Hello John, I lived for several years on Doughty Street just next to the house where Vera Brittain lived. I also was in Tavistock Square when the bus bomb went off and helped a lady off the bus. The one thing imprinted on my mind about Bloomsbury was the supernatural experiences I had there around Doughty Street and the Foundling Hospital. Altogether a very memorable and evocative part of London.
Yes, sure. At one time I was coming home to my flat on Doughty Street and I suddenly imagined the street as it was on a wet night in what I thought would have been the 1830/40s. The image I had in my mind was very clear, a certainty as it were, with booths or a cordon at each end of the street, and with men patrolling at each end dressed in long grey double-breasted coats and black top hats. I had never read anything about the history of Doughty Street but found out later that it had indeed booths on each end of the street back then, and it was patrolled by uniformed wardens. The other experience I had was in the vicinity of the Foundling Hospital. I used to pass it (from a distance) on many occasions and always sensed a feeling of love from the place. I had no idea what the building was, but I began envisioning a kindly looking old gent in a blue coat and long white hair, probably from the 18th century, and felt he was connected to the building. One day I decided to pay the Foundling Hospital a visit, and was astonised to see that in the main hallway was a huge portrait of the Hospital Founder (Thomas Coram). He was exactly the same man I had envisioned.
I love the Italian coffee garden which is just inside the st George courtyard. Lovely place and beautiful wild garden to enjoy a nice espresso. I think its name is Espresso Base.
Way back in the spring of 1987 this was the first part of London I used to visit regularly. Everything else I went on to discover in the city is still measured from there in the back of my mind.
I lived off Tavistock Square for 5 years between 1980-85. I used to walk to my school (LSE) down Southampton Row and Kingsway to LSE every day. I also used to go into the British Museum Library which at at time was located in Bloomsbury, Dillons bookshop, SOAS etc. Brought back lots and lots of memories of my youth. Thank you.
Blimey ,I was at LSE more or less then .Had 1 year at Passfield Hall in I think Endsleigh Place? In fact I pop into the LSE reasonably regularly as use their alumnus office.
Ha ,yes we might have been in the same dinner queue? Not sure how you got to be there 5 years ,i thought they only let for 2 years max!?BTW went into Dillons the other day as looking at doing a part time degree at Birkbeck .The shop now does coffee and vinyl! What did you study ,| did law.@@alisadeghi5439
This video contains what I love about your open ended series. Firstly you know so much about London. Secondly you love to share that knowledge. I think I know the tv show you’re talking about and of course I’m going to look it up. I’ve stayed in the Russell Square area several times and I share your love of it. On Sunday evenings here in the Midwest US I look forward to your videos. I found you during the pandemic when none of us could travel.
I can remember standing on the platform of the tram station with my Aunt and Uncle. The steps leading down to the station can still be seen in the middle of Holborn Kingsway. The journey took us onto the embankment emerging from under Waterloo Bridge. If you stand underneath Waterloo Bridge and look through the hoardings you can still see the tramlines. The trams turned right towards Westminster, but I cannot remember where they finished up.
Another great film. Southampton Row is an important street for me too, brings back fond memories of trips there to Alan Alan's Magic Spot as a 14 year-old budding magician and trips into town to get tricks from an amazing character! Right choice of beverage at the end of the walk too!!
So love watching your walks especially ones like this, which is a trip down memory lane. As a carer, I've been unable to get into London since Feb 2020. It's like going on a day out. Love Black books, re-watched it recently, was just as good second time around.
My old stamping ground. I worked in the Royal National way back in 1981. My memories are faded from back then but have I mis-remembered the Kingsway Tunnel being open to traffic?
Spent a week in Marchmont Street last year on holiday, its a fascinating place with Kenny Williams and the Shellys both living on it and although not a fan of modern buildings I found the Brunswick centre interesting.
Excellent video as ever. Nice part of London. My namesake and great great grandfather Philip Jackson lived on Kenton St off Tavistock place 150 years ago. My mum liked Black Books as her mate Tamsin Greig was in it.
Kenny Williams was in the Boot public house round the corner in Cromer Street, just along from where he and his mum lived in Widborne house, keep making the great walks
@@JohnRogersWalks Hi John, his mum and my mum used to go to the Boot for a tipple, as she called it regularly. We lived in Widborne house, and i went to same Junior school as Kenny, but a little later. Further along Cromer street lived, and un- PC language now. "Fat" Stan Flashman, the king of the ticket touts, who they said could get you a ticket for the Buckingham Palace Garden Party. All the famous footballers of the time would be coming and going from his flat, selling tickets to him for games that he would then resell. The Actor Phil Daniels, who i was at school with, lived just along the road from Widborne house in Hunter mansions. So enjoy your watching your walks and the little nuggets of local folklore you pass on.
Thank you for your posts, I live in the Forest of Dean, my views could not be more different from those on your post's. Watching your videos is like enjoying a trip to London with out the effort or cost, the history you tell is fascinating too. Thank you for your work and effort.
It was rather fun coming home after driving a 1912 vntage tram all day, and watching you make a reference to a similar "Transport of Delight" on your side of the pond. There's a certain mysterious symmetry to the fact that during the day, I had an ongoing discussion with a fellow volunteer, talking about Edward Rutherford's London. Must be something to do with London's ancient elemental deities. You know, the land based versions of the river gods that exact a kind of tribute by which we must acknowledge our ancestors who walked those streets: even generations and a world away, those deities still have a grip on our psyches I imagine a benigh smile on their spectoral faces as if to say "We're still here."
Gratified to see you had a proper pint. Gawd you dragged that out, but, i hasten to add, in your usual cheery and interesting fashion. I think Kenneth Williams ended up living off Baker St somewhere because i used to bump into him quite often as i walked into town and it was always around the same place (Blandford st) I was always impressed to see him but he had perfected an intimidating scowl presumably to stop its like me jabbering on at him. Anyway it worked.
Quite right, you've GOT to have proper beer on Sunday. Any day in fact. Black Books was great, Bill Bailey is one of my favourite stars, as talented musically as he is comedically. Each part of London (or anywhere, come to that) has its own special feeling and its SO hard to put in words what it is.. Even music plus words is a challenge, and Bloomsbury is no exception; one just has to go there and soak it up. Nice one John! Cheers. 🌟👍
Ah, such poignant music to take me down memory lane. I lived here in the early 80's in Compton Place (McNaughten House) - a police section house for single officers but now a Hostel style hotel I believe. I used to be a regular at the Brunswick cinema (recall seeing Purple Rose Of Cairo amongst many others). Also, quite often used to see Alexie Sayle buying his Sunday paper ... Lenin, Alexie & Kenneth Williams ...that would have been a great sitcom. I believe Mr Sayle still lives there. Another great video. Thanks Mr Rogers. 👍
My old stomping ground as an undergraduate art student at Central School of Art. The build up to the location is great John. Gallivant is a fantastic movie and I love Black Books - I found this very location only lat week.
I always like walking around Bloomsbury whenever I visit London, and this gives fascinating points of context and history. Never knew that the Black Books shop was so central. I've got the DVD of one of the series somewhere collecting dust, so might have to seek it out!
There’s a comment above John that says Kenneth Williams lived on Cromer Street and I think that’s right. I’ve seen the film you mention in which he takes viewers around his Bloomsbury and into The Boot on Cromer Street (rather than the Norfolk Arms) close to the corner of Judd Street where he would go with his mother and the Bloomsbury characters of the day and where he did do a turn accompanied on piano. Great film as ever. I studied at Birkbeck as an undergraduate and postgraduate. Love Bloomsbury and have very fond memories of those days. It’s the part of London I first started to go on the drift around and which drove my fascination with the city that brought me to you.
many thanks - the BBC Comedy Roots film is a real treasure and can be watched here on TH-cam and as you point out features the Boot in Cromer Street. Williams has mentioned in interviews that his mother also drank in the Norfolk as well (I'm sure there were others). This blog post is a good resource drmattkerry.blogspot.com/2011/12/little-strollette-with-kenneth-williams.html
Great video John I was fortunate enough to live in Marchmont street and Great Russel street in the early 90,s Great vibe there And the best location, Everything on your doorstep
Great walk John, lovely part of London. Im also glad you returned to your senses in the final scene of this video, the Sabbath is all about the refreshment treat!! 🍺
Ha! Only guessed the location you were off to when at Judd Books. I used to work on Grays Inn Road around the time Black Books was first on, and that area, from Lamb's Conduit Street to St Pancras was very much our stomping ground with some great pubs, places to eat, the Horse Hospital (still going thankfully) and of course the Renoir. Reckon Black Books is still my favourite UK TV comedy series. Haven't been to Judd Books for ages, or Skoob, so will rectify that soon!
The London Transport Museum channel does a great video about the tram tunnel. They gain access take a walk through the tunnel and dig out some old images from when it was operational.
Thrilled to see an appearance by The Boot in Cromer Street! First time in London, we stayed at a hotel in the city's beating heart, right across the road from King's Cross / St. Pancras. Every morning and evening we watched Londoners begin and end their day by departing and arriving at these heroic railway stations. Just up the road we found a very good laundry in Cromer Street, next door to The Boot. So while the washing went through the motions, we dined in this great London pub. Food, atmosphere and service were unforgettably good, and apart from us there wasn't a tourist in sight. I knew that one happy day you'd mention it, John. [Edit: watched it today and realised The Boot is mentioned in your email but not the footage. Happy anyway to see it almost mentioned ... 😎]
Surely we must mention the tragedy that has happened to Graham Linehan .-one of the creative firces behind Black Books . When iconoclasts are brought down to penury on ideological grounds then we know we are living in troubled times . Thank you Graham for all the laughs . Ps Alexie Sayle used to drink pints of Morning Star with Lenin down at the ' Five Year Plan Arms ' , just off Old Bolshevik Street .!
Thanks for a great video that brought back many memories. I worked in Victoria House, Southampton Row for Liverpool Victoria for 26 years and many of the roads and buildings were familiar haunts for lunchtime walks etc. Victoria House is also used in many television dramas and films including The Wilderness Years and Silent Witness.
Re Kenneth Williams - he lived next door to my old flat in Cromer House, Cromer Street for a while. Creepy nostalgia for that area, checking out on Google Street View which of the Leigh Street shops are still there and which have become trendified. Used to drink in the Norfolk Arms, less often in the Lord Russell. That book shop - when I lived there and was a bookseller of sorts - I always used to look at that place and wonder if they were ever open or if they ever got a customer. Just pre-internet selling. One of those death warmed up book shops, unlike Judd Books round the corner. I remember it being repainted as Black Books, more than once I think. Wicked sitcom.
Oh, John, you had me going there for a minute. When you mentioned a fictional place, and I saw you were walking down Southampton Row and heading for Russell Square, I thought you were heading for The Folly! 😆
Thanks Robert. This one is very easy to follow from the street names - just straight up from Holborn then right into Tavistock Place and a left-right to Leigh Street
a favourite area of mine also, I would sit among the Plane trees in Russell Square drinking cold beers from the nearest off sales, infact all the squares around that area were well worth an hour or so of relax and soak in the History...Southampton Row again and the long walk towards the City or Trafalgar square and onwards.....thanks John, reliving old memories..
I went to lectures in Mary Ward House when I was a student at Birkbek, as well as Tavistock Square. This is one of my favourite parts of London. Thanks!
You might be confusing Norfolk Arms with The Boot in Cromer St. It’s the Boot that features in the tv doc with the singing etc. The family lived there before moving to Marchmont St.
Cheers John. You're a very interesting gent with a wealth of knowledge. Every day is a school day while watching your videos! Keep on keeping on good sir. Also the bookshop was a nice touch... can't whack a bit of black books!!
I used to work at the Africa Travel Centre ,which was almost opposite the bookshop. That was in the 90s before the TV series so when I watched Black Books years later there was a very strong frustrating feeling of deja vu. Took me years for the penny to drop even though I'd been in the Norfolk Arms a few times! . I found it by chance on a then rare trip to central London
You evoke memories for me as a teenager working my first job in Brunswick Square. And the college you missed out is the School of Pharmacy UoL and Judd Street, running all the way back to Kings Cross Road/Euston Road. And on the way along just off Judd Street North Sse Fish Chippie and Restaurant. Haven't been back for many, many years, but must do it again. And the Lord John Russell pub, more memories.... I remember going to Lambs Conduit Street seeing the first veggie shop in the 80's and City Sounds (record shop) in Red Lion Street/Square.
Very enjoyable. I also love this area and it's where I used to stay on my visits to London. Kenneth Williams once walked passed me when I was standing at a bus stop on the Tottenham Court Road. Nobody else seemed to recognise him!
What a delightful journey. When you started and then stopped at the entrance to the Tram Tunnel, I was expecting you to stroll down Sicilian Avenue (is the Spaghetti House still there? Great value). Then I expected a discussion on why the University was so close to the Folly in Russell Square. I really enjoyed your stroll and teasing us on the way. And what an end! What a beautiful book shop. And here’s a link between Kenneth Williams and Leytonstone - many years ago Kenneth open the Summer Fabre at Leytonstone High Road Methodist Church (corner Lister Road). A very generous and courteous gentleman, my mother was very impressed.
Nice walk, this brought back some memories: Friends used to have UCL digs along that road; I used to know the owners of the Bedford Hotel, I went to the same school as their kids; I used to live near Worburn Estate as a kid, seeing Tavistock Sq (on the old Tavistock estate) reminded me of that -- does the Duke of Bedford still own all the land in Bloomsbury? British summer? To be honest, if I was given the choice of +40 temperatures, I'd say the jet stream has done us a favour this year...so far.
Very interesting video, John. I follow a lot of photography-related channels but of the other genre’s I like, John Rogers, Jago Hazzard and Geoff Marshall are right there at the top of the list.
This video brings back memories of that awful day the bus was blown up. I was on call that week and had to go and remove bus ticket machine for the forensic team. Can still picture the roof of the bus peeled open like a can from the explosion… There is a memorial plaque now at the site . I’ve seen the Keneth Williams film. He talks about the gentrification of the area and the lovely old buildings that were replaced with ugly concrete buildings. All the best John 👍🏻
St.Thomas 2014 with a survivor was with me a,it happened on his birthday. My sister's family was outside where bus exposed their windows... First up day years later still experienced for sure 😢
I worked in kingsway House in Kingsway in 70s.. eating sarnies in Lincoln Inn Park a nice area to work at the time and sarnies in Embankment gardens Happy Days..
Know the area well enough, ex British Museum worker and chilling out in Russell Square...Black Books was a good laugh with Bill Bailey...good end in vid as you went for a pint JR, noticed the square white table with two chairs set in front of pub,compared to the others...strange✨✌🏾...🐓N15🇲🇺
My missus bought me your 'This Other London' book for our tenth anniversary, yesterday. Really looking forward to reading it. Love your walks and your narration.
Bloomsbury is the best place in Europe. In the summer, you fall asleep to the song of the leaves. Love from Canada.
Just returned home to Winnipeg from almost two weeks spent in London/Essex ❤️ the Tavistock is our London home and that square is very dear to me
Hello John, I lived for several years on Doughty Street just next to the house where Vera Brittain lived. I also was in Tavistock Square when the bus bomb went off and helped a lady off the bus. The one thing imprinted on my mind about Bloomsbury was the supernatural experiences I had there around Doughty Street and the Foundling Hospital. Altogether a very memorable and evocative part of London.
Can you elaborate on the supernatural experiences?
Yes, sure. At one time I was coming home to my flat on Doughty Street and I suddenly imagined the street as it was on a wet night in what I thought would have been the 1830/40s. The image I had in my mind was very clear, a certainty as it were, with booths or a cordon at each end of the street, and with men patrolling at each end dressed in long grey double-breasted coats and black top hats. I had never read anything about the history of Doughty Street but found out later that it had indeed booths on each end of the street back then, and it was patrolled by uniformed wardens.
The other experience I had was in the vicinity of the Foundling Hospital. I used to pass it (from a distance) on many occasions and always sensed a feeling of love from the place. I had no idea what the building was, but I began envisioning a kindly looking old gent in a blue coat and long white hair, probably from the 18th century, and felt he was connected to the building. One day I decided to pay the Foundling Hospital a visit, and was astonised to see that in the main hallway was a huge portrait of the Hospital Founder (Thomas Coram). He was exactly the same man I had envisioned.
@@davidkarunanithy8018 Interesting, thanks for sharing. Have you had any other strange experiences in your life?
Yes, including in other parts of London.
As a former Central StMartins student, both the Italian coffee and camera shops were of equal value.
I love the Italian coffee garden which is just inside the st George courtyard. Lovely place and beautiful wild garden to enjoy a nice espresso. I think its name is Espresso Base.
I watched that Kenneth Williams walk around Bloomsbury a good few years back on iPlayer and it really stuck with me, such a powerful bit of TV.
Way back in the spring of 1987 this was the first part of London I used to visit regularly. Everything else I went on to discover in the city is still measured from there in the back of my mind.
I lived off Tavistock Square for 5 years between 1980-85. I used to walk to my school (LSE) down Southampton Row and Kingsway to LSE every day. I also used to go into the British Museum Library which at at time was located in Bloomsbury, Dillons bookshop, SOAS etc. Brought back lots and lots of memories of my youth. Thank you.
Blimey ,I was at LSE more or less then .Had 1 year at Passfield Hall in I think Endsleigh Place? In fact I pop into the LSE reasonably regularly as use their alumnus office.
@@williamreynolds1163 Wow. I was at Passfield for five years. We must have met! Small world! I now live in Texas.
Ha ,yes we might have been in the same dinner queue? Not sure how you got to be there 5 years ,i thought they only let for 2 years max!?BTW went into Dillons the other day as looking at doing a part time degree at Birkbeck .The shop now does coffee and vinyl! What did you study ,| did law.@@alisadeghi5439
I have stayed at the Tavistock Hotel over 15 times through the years. Chicago is only eight hours away from London, Thanks again John in Chicago
This video contains what I love about your open ended series. Firstly you know so much about London. Secondly you love to share that knowledge. I think I know the tv show you’re talking about and of course I’m going to look it up.
I’ve stayed in the Russell Square area several times and I share your love of it.
On Sunday evenings here in the Midwest US I look forward to your videos. I found you during the pandemic when none of us could travel.
I can remember standing on the platform of the tram station with my Aunt and Uncle. The steps leading down to the station can still be seen in the middle of Holborn Kingsway. The journey took us onto the embankment emerging from under Waterloo Bridge. If you stand underneath Waterloo Bridge and look through the hoardings you can still see the tramlines. The trams turned right towards Westminster, but I cannot remember where they finished up.
I used to work on Southampton Row back in 1999 to 2001. Some old memories rolling back
Another great film. Southampton Row is an important street for me too, brings back fond memories of trips there to Alan Alan's Magic Spot as a 14 year-old budding magician and trips into town to get tricks from an amazing character! Right choice of beverage at the end of the walk too!!
What a treat! Possibly the best sitcom ever... Thanks so much John, that made my evening! 📓🖤🖤🖤
Sitcom?
Great informative video 😊great details & love walking along with John in his videos
John, I know the area quite well, but you always open my eyes to new layers of London. Thank you
WoW John I worked right beside that and never knew, unbelievable, thank you
I love this area, so many wonderful bookshops. It is one of the most inspiring and beautiful locations in the city.
Hello john I really enjoy watching your videos they are lovely
Very enjoyable off-beat stroll in an area with many resonances. Thank's!
Thank you for the walk. Delightful.
So love watching your walks especially ones like this, which is a trip down memory lane. As a carer, I've been unable to get into London since Feb 2020. It's like going on a day out. Love Black books, re-watched it recently, was just as good second time around.
Black Books my most favourite comedy series ever. I’ve watched it over and over many times. Thank you so much John for showing us the iconic place ❤
Bloody brilliant John! I love these central London films. There’s so much that’s important to discuss! So many memories.
My old stamping ground. I worked in the Royal National way back in 1981. My memories are faded from back then but have I mis-remembered the Kingsway Tunnel being open to traffic?
I thought I had been driven there too when I was young!
Spent a week in Marchmont Street last year on holiday, its a fascinating place with Kenny Williams and the Shellys both living on it and although not a fan of modern buildings I found the Brunswick centre interesting.
Short, but very sweet. Thanks John.
Excellent video as ever. Nice part of London. My namesake and great great grandfather Philip Jackson lived on Kenton St off Tavistock place 150 years ago. My mum liked Black Books as her mate Tamsin Greig was in it.
I worked ai Gt Ormond St . In the 1970's so know that area quite well. My daughter was also a student at UCL
Kenny Williams was in the Boot public house round the corner in Cromer Street, just along from where he and his mum lived in Widborne house, keep making the great walks
thanks Keith - he mentioned in interviews his Mum was also fond of the Norfolk
@@JohnRogersWalks Hi John, his mum and my mum used to go to the Boot for a tipple, as she called it regularly. We lived in Widborne house, and i went to same Junior school as Kenny, but a little later. Further along Cromer street lived, and un- PC language now. "Fat" Stan Flashman, the king of the ticket touts, who they said could get you a ticket for the Buckingham Palace Garden Party. All the famous footballers of the time would be coming and going from his flat, selling tickets to him for games that he would then resell. The Actor Phil Daniels, who i was at school with, lived just along the road from Widborne house in Hunter mansions. So enjoy your watching your walks and the little nuggets of local folklore you pass on.
Thank you for your posts, I live in the Forest of Dean, my views could not be more different from those on your post's. Watching your videos is like enjoying a trip to London with out the effort or cost, the history you tell is fascinating too. Thank you for your work and effort.
Thanks so much
It was rather fun coming home after driving a 1912 vntage tram all day, and watching you make a reference to a similar "Transport of Delight" on your side of the pond.
There's a certain mysterious symmetry to the fact that during the day, I had an ongoing discussion with a fellow volunteer, talking about Edward Rutherford's London.
Must be something to do with London's ancient elemental deities. You know, the land based versions of the river gods that exact a kind of tribute by which we must acknowledge our ancestors who walked those streets: even generations and a world away, those deities still have a grip on our psyches I imagine a benigh smile on their spectoral faces as if to say "We're still here."
Gratified to see you had a proper pint. Gawd you dragged that out, but, i hasten to add, in your usual cheery and interesting fashion. I think Kenneth Williams ended up living off Baker St somewhere because i used to bump into him quite often as i walked into town and it was always around the same place (Blandford st) I was always impressed to see him but he had perfected an intimidating scowl presumably to stop its like me jabbering on at him. Anyway it worked.
I love your videos, if I feel stressed, I watch your videos and it calms me
Quite right, you've GOT to have proper beer on Sunday. Any day in fact. Black Books was great, Bill Bailey is one of my favourite stars, as talented musically as he is comedically.
Each part of London (or anywhere, come to that) has its own special feeling and its SO hard to put in words what it is.. Even music plus words is a challenge, and Bloomsbury is no exception; one just has to go there and soak it up. Nice one John! Cheers. 🌟👍
I bought a DVD of Black Books some time back... you've inspired me to dig it out John 👍
John, If you go in the gate to the left of St Mary Ward’s there’s a doorway and it has a fabulous painted inscription on it!
I love Bloomsbury it is the most magical and occult part of London xxx
Ah, such poignant music to take me down memory lane. I lived here in the early 80's in Compton Place (McNaughten House) - a police section house for single officers but now a Hostel style hotel I believe. I used to be a regular at the Brunswick cinema (recall seeing Purple Rose Of Cairo amongst many others). Also, quite often used to see Alexie Sayle buying his Sunday paper ... Lenin, Alexie & Kenneth Williams ...that would have been a great sitcom. I believe Mr Sayle still lives there. Another great video. Thanks Mr Rogers. 👍
First on the like button this time, I really do enjoy your films, thanks John
Thanks John
My old stomping ground as an undergraduate art student at Central School of Art. The build up to the location is great John. Gallivant is a fantastic movie and I love Black Books - I found this very location only lat week.
I always like walking around Bloomsbury whenever I visit London, and this gives fascinating points of context and history. Never knew that the Black Books shop was so central. I've got the DVD of one of the series somewhere collecting dust, so might have to seek it out!
There’s a comment above John that says Kenneth Williams lived on Cromer Street and I think that’s right. I’ve seen the film you mention in which he takes viewers around his Bloomsbury and into The Boot on Cromer Street (rather than the Norfolk Arms) close to the corner of Judd Street where he would go with his mother and the Bloomsbury characters of the day and where he did do a turn accompanied on piano.
Great film as ever. I studied at Birkbeck as an undergraduate and postgraduate. Love Bloomsbury and have very fond memories of those days. It’s the part of London I first started to go on the drift around and which drove my fascination with the city that brought me to you.
many thanks - the BBC Comedy Roots film is a real treasure and can be watched here on TH-cam and as you point out features the Boot in Cromer Street. Williams has mentioned in interviews that his mother also drank in the Norfolk as well (I'm sure there were others). This blog post is a good resource drmattkerry.blogspot.com/2011/12/little-strollette-with-kenneth-williams.html
Thank you for am interesting tour. And for mentioning Kenneth Williams. It popped up in my TH-cam feed - i really enjoyed it.
This made me search out TH-cam's old Pathe films on the tram tunnel. They are definitely worth seeing.
A lovely pilgrimage to a comedic shrine! & yes Judd Books is fabulous...I have spent way too much in there back in the day...
Lovely little video and I’m glad you got the pint at the end! Why not, enjoy 😅
Mary Ward House is in the Arts and Crafts style.
LCC (London County Council) is ornately inscripted on the lamp above the entrance to the tunnel.
Great video John I was fortunate enough to live in Marchmont street and Great Russel street in the early 90,s
Great vibe there
And the best location, Everything on your doorstep
Thanks for another cracking trip around London ❤
Great walk John, lovely part of London. Im also glad you returned to your senses in the final scene of this video, the Sabbath is all about the refreshment treat!! 🍺
Another great video John. Well done and thank you. ( I'm from North West England) but love you videos showing the 'Real London ' 👍👏👏
A bookshop destination is always a good destination !
Ha! Only guessed the location you were off to when at Judd Books. I used to work on Grays Inn Road around the time Black Books was first on, and that area, from Lamb's Conduit Street to St Pancras was very much our stomping ground with some great pubs, places to eat, the Horse Hospital (still going thankfully) and of course the Renoir. Reckon Black Books is still my favourite UK TV comedy series. Haven't been to Judd Books for ages, or Skoob, so will rectify that soon!
The London Transport Museum channel does a great video about the tram tunnel. They gain access take a walk through the tunnel and dig out some old images from when it was operational.
Any Troglodytes?
Thrilled to see an appearance by The Boot in Cromer Street! First time in London, we stayed at a hotel in the city's beating heart, right across the road from King's Cross / St. Pancras. Every morning and evening we watched Londoners begin and end their day by departing and arriving at these heroic railway stations. Just up the road we found a very good laundry in Cromer Street, next door to The Boot. So while the washing went through the motions, we dined in this great London pub. Food, atmosphere and service were unforgettably good, and apart from us there wasn't a tourist in sight. I knew that one happy day you'd mention it, John. [Edit: watched it today and realised The Boot is mentioned in your email but not the footage. Happy anyway to see it almost mentioned ... 😎]
Surely we must mention the tragedy that has happened to Graham Linehan .-one of the creative firces behind Black Books . When iconoclasts are brought down to penury on ideological grounds then we know we are living in troubled times . Thank you Graham for all the laughs .
Ps Alexie Sayle used to drink pints of Morning Star with Lenin down at the ' Five Year Plan Arms ' , just off Old Bolshevik Street .!
Thanks for a great video that brought back many memories. I worked in Victoria House, Southampton Row for Liverpool Victoria for 26 years and many of the roads and buildings were familiar haunts for lunchtime walks etc. Victoria House is also used in many television dramas and films including The Wilderness Years and Silent Witness.
Another fantastic video as always. Lots of interesting info. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Pudding Geek
Thanks John 😊 appreciate your natural self
Re Kenneth Williams - he lived next door to my old flat in Cromer House, Cromer Street for a while.
Creepy nostalgia for that area, checking out on Google Street View which of the Leigh Street shops are still there and which have become trendified. Used to drink in the Norfolk Arms, less often in the Lord Russell.
That book shop - when I lived there and was a bookseller of sorts - I always used to look at that place and wonder if they were ever open or if they ever got a customer. Just pre-internet selling. One of those death warmed up book shops, unlike Judd Books round the corner. I remember it being repainted as Black Books, more than once I think. Wicked sitcom.
“I can't stand innuendo. If I see one in a script I whip it out immediately.” Kenneth Williams
A really engaging walk, John. And, big congratulations on your contribution to Andrew K’s great work! Bravura! 🎉
Oh, John, you had me going there for a minute.
When you mentioned a fictional place, and I saw you were walking down Southampton Row and heading for Russell Square, I thought you were heading for The Folly! 😆
Ha, I know, that’s a Massive oversight that will have to be addressed in a future video
The other University of London facility you may have been trying to remember was The Warburg Institute in Woburn Square - where I work!
Lovely walk John, thanks for the memories 💕🇦🇺
Thanks Liz
Fantastic! So much history here. Black Books! And the Beatles connection, maybe another video?
Love the relaxed and informative style .
A pleasure to watch.
A close up map of the actual route your walks would be great .. thank you
Thanks Robert. This one is very easy to follow from the street names - just straight up from Holborn then right into Tavistock Place and a left-right to Leigh Street
a favourite area of mine also, I would sit among the Plane trees in Russell Square drinking cold beers from the nearest off sales, infact all the squares around that area were well worth an hour or so of relax and soak in the History...Southampton Row again and the long walk towards the City or Trafalgar square and onwards.....thanks John, reliving old memories..
This is a beautiful part of London. Easy access to Euston, Tottenham Court Road, Euston via gower Street.
I went to lectures in Mary Ward House when I was a student at Birkbek, as well as Tavistock Square. This is one of my favourite parts of London. Thanks!
It's Sunday! Huzzah. Diving in now, thanks for putting smiles on our faces John.
Wonderful! My pleasure Steve
Great video as always John and as for Black Books it's one of the best British comedy's.
Great video again keep up the good work.
I love when people compare Under the Volcano Books to Black’s Books. Big ups bruv Kenneth Williams
You might be confusing Norfolk Arms with The Boot in Cromer St. It’s the Boot that features in the tv doc with the singing etc. The family lived there before moving to Marchmont St.
that's correct Sam but he mentioned in interviews that his Mum could often be found in the Norfolk
Great, now I'm going to have to rewatch Black Books!
Cheers John. You're a very interesting gent with a wealth of knowledge.
Every day is a school day while watching your videos!
Keep on keeping on good sir. Also the bookshop was a nice touch... can't whack a bit of black books!!
I wasn't expecting that to be your surprise destination - but I was very pleased it was!
I used to work at the Africa Travel Centre ,which was almost opposite the bookshop. That was in the 90s before the TV series so when I watched Black Books years later there was a very strong frustrating feeling of deja vu. Took me years for the penny to drop even though I'd been in the Norfolk Arms a few times! . I found it by chance on a then rare trip to central London
I, too, enjoyed this quick but very enlightening ramble through Bloomsbury, John. Thank you!
Perfect.
You evoke memories for me as a teenager working my first job in Brunswick Square. And the college you missed out is the School of Pharmacy UoL and Judd Street, running all the way back to Kings Cross Road/Euston Road. And on the way along just off Judd Street North Sse Fish Chippie and Restaurant. Haven't been back for many, many years, but must do it again. And the Lord John Russell pub, more memories....
I remember going to Lambs Conduit Street seeing the first veggie shop in the 80's and City Sounds (record shop) in Red Lion Street/Square.
Going Places, 1975 - Kenneth Williams in Bloomsbury. Included is a visit to the Piano museum. Well worth a watch.
Very enjoyable. I also love this area and it's where I used to stay on my visits to London. Kenneth Williams once walked passed me when I was standing at a bus stop on the Tottenham Court Road. Nobody else seemed to recognise him!
I've heard about it , your desires your arrest , how you feel
Short and sweet 👍🏻
love this - and your enthusiasm for it..
Thanks Gary
What a delightful journey. When you started and then stopped at the entrance to the Tram Tunnel, I was expecting you to stroll down Sicilian Avenue (is the Spaghetti House still there? Great value). Then I expected a discussion on why the University was so close to the Folly in Russell Square. I really enjoyed your stroll and teasing us on the way. And what an end! What a beautiful book shop. And here’s a link between Kenneth Williams and Leytonstone - many years ago Kenneth open the Summer Fabre at Leytonstone High Road Methodist Church (corner Lister Road). A very generous and courteous gentleman, my mother was very impressed.
I can’t believe I didn’t mention the Folly!
Nice walk, this brought back some memories: Friends used to have UCL digs along that road; I used to know the owners of the Bedford Hotel, I went to the same school as their kids; I used to live near Worburn Estate as a kid, seeing Tavistock Sq (on the old Tavistock estate) reminded me of that -- does the Duke of Bedford still own all the land in Bloomsbury?
British summer? To be honest, if I was given the choice of +40 temperatures, I'd say the jet stream has done us a favour this year...so far.
Very interesting video, John. I follow a lot of photography-related channels but of the other genre’s I like, John Rogers, Jago Hazzard and Geoff Marshall are right there at the top of the list.
thanks for the steer. Shall definitely check those out
This video brings back memories of that awful day the bus was blown up. I was on call that week and had to go and remove bus ticket machine for the forensic team. Can still picture the roof of the bus peeled open like a can from the explosion… There is a memorial plaque now at the site .
I’ve seen the Keneth Williams film. He talks about the gentrification of the area and the lovely old buildings that were replaced with ugly concrete buildings.
All the best John 👍🏻
love the bloke waving to camera at 4.30
Hard *not* to catch those guys eh
St.Thomas 2014 with a survivor was with me a,it happened on his birthday. My sister's family was outside where bus exposed their windows... First up day years later still experienced for sure 😢
I worked in kingsway House in Kingsway in 70s.. eating sarnies in Lincoln Inn Park a nice area to work at the time and sarnies in Embankment gardens Happy Days..
Please john do more videos like this where you surprise us with the final destination, i really enjoyed the suspense 😀
London Transport Museum have a great video about the tunnel on their channel as one of the Hidden London Hangouts series
Fascinating video! Thanks John
Cheers Michael
Know the area well enough, ex British Museum worker and chilling out in Russell Square...Black Books was a good laugh with Bill Bailey...good end in vid as you went for a pint JR, noticed the square white table with two chairs set in front of pub,compared to the others...strange✨✌🏾...🐓N15🇲🇺
Glad you finished off with a pint John,and what a lovely walk around Bloomsbury one of my favourite areas of London!
My missus bought me your 'This Other London' book for our tenth anniversary, yesterday. Really looking forward to reading it. Love your walks and your narration.
Short but sweet.
Lovely video as always John, your dilemna about having the pint at the end made me chuckle, I would have done the same!
It’s the only way Jonny