of content. The story of Gogmagog was new to me and I'm inspired to go learn more, thank you.
St. Brides is a lovely church and one of my favorite of Wren's. Also, that museum underneath is a gem. The inside of St. Dunstan in The West and The Temple Church are both very special for their unique circular design features and worth going inside if you can. I think it's also worth mentioning St. Mary Le Strand just a bit further up from St. Clement Danes. Possibly my favorite London church. A stunning interior akin to a baroque, Italian, Catholic church, that's not to be missed. Happy New Year!
Gog and Magog are mentioned in the Bible (as well as being names given to some large canons years later. Geoffrey of Monmouth alas was a bit full of poetic licence in his telling of the British legends, but then not many people did write anything down, and most legends have an element of truth in them,
Great vid John. I definitely used to drink in The Old Bell in the late 80s and early 90s. I was working as a barman at the Hoop and Grapes pub just over on Farringdon St. Was a regular haunt of mine but by this time it was pretty quiet in the evenings with most of the printers and journalists gone. I used to walk around all the back alleys just soaking up the history. Loved it. A few years later I was a manager at the Doggets Coat and Badge, just over Blackfriars Bridge so I managed to spend even more time in this area. Thanks for the tour mate, great memories and a few dubious tales to tell too.
Just fabulous, I’m a walker who loves history so these videos are just fascinating
, thank you John
Lovely walk, always been a magical street for me, the beautiful Temple bar guardian is one of my favourite London landmarks, so many little curious alley ways leading off to be explored, the Temple is as you say a real little bubble of old London, very therapeutic just to wander round away from the madness of the real world before heading to The Old Bell for a few pints, not been down there for a few years but you have inspired me to return one early morning soon to soak it all in once more
If there isn't a video before new year, I'd like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the wonderful videos you've given us this year. It's been a challenging one for me personally, so having a video to look forward to on a Sunday helped more than you will know. Thank you and Happy New Year John!
I love your walks, as a youngster my first job was in Westminster Bank, Lombard St. Later their offices moved to Mark Lane by The Tower. I loved the old buildings and would sometimes go back to the City on a Sunday just to walk around and admire them.
How much I would have learnt from your walks !! Of course without computers or internet back then, what I knew was very limited.
When a cousin from New Zealand visited in the 90’s and wanted to go to The Old Bailey, we mistook it for the Royal Courts of Justice, he had to leave his camera in a shop opposite until we came out (as you were not allowed to take them in).
We went up to a gallery but sadly they were hearing arguments in the case of the little Bulger Boy who was murdered by youngsters. We thought it disrespectful to stay and left quietly.
We didn’t get to The Old Bailey, the day had been memorable in a different way.
Thank you, John! You rock! As an American who sorely missed London....badly!
Brilliant John. I went to a book signing by my good friend Deryn Lake in the Old Bell Tavern on Fleet Street, the pub was built by Christopher Wren for the workers on the rebuilding of St Pauls after the Great Fire. I also walked the length of Fleet Street and The Strand, found the Saatchi Gallery (closed), the site of Sweeney Todd's place and the Twining's Tea Museum. Also had a wander round the Temple which has an awesome atmosphere. Happy New Year from all us in West Virginia.
Brilliant - many thx! Going to watch it again later - Happy 2022 Everyone!
I so enjoyed your walking tour and comments. I used to live and work in London so much of this was very familiar. I now reside in Kentucky USA so this for me was a very pleasant trip down memory lane. Thank you for posting.
I thank you for your historic walk. I am of Welsh/Northern Irish/Scottish - Newcastle on Tyne/Pennsylvania Dutch = German ancestry. I'm 2nd and 3 rd generation Canadian born, paternal and maternal respectively. They all left Ireland and England in troubled times, 1901 maternally, 1915? paternally. My goal is to find out what happened "over the pond" to make them leave. BUT my biggest lament is that I don't have "connection" to old World history and the history here is Canada is so new. VERY interesting but not as ancient as across the pond where I know my true roots are. I lived in Guelph, Ontario Canada and visited Fergus and Limehouse, Ontario just north of Guelph. And Acton. All are rampacked with roots across the pond. Thank you so much for showing me some of the across the pond history. It fuels my desire to find my ancestor and, dream of dreams, visit their homelands. Be well and thank you
Thank you Mr Rogers,that was so enjoyable. Good wishes for 2022 for you and your family. I was only in that very area in mid December but I was so blindly unaware of all that history you showed us and I didn't know about the Temple area. I was in the vicinity to see the show Back To The Future which was fantastic but maybe next spring or summer I can allow myself a day to follow your footsteps and explore around. One place in that location I have visited,about 15 years ago(!),time flies,is Prince Henry's room. The entrance is really hard to find,it's more or less opposite the Royal Court of Justice. It's a Tudor house but you just see the one room. It's survived the Fire of London and The Blitz. It's mainly built around and subsumed into later buildings. The room you see was the "office" for Prince Henry the one who died after swimming in the Thames so his younger brother Charles got to be King instead.Later on it was the office for Samuel Pepys where he conducted at least some of his Navy business. I was so lucky when I went there. I checked it would be open in advance. The volunteer manning the room that day was a retired journalist,he was very like,very similar to the late Derek Jamieson. He told me all about the room but to be honest,much MORE interesting was all the stories he told me about his life in journalism,on the old real Fleet St. He started as a message boy running errands and making tea etc when he left school at 14 just before WW2 and then progressed on from there,he told me first hand of the old Fleet St of the 60s when all the journos really did file their stories from the pub,and the profession was full of eccentrics etc. I cant remember the exact details now but it was like being in a tv show in real life. I don't mean to be shallow but from the cut of his suit,the watch on his wrist,and his shiny shoes he'd certainly done alright in journalism. Maybe he was a well known one but I never asked his name. Anyway I felt like I'd seen a some real life old London.
I suspect film companies etc would pay for coulm inches on their movie stars, though the NUJ rates certainly paid well
Another cracking video! While I certainly enjoy your more rural walks, I have a passion for the history and architecture of Old London Town and especially enjoy your walks through these fascinating streets and alleys. Thank you for the gift of all these splendid videos over the past year, and all the best for 2022!
My Christmas was crap. I’m sat in my gaff with a stinking cold and I keep sneezing.
THIS VID WAS AWESOME!
Thankyou John… love your stuff!
Cheers William
I love the side streets of London. When I lived there, many years ago now, I'd spend my days off work just strolling around with my little pocket AtoZ lol & I still have it with it's markings & highlighted streets on the pages. By the way, this is the first video I've ever seen of yours & I really really appreciate your format of adding in the maps new & old. Seriously, for someone who loves maps, that's so very much appreciated. Thank you. Enjoying this.
Holy moley, i have just discovered your channel. What an utter joy. Thank you so much, you are fascinating to listen to, and i absolutely love this!
Very best wishes to you & your family for a happy & healthy 2022 John. Thank you for the wonderful content over the past year, you really do provide sanctuary & sanity during troubled times, I salute you Sir & look forward to the chapters to come in the New Year.
"New places to conquer, new people to slaughter." Love it! So much to do, so little time to do it.
I'm from essex and love the london/essex history , Great video. I'll be waiting for the next one!