as a young child I was temporarily looked after by a couple who owned a sweet shop in Walthamstow . they used to stick me in front of a record player out at the back of the shop and play Andy Stuart records to entertain me when they were busy . I had the run of the shop . to this day I love sweets and military band music . thank you Auntie Rose and Uncle Alf !!!
and a last thought, the mother of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania is buried in St.Mary’s as are his brother and sister. Samuel Pepys was a visitor to Walthamstow to visit with the Penns. Thanks again for a wonderful Walk. So many memories.
Brilliant! Thank you so much. I grew up on Orford Road, opposite the Nags Head, in the 1960s. As a kid I was always taking my garden finds round to the very helpful people at the Vestry Museum. These were only old pottery, clay pipe remains and the odd old coin, but they helped foster my love of history. In our garden, close to the house was the remains of an old tiled floor, quite elaborate if I remember. I asked the chaps at the Museum what it could be and they suggested it might be the sight of an old mortuary and there was thought of a tunnel that went over to the Church, just across the road. Of course I had to look for the tunnel, so I hammered old wireless aerials into the turf and lo and behold I reached something solid at a depth of about five feet. Next thing we know is a hole appears in my Dad’s small but well tended grass. Well he calls the council and they think the hole has been made my a rat escaping from an old mediaeval sewer. They dug down and filled the hole.And that was the end of my archaeological career. Not exactly Time Team, I know. Anyway many thanks from across the Pond in the delightful Loyalist town of Picton, in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Keep up the good work and stay well.
Obviously, the whole pandemic lockdown crisis isn't in any way a good thing. But being homebound and those early very quiet weeks were unique, and I miss parts of it already. Thanks to videos like these, I've also become more interested in my own area's local history (I live in Groningen, the Netherlands). Suddenly every bump in the landscape and twist in the road has a history, and suddenly you start to see that our modern lives are taking place in ancient landscapes.
One of my favourite little bus routes, the W12, goes from Wanstead high street straight through the conservation area, past the Ancient house on the way to Coppermill Lane. I remember the first time i took the bus on my way to Walthamstow Wetlands and it turned into Church Lane; I was amazed, couldn't believe where I was. Wouldn't recommend it at the minute as it's a cosy little bus, but when it is safe to do so, treat yourself to an oyster card historic tour ! 😁
As a former resident of Chingford, I find your videos extremely interesting and well made. I left Chingford and England in 1966 with my wife, from Walthamstow. My fondest memories are of, of all things, the 38 bus from Chingford Royal Forest Hotel to Victoria Station. I was never really back home on a trip until I saw the 38 bus going up Chingford Mount. If you can record anything on the 38's history and route I would be forever grateful Please keep up the great work!
I lived on Church Hill road 1990 to 1992. I always remember the street market which went on for ever. Also had a great night at Walthamstow Dogs. It was a very comfortable and multicultural community.. I taught art there and every weekend took the Victoria line to London.
Thank you John again , your video’s are my Sunday treat now , and this one started outside the last school I went to , it was called Leyton county high then , I remember when I left there when I was 15 years old , standing outside , and thinking “what now” no one told me I was being taught , I thought my school life was punishment for something I may have done , I just wanted to ride my bike around wanstead flats and park , and go fishing at the hollow ponds , that was in 1972 . And compliments on the fantastic filming around Walthamstow village. Stay safe
Thank you, John. I learnt to ring bells at St. Mary's at the end of the 1960s and the Nags Head was the closest pub to go to after Thursday practise evenings: ringing is thirsty work (great excuse). The old Town Hall in Orford Road was for a time (from 1959, I think) part of Connaught Hospital.
Actually, the old Town Hall became the front entrance to Connaught Hospital which was opened much earlier than 1959. I was taken there after an accident at school in 1951 so by then, it was already in use as a hospital.
@@anthonystrelitz6768 Thank you, Anthony. I was in there at age 7 for minor surgery in 1961. Yes, according to Lost Hospitals of London, ezitis.myzen.co.uk/connaught.html the hospital itself goes back a lot further than I thought.
John: a walk through Walthamstow is the perfect antidote for dealing with the first day of winter - a v/wet and cold Melbourne afternoon - here in OZ. Many thanks & cheers!
You should mention that Wiilliam Morris was baptised in St Mary's Church. You should also mention about the history of Vinegar Alley and how sinister it can sometimes feel, especially when you walk down there on your own or at night. There are plague pits in the Village area and 'Vinegar Stinks', which is what Vinegar Alley used to be called, got its name from the use of vinegar as an early antiseptic. I went to school in the Barret Road area, Warwick Boys school in the 1970's, and the business area with all the breweries used to be a large wood yard which burnt down, I would guess, in about 1979: I watched it from my bedroom window in Churchhill Rd. The Village has become greatly gentrified in the last few years: for example, The Queen's Arms used to be a real spit and sawdust pub. Happy days!
Hi Sean i was at Warwick boys school in 60 s i left in 1964 your right about wood yard , i think its a bit sad the way the " Village" has gone in my day people lived there struggled to make ends meet , different world now i supose keep well
That's so interesting Sean. Was Warwick Boys School the building at the end of Barrett Road and Brooke Road? Did the building have 'Manual Instruction Centre' emblazoned across the top? Here's a photo of the building here bit.ly/3dUcPXl. Also can you remember whereabouts in the Village the plague pits were meant to have been?
That was so interesting. I never would have known how beautiful and historic Walthamstow is. Your videos always make me want to investigate further. As I’m an expat now living on the Canadian prairies, thank goodness for the internet and the public library on line etc.
Thanks for the walk. I was born in Thorpe Coombe and grew up in Walthamstow Village from 1972. Great memories of the village and the surrounding roads, I live in Ireland now, but my heart is forever in 101 Church Hill. Thanks. PS there are great Conker trees next to the church!!
John, Many thanks again for another nostalgia-fest! As a student living in central London, I'd take the Victoria Line from Warren Street to the end to have my hair done in Walthamstow at an affordable price - got to love Walthamstown. Would walk along Hoe Street and then down Garnet (?) to the William Morris house and Lloyd park - cafe at WM had delicious cake! Also joined a Wassailing Group over Christmas/New Year, and after conscientious rehearsing, we wassailed along the streets of Walthamstow in the freezing late afternoon, calling at the Nag's Head, and a cheese shop and others, and a generous pub provided us with curry dinners (which we'd earned!). The dogs' track was being converted to a residential site. Memories, memories!
It has been so interesting to witness the change in Walthamstow Village… I used to walk through the village on my way to my piano lesson as a child… I lived not far from the village until just recently. The village has become so different
What a stunning walk & talk. It was such an eye opener, as I never knew there was such early buildings in Walthamstow other than churches. Years ago 1950's when I was a lad, my dad would go to a shop called Job Stocks which was full of ex gov' WW2 stuff, from radios to watches to army battledress , they had it all. I used look in the shop windows wishing I a few bob to buy something. All my family lived in Walthamstow with the exception of us living in Forest gate. Given the lockdown , I thought this was a brilliant walk full of historical info. As always, superb work John; go to the top of the class! AA++
You never realise how interesting local history is until you engage it. I only found this channel a week ago and am already loving it. This took me back a little as I was brought up around Walthamstow Village until the age of 7. I’ve spent most of my life in Walthamstow, and only recently moved back to the area in February. I remember going to St Mary’s Church with school regularly; great memories of community and common values with others. I used to love the Vestry House museum as a child too. I moved to one of the worst hectares in Walthamstow, but it’s so lovely to be in an area such enriched in culture and beauty when I explore and travel around.
I play the walks while I groom dogs. It's peaceful and lovely for me and the dogs. The musical choices are so nice. I can feel the stress level dropping from my doggie clients as we work and listen. Thanks so much John. Restful alertness. Bailey the schnauzer says thank you also.
Thank you so much for this nostalgic trip down memory lane. My Grandmother's family came from Walthamstow and i grew up in Tottenham. Every Saturday for years we went to the market and knew many of the street traders. In the 1950's to 60's my father had the barbers shop in Buxton Road off the market. Lovely to be able to visit several of the places I used to know while travelling with you on your walks. And all from the comfort of my armchair - in Invercargill, New Zealand. Thank you.
Lovely place for a slow walk... those beautiful twin palm like trees in front of that magnificent old gaff behind the closing credits. They are indigenous to New Zealand, known as Cabbage Trees and also Kouka (the Maori name). They flower white, like that, annually in late Spring, and yes - they have an edible heart within the flower head. I noticed they thrive across the UK even in southern Scotland. We have two young ones in.our garden here in NZ. Juveniles, yet to flower. Cheers!
That’s wonderful additional info thanks so much. That building is the Registry Office so I imagine those trees will be in a few wedding photos. Hopefully someone who got married there will see your comment
I've always wondered if they are cabbage trees from New Zealand and you've just confirmed it - thank you! I'm a Kiwi living in here on Eden Road and walk past that beautiful house every day. Do you know who planted them and why they planted trees from NZ there? I am growing a kowhai tree in our back garden for my little taste of home here.
@@lauratulloch8963 kia ora Laura, I cant help with that question...the ones I spotted in the UK in 2018 all look very mature, and well established - so I'd assumed they've been part of the landscape for a very long time. There are similarish type hebes (I think that's the term) in other southern hemisphere countries - but given you and I agree they look like Kouka, then Cabbage Trees they are. Btw I saw mature pohutukawa in flower in Oporto botanical gardens in 2018 as well! They are also in the UK. Enjoy your time in wonderful London, and dont rush back until you've seen it all!!
You mentioned the film studios in the area and the Battle of the Somme documentary film. The connection is Geoffrey Malins who worked in studios locally and who gained permission to film the actual preparations for the battle in 1916. Many of the film clips you see in WW1 documentaries are from Malins film including the famous explosion when tunnels under German defences were filled with explosives and detonated. When released it became one of the most watched films of all time. Another interesting video John. thanks a lot.
Good walk as a taster, John, but there is so much history in the Village that you should return for a second walk. I regularly now see groups of people walking round there and when I speak to them it turns out they are tourists on a tour of Walthamstow! Who would have thought it! You should definitely mention the three early 19th century schools in the Village, now serving very different purposes. They encapsulate how Walthamstow has changed. Also, just a suggestion, what about a William Morris walk of the local areas with a connection to him. The William Morris Gallery gets tonnes of visitors so it could prove popular. You should start there as the only house he lived in that still remains. There are the sites of the other local houses he lived in, Elm House nearby and Woodford Hall in South Woodford (with his father's tomb in the nearby churchyard). There is also St Mary's Church in Walthamstow, where he was baptised, and the Old Church and the Hunting Lodge in Chingford which greatly influenced his taste and imagination. And indeed Epping Forest, which Morris said was magnificently idiosyncratic because of the strangeness of the hornbeams. The happy hours he spent wandering there can be seen in the details from nature of his designs.
That's a great suggestion Melissa. I've written about Morris before and the Gallery and Lloyd Park is featured in my Higham Hill video but a Morris themed walk would be an interesting route
I shall definitely go and watch the Higham Hill video. I would be grateful if you could recommend any other of your videos which feature Walthamstow or William Morris.
@@melissaquinn1296 hi Melissa - here's a playlist of my videos that feature Walthamstow in some way th-cam.com/video/6qKId8QCXhA/w-d-xo.html And a bit left-field but this is a film I made last year for Borough of Culture with William Galinsky inspired by News from Nowhere - it was screened in the Town Hall debating chamber th-cam.com/video/FBGAQjVrfaM/w-d-xo.html
I have to say i have always found the folk at Vestry house really helpful, Not been there for years, especially as they made all the one-way schemes though the village and all my building work up there died, The folks in the church was nice and worth a call at the house of prayer rather than the house or libation in the pub lol I used to use Vestry house a lot when i was teacher. Thanks for the walk!
Butterfields!!.... my brother had a flat on Butterfields road for 20 years. I lived with him there for one year, and it was nice to see the surrounding area agin. I was hoping you would creep down to Acacia road, which is where my mum grew up........ an “awesome show” John 🤓👍
Hi John- I must admit that part of Walthamstow I didn't go to when I was a kid growing up in Leytonstone although I do remember a school trip to the Vestry House museum. Looking forward to the next walk....Cheers Kev
I've really been enjoying your videos John, but this one really brought back some memories. I used to live in Leytonstone and cycle to work in Walthamstow going on 18 years ago (you walked right past my old workplace). It really took me back, seeing the ancient house and the Vestry House (and the Nags Head, where I spent quite a few evenings!). I live in Derbyshire now, with the peak district on my doorstep, but Walthamstow village is every bit as beautiful.
Fantastic walk John a few memories there especially Ravenswood industrial estate on Shernhall Street. I worked in the unit that is now Pillars brewery for many years in the 90s when it was a vehicle body shop. Walked from Forest road down Shernhall street everyday to get the bus home to Barkingside. Walthamstow village always intrigued me an oasis in the middle of all the hustle and bustle!
This was lovely. Used to regularly walk between Fairlop Road, Leytonstone to see friends living in Grove Road. There for a good few years, perhaps my favourite of all the areas I've lived in London.
I used to live in Walthamstow and the Nag's Head was our local. The landlady owned a lot of cats and had a little cat cemetery in the pub garden. One afternoon she ordered everyone outside to the front of the pub as she'd organised a jazz wake procession for one of the cats that had recently died. So yeah, a unique place. I hope it still is like that.
Thank you John for this lovely walk that I wish I had known better.. We moved from Hale end in Highams park when I was twelve 1957 , to The Drive in walthamstow... We had rented one of the big houses slated for demolition.. Being only twelve, I had little information of the area ..How beautiful it all looks...I'm glad you mentioned Vestry House , as I would love to know more about 'The Drive ", as it was back then... There was a church at the top of the Drive, But I don't know the name...Not knowing some of the places you walked through today , put me at a disadvantage...So lovely...Thank you again..
Thank you for the lovely walk down memory lane, I have not been back for a while and it was lovely to see it again, I lived in Beulah road, we had a Greengrocer shop. Again thanks, it really cheered me up!
I'm using your vlogs in three ways: 1. Sightseeing because I'm wheelchair-bound 2. Getting information about London history 3. Improving my English listening skills because English is my third language. Thank you John.
I’d lived in Walthamstow (Church Hill and Wood Street) and Leytonstone. Many good memories. I recently visited God’s Old Junkyard in E-17 before lockdown. Loved cycling along the canal to Waltham Abbey. I will never forget the Hitchcock Mosaic’s in Leytonstone Underground Station. I loved cycling through Epping Forest for leisure.
Just purchased your book and audio book. I am utterly delighted in the reading. Definitely a good read. Keep up the good work sir! Writing from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Another perfect ending for a Sunday night watching another one of your great videos, full of interesting historical facts as always, many thanks John !
Enjoyed this so much. A Walthamstow I never knew existed. Beautifully shot and narrated. Clearly gentrified since the 1960s but the only part we ever visited from Leyton back then was the High Street market and Hoe Street - especially the Granada Cinema (now EMD Cinema) and Henry Taylors for school uniform (now an HSBC). Walthamstow was always the poor relation 55 years ago - then the arrival of the Victoria Line changed all that.
Nice to see the Walthamstow Village my Dad's elder sisters had a bungalow there always considered it posh, take care John your films give me great solace in these turbulent times .....
Enjoyed this very much, John. Lovely, unassuming manner. Told me lots, too: eg, did not know about the 16th century wine vaults in the Nag's head. Thanks very much.
Great video . You ended up in Fraser road , another 25 yards and you would have been outside the house I grew up in . I can remember delivering newspapers to the Monoux almshouses early in the mornings and getting spooked by the graves . Thanks for all the reminders . Vince
Our Fernando , Daisy Xavier Iris live there so thanks for helping us here in New York visit our family there! We had many walks through these sights and you add the extra history - very lovely! Hi MOLES! From wantagh Long Island! Damian is our other son - coincidence you mention guy on bike ! Junk yard were wedding after celebration! WOW ! Great job - congrats - my favorite is church lane . Would love to have an apartment there.
John, I overlooked this video so what a treat to finally see it. My previous notion of Walthamstow was the dog track and that was it - but for one amusing memory. When I used to ride round the A406 to Snaresbrook there was a timber merchant on the right in an estate just after the River Lea.... once a week, without fail, they would hoist up a display board over the premises that you could easily see from the North Circular (for that was its purpose). On it was emblazoned the words "Laminate of the week" -- and, for sure, each week it changed - always amused me that did - cheers
@@howdymartin6258 a bit further down the A406 on Bowes Road there is a vets, and they have a big sign that also changes each week, “Bird of the week” 🤣
Fantastic video. I spent the first ten years of my life living close to Walthamstow village from 1970-80. Great nostalgia seeing the places I knew so well as a kid. There used to be a boys club on Grove Road that me & my mates went to twice a week. Ahh, good times!🙂
Thanks John It was amazing to see this I worked in Walthamstow in the mid to late 90s from an office Wood Street and it is good to see how it has changed and a number of places that were customers of that business still going.
I just found you tonight, Oct 19, 2020. You took me to a wonderful place that I didn't know existed. I felt time/place/people in some of the wonderful buildings. I felt quite the time traveler. Thanks John Rogers, thanks so much.
Watched a few of yours now, very good, enough history to be interesting without being boring, no naff soundtrack and nice and steady filming. Having found you have subscribed. Amazing what you can learn just by walking out and about in London.
Evening Blighty, This will be the end of my first week on board ship..... great fun & luv the set & tone. Canna wait for your, soon to be...actual pub reviews.....I've been following your treks & reading up as you go, on the olde pub histories on Goog Maps...such as when you and Mr. Sinclair happened by the old Rose in Docklands...Magic Shadows....
Magnificent dude! Thank you SO much. Wish I was there for incomparable Thames Valley summer. You are the best. Loving you constantly from here in Mexico City.
My grandmother was born in Walthamstow in 1920 . She was the eldest girl amongst 13 kids and they lived in two rooms above a pub . She passed on a little bit of her Walthamstow culture to me .
Who knew there was so much history to Walmthamstow ? the other comments inspired me to look further its really amazing Awesomestow. Cant wait for Lockdown to finish and let John get out and about more, great video.
A really great post. I've been a resident of the borough since 1980 when my family migrated from Hackney. I am familiar with some of what you have shared, but it was refreshing to hear more and with reference to something you mentioned, I have heard estate agents refer to walthamstow as the Hackney extension.
I grew up in Walthamstow it's great to me you explaining the buildings and places I took for granted Walthamstow instilled in me the Christian faith for which I am grateful for and I live my life for Jesus now, which was not always the case as I was one of those dreadful Walthamstow Central Station" Ticket Touts" which you could say brought urban blight to a very serene and nostalgic area.
Thank you John for this positive view of Walthamstow. My mother grew up there in the mid 1920s and I visited in the 90s with not a very good impression, so this restored my view of how it was in times past and may encourage me to take my daughter on a visit in the future.
@@lauratulloch8963 no it was actually a swimming baths. They used to cover the pool with boards and erect a ring on the boards. This was about +60 years ago so it probably was closed and developed years ago.
Thank you for doing these interesting walks, although I grow up in Walthamstow and come from a old Walthamstow family I realised how little knew about the local history of the place. I hope to go back some time and do this walk myself. It was good to see the old Bakers Alms houses are still there. My mother was born in Bakers Avenue Leyton, worked in a Bakers and died in the Bakers retirement flats in Epping.
Thanks John. Excellent as always..it’s been a while so I now have some videos to catch up with.mad times.great that your getting out and about. I need to get a pint lol I do miss my local.
Just wanted to say that I fell upon this video completely by accident and absolutely loved it. Brilliant. The music uploaded to the video greatly suited the mood and theme of the video throughout. Excellent commentary, incidentally. Anyway, have now signed up to the channel and look forward to familiarising myself with your local area (am from Belfast myself). Best regards.
as a young child I was temporarily looked after by a couple who owned a sweet shop in Walthamstow . they used to stick me in front of a record player out at the back of the shop and play Andy Stuart records to entertain me when they were busy . I had the run of the shop . to this day I love sweets and military band music . thank you Auntie Rose and Uncle Alf !!!
I've lived in walthamstow for 19 years of my life and I'm in California now but God do I miss it. Thank you for this video
John Rogers turned Waltham Forest Borough into a world of wonder.
and a last thought, the mother of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania is buried in St.Mary’s as are his brother and sister. Samuel Pepys was a visitor to Walthamstow to visit with the Penns. Thanks again for a wonderful Walk. So many memories.
Thanks for that info Neil - I had no idea
Brilliant! Thank you so much. I grew up on Orford Road, opposite the Nags Head, in the 1960s. As a kid I was always taking my garden finds round to the very helpful people at the Vestry Museum. These were only old pottery, clay pipe remains and the odd old coin, but they helped foster my love of history. In our garden, close to the house was the remains of an old tiled floor, quite elaborate if I remember. I asked the chaps at the Museum what it could be and they suggested it might be the sight of an old mortuary and there was thought of a tunnel that went over to the Church, just across the road. Of course I had to look for the tunnel, so I hammered old wireless aerials into the turf and lo and behold I reached something solid at a depth of about five feet. Next thing we know is a hole appears in my Dad’s small but well tended grass. Well he calls the council and they think the hole has been made my a rat escaping from an old mediaeval sewer. They dug down and filled the hole.And that was the end of my archaeological career. Not exactly Time Team, I know. Anyway many thanks from across the Pond in the delightful Loyalist town of Picton, in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Keep up the good work and stay well.
thanks for sharing that great story Neil from all the way over in Ontario
Obviously, the whole pandemic lockdown crisis isn't in any way a good thing. But being homebound and those early very quiet weeks were unique, and I miss parts of it already. Thanks to videos like these, I've also become more interested in my own area's local history (I live in Groningen, the Netherlands). Suddenly every bump in the landscape and twist in the road has a history, and suddenly you start to see that our modern lives are taking place in ancient landscapes.
FASCINATING PLACE GRONINGEN. ALL THAT WATER. P'HAPS YOU COULD DO A VIDEO OF IT?
They stole all their water off the French.@@janettedewar6617
One of my favourite little bus routes, the W12, goes from Wanstead high street straight through the conservation area, past the Ancient house on the way to Coppermill Lane. I remember the first time i took the bus on my way to Walthamstow Wetlands and it turned into Church Lane; I was amazed, couldn't believe where I was. Wouldn't recommend it at the minute as it's a cosy little bus, but when it is safe to do so, treat yourself to an oyster card historic tour ! 😁
As a former resident of Chingford, I find your videos extremely interesting and well made. I left Chingford and England in 1966 with my wife, from Walthamstow. My fondest memories are of, of all things, the 38 bus from Chingford Royal Forest Hotel to Victoria Station. I was never really back home on a trip until I saw the 38 bus going up Chingford Mount. If you can record anything on the 38's history and route I would be forever grateful Please keep up the great work!
I lived on Church Hill road 1990 to 1992. I always remember the street market which went on for ever. Also had a great night at Walthamstow Dogs. It was a very comfortable and multicultural community.. I taught art there and every weekend took the Victoria line to London.
My home town, love that place ❤️
I was born in Walthamstow in that village and went to school there ,thanks for the videos nice to see the place , I will take a walk down there .
Born in Walthamstow and lived in the "village" in Grovesnor Park Road. Dad bought the house for £400 !! Lots of memories of the area.
Thank you John again , your video’s are my Sunday treat now , and this one started outside the last school I went to , it was called Leyton county high then , I remember when I left there when I was 15 years old , standing outside , and thinking “what now” no one told me I was being taught , I thought my school life was punishment for something I may have done , I just wanted to ride my bike around wanstead flats and park , and go fishing at the hollow ponds , that was in 1972 . And compliments on the fantastic filming around Walthamstow village. Stay safe
Rich Butler I think my Dad may have gone to that school. He won a scholarship to go there in the late 1940’s.
Thank you, John. I learnt to ring bells at St. Mary's at the end of the 1960s and the Nags Head was the closest pub to go to after Thursday practise evenings: ringing is thirsty work (great excuse). The old Town Hall in Orford Road was for a time (from 1959, I think) part of Connaught Hospital.
Actually, the old Town Hall became the front entrance to Connaught Hospital which was opened much earlier than 1959. I was taken there after an accident at school in 1951 so by then, it was already in use as a hospital.
@@anthonystrelitz6768 Thank you, Anthony. I was in there at age 7 for minor surgery in 1961. Yes, according to Lost Hospitals of London, ezitis.myzen.co.uk/connaught.html the hospital itself goes back a lot further than I thought.
John: a walk through Walthamstow is the perfect antidote for dealing with the first day of winter - a v/wet and cold Melbourne afternoon - here in OZ. Many thanks & cheers!
Thanks Ashley - that's a nice image for me as I've only ever been to Melbourne in the winter
Watching from Melbourne too 👍😁
I live in a really beautiful place in Cornwall but WOW! it really is AWESOME STOW!! I do love London so much and one day I will live there!
I use to live not far from e17 I would like to return home one day as I am alone now 😦 live in Devon at this time wish you well. Clive
You must come visit when all is well. There are many nice places to visit. Friendly people in Wanstead.
You should mention that Wiilliam Morris was baptised in St Mary's Church. You should also mention about the history of Vinegar Alley and how sinister it can sometimes feel, especially when you walk down there on your own or at night. There are plague pits in the Village area and 'Vinegar Stinks', which is what Vinegar Alley used to be called, got its name from the use of vinegar as an early antiseptic. I went to school in the Barret Road area, Warwick Boys school in the 1970's, and the business area with all the breweries used to be a large wood yard which burnt down, I would guess, in about 1979: I watched it from my bedroom window in Churchhill Rd. The Village has become greatly gentrified in the last few years: for example, The Queen's Arms used to be a real spit and sawdust pub. Happy days!
Haha, yes, the 'nice place to get away from a pandemic' comment made me smile, considering it was said pretty much on top of a plague pit ;)
Sean Wilkinson I was wondering why it was called 'Vinegar', thanks for explaining 😊
thanks for that info Sean
Hi Sean i was at Warwick boys school in 60 s i left in 1964 your right about wood yard , i think its a bit sad the way the " Village" has gone in my day people lived there struggled to make ends meet , different world now i supose keep well
That's so interesting Sean. Was Warwick Boys School the building at the end of Barrett Road and Brooke Road? Did the building have 'Manual Instruction Centre' emblazoned across the top? Here's a photo of the building here bit.ly/3dUcPXl. Also can you remember whereabouts in the Village the plague pits were meant to have been?
That was so interesting. I never would have known how beautiful and historic Walthamstow is. Your videos always make me want to investigate further. As I’m an expat now living on the Canadian prairies, thank goodness for the internet and the public library on line etc.
Thanks Liz - great to think of these videos being watched on the Canadian prairies
Thanks for the walk. I was born in Thorpe Coombe and grew up in Walthamstow Village from 1972. Great memories of the village and the surrounding roads, I live in Ireland now, but my heart is forever in 101 Church Hill. Thanks. PS there are great Conker trees next to the church!!
Thanks for sharing I lived in Highams Park until 1966 but now live in St.Thomas Ontario Canada it bought back many memories.
My son has just moved there, John. Thanks for this.
Fantastic vlog. I have visited friends there. Have walked around the area so was great to find out some of the history. Thanks for sharing.
Walthamstow village my home since birth , love it won’t move anywhere else :)
Thanks for sharing the video 👍🏽
My husband and I look forward to these videos every Sunday.
that's wonderful to hear Marcia
John, Many thanks again for another nostalgia-fest! As a student living in central London, I'd take the Victoria Line from Warren Street to the end to have my hair done in Walthamstow at an affordable price - got to love Walthamstown. Would walk along Hoe Street and then down Garnet (?) to the William Morris house and Lloyd park - cafe at WM had delicious cake! Also joined a Wassailing Group over Christmas/New Year, and after conscientious rehearsing, we wassailed along the streets of Walthamstow in the freezing late afternoon, calling at the Nag's Head, and a cheese shop and others, and a generous pub provided us with curry dinners (which we'd earned!). The dogs' track was being converted to a residential site. Memories, memories!
It has been so interesting to witness the change in Walthamstow Village… I used to walk through the village on my way to my piano lesson as a child… I lived not far from the village until just recently. The village has become so different
I just love that 15th Century house. Its gorgeous
That was a lovely, evocative walk John, I especially enjoyed the tree you pointed out that may have known more pastoral times.
What a stunning walk & talk. It was such an eye opener, as I never knew there was such early buildings in Walthamstow other than churches. Years ago 1950's when I was a lad, my dad would go to a shop called Job Stocks which was full of ex gov' WW2 stuff, from radios to watches to army battledress , they had it all. I used look in the shop windows wishing I a few bob to buy something. All my family lived in Walthamstow with the exception of us living in Forest gate.
Given the lockdown , I thought this was a brilliant walk full of historical info. As always, superb work John; go to the top of the class! AA++
I should have said, Job Stocks was in Walthamstow... wish I could remember the name of the road.
@@jazzman9042 I have a vague memory as a kid of there being a shop like that in St Mary's Rd?
thanks Michael - not sure how I've managed to miss covering this area in a video before, I seem to have filmed all the areas around it
Hi Terry, that sounds familiar. It was on a corner, with two windows on one side and one on the other.
You never realise how interesting local history is until you engage it. I only found this channel a week ago and am already loving it.
This took me back a little as I was brought up around Walthamstow Village until the age of 7. I’ve spent most of my life in Walthamstow, and only recently moved back to the area in February. I remember going to St Mary’s Church with school regularly; great memories of community and common values with others. I used to love the Vestry House museum as a child too.
I moved to one of the worst hectares in Walthamstow, but it’s so lovely to be in an area such enriched in culture and beauty when I explore and travel around.
Nice walk showing the better part of Walthamstow.
I play the walks while I groom dogs. It's peaceful and lovely for me and the dogs. The musical choices are so nice. I can feel the stress level dropping from my doggie clients as we work and listen.
Thanks so much John. Restful alertness.
Bailey the schnauzer says thank you also.
This is one of my favourite all time comments, my wife loves it too
Thank you so much for this nostalgic trip down memory lane. My Grandmother's family came from Walthamstow and i grew up in Tottenham. Every Saturday for years we went to the market and knew many of the street traders. In the 1950's to 60's my father had the barbers shop in Buxton Road off the market. Lovely to be able to visit several of the places I used to know while travelling with you on your walks. And all from the comfort of my armchair - in Invercargill, New Zealand. Thank you.
Lovely place for a slow walk... those beautiful twin palm like trees in front of that magnificent old gaff behind the closing credits. They are indigenous to New Zealand, known as Cabbage Trees and also Kouka (the Maori name). They flower white, like that, annually in late Spring, and yes - they have an edible heart within the flower head. I noticed they thrive across the UK even in southern Scotland. We have two young ones in.our garden here in NZ. Juveniles, yet to flower. Cheers!
That’s wonderful additional info thanks so much. That building is the Registry Office so I imagine those trees will be in a few wedding photos. Hopefully someone who got married there will see your comment
I've always wondered if they are cabbage trees from New Zealand and you've just confirmed it - thank you! I'm a Kiwi living in here on Eden Road and walk past that beautiful house every day. Do you know who planted them and why they planted trees from NZ there? I am growing a kowhai tree in our back garden for my little taste of home here.
@@lauratulloch8963 kia ora Laura, I cant help with that question...the ones I spotted in the UK in 2018 all look very mature, and well established - so I'd assumed they've been part of the landscape for a very long time. There are similarish type hebes (I think that's the term) in other southern hemisphere countries - but given you and I agree they look like Kouka, then Cabbage Trees they are. Btw I saw mature pohutukawa in flower in Oporto botanical gardens in 2018 as well! They are also in the UK. Enjoy your time in wonderful London, and dont rush back until you've seen it all!!
Another excellent walk john .thanks Tc and stay safe ..
Thanks Paul
Thank you John. I have friends in Walthamstow. Many of the places you visited I did too
You mentioned the film studios in the area and the Battle of the Somme documentary film. The connection is Geoffrey Malins who worked in studios locally and who gained permission to film the actual preparations for the battle in 1916. Many of the film clips you see in WW1 documentaries are from Malins film including the famous explosion when tunnels under German defences were filled with explosives and detonated. When released it became one of the most watched films of all time.
Another interesting video John. thanks a lot.
Thanks for that info Graham - much appreciated
Good walk as a taster, John, but there is so much history in the Village that you should return for a second walk. I regularly now see groups of people walking round there and when I speak to them it turns out they are tourists on a tour of Walthamstow! Who would have thought it!
You should definitely mention the three early 19th century schools in the Village, now serving very different purposes. They encapsulate how Walthamstow has changed.
Also, just a suggestion, what about a William Morris walk of the local areas with a connection to him. The William Morris Gallery gets tonnes of visitors so it could prove popular. You should start there as the only house he lived in that still remains. There are the sites of the other local houses he lived in, Elm House nearby and Woodford Hall in South Woodford (with his father's tomb in the nearby churchyard). There is also St Mary's Church in Walthamstow, where he was baptised, and the Old Church and the Hunting Lodge in Chingford which greatly influenced his taste and imagination. And indeed Epping Forest, which Morris said was magnificently idiosyncratic because of the strangeness of the hornbeams. The happy hours he spent wandering there can be seen in the details from nature of his designs.
That's a great suggestion Melissa. I've written about Morris before and the Gallery and Lloyd Park is featured in my Higham Hill video but a Morris themed walk would be an interesting route
I shall definitely go and watch the Higham Hill video. I would be grateful if you could recommend any other of your videos which feature Walthamstow or William Morris.
@@melissaquinn1296 hi Melissa - here's a playlist of my videos that feature Walthamstow in some way th-cam.com/video/6qKId8QCXhA/w-d-xo.html
And a bit left-field but this is a film I made last year for Borough of Culture with William Galinsky inspired by News from Nowhere - it was screened in the Town Hall debating chamber th-cam.com/video/FBGAQjVrfaM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks John.
I lived in Walthamstow Village between 1994 and 2011. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have to say i have always found the folk at Vestry house really helpful, Not been there for years, especially as they made all the one-way schemes though the village and all my building work up there died, The folks in the church was nice and worth a call at the house of prayer rather than the house or libation in the pub lol
I used to use Vestry house a lot when i was teacher. Thanks for the walk!
Butterfields!!.... my brother had a flat on Butterfields road for 20 years. I lived with him there for one year, and it was nice to see the surrounding area agin. I was hoping you would creep down to Acacia road, which is where my mum grew up........ an “awesome show” John 🤓👍
Hi John- I must admit that part of Walthamstow I didn't go to when I was a kid growing up in Leytonstone although I do remember a school trip to the Vestry House museum. Looking forward to the next walk....Cheers Kev
I've really been enjoying your videos John, but this one really brought back some memories. I used to live in Leytonstone and cycle to work in Walthamstow going on 18 years ago (you walked right past my old workplace). It really took me back, seeing the ancient house and the Vestry House (and the Nags Head, where I spent quite a few evenings!). I live in Derbyshire now, with the peak district on my doorstep, but Walthamstow village is every bit as beautiful.
Home! I grew up here and loved it.
Fantastic walk John a few memories there especially Ravenswood industrial estate on Shernhall Street. I worked in the unit that is now Pillars brewery for many years in the 90s when it was a vehicle body shop. Walked from Forest road down Shernhall street everyday to get the bus home to Barkingside. Walthamstow village always intrigued me an oasis in the middle of all the hustle and bustle!
used to know walthhamstow well in years gone by. Lovely episode
This was lovely. Used to regularly walk between Fairlop Road, Leytonstone to see friends living in Grove Road. There for a good few years, perhaps my favourite of all the areas I've lived in London.
I used to live in Walthamstow and the Nag's Head was our local. The landlady owned a lot of cats and had a little cat cemetery in the pub garden.
One afternoon she ordered everyone outside to the front of the pub as she'd organised a jazz wake procession for one of the cats that had recently died. So yeah, a unique place. I hope it still is like that.
Poor Tetley... :(
Thank you John for this lovely walk that I wish I had known better.. We moved from Hale end in Highams park when I was twelve 1957 , to The Drive in walthamstow... We had rented one of the big houses slated for demolition.. Being only twelve, I had little information of the area ..How beautiful it all looks...I'm glad you mentioned Vestry House , as I would love to know more about 'The Drive ", as it was back then... There was a church at the top of the Drive, But I don't know the name...Not knowing some of the places you walked through today , put me at a disadvantage...So lovely...Thank you again..
My pleasure Anne - I had a friend at City Poly who lived in the Drive - about 30 years ago, I remember going there to rehearse with our band
Thank you for the lovely walk down memory lane, I have not been back for a while and it was lovely to see it again, I lived in Beulah road, we had a Greengrocer shop. Again thanks, it really cheered me up!
I'm using your vlogs in three ways: 1. Sightseeing because I'm wheelchair-bound 2. Getting information about London history 3. Improving my English listening skills because English is my third language.
Thank you John.
great to hear the videos are useful Andrew - thanks for letting me know
I’d lived in Walthamstow (Church Hill and Wood Street) and Leytonstone. Many good memories. I recently visited God’s Old Junkyard in E-17 before lockdown. Loved cycling along the canal to Waltham Abbey. I will never forget the Hitchcock Mosaic’s in Leytonstone Underground Station. I loved cycling through Epping Forest for leisure.
My home town. E17 you can still see the old history of stow changed so much there now.
John, what a great walk. Well deserved bump in the numbers of viewers.
Thanks Rob
Thanks John, and congratulations on your trending. I'm still waiting for my kids to be impressed in any way !
Just purchased your book and audio book. I am utterly delighted in the reading. Definitely a good read. Keep up the good work sir! Writing from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Thanks Charlie
Love the videos. Keep going! You're making a difference :)
Thanks AprilMay
Another perfect ending for a Sunday night watching another one of your great videos, full of interesting historical facts as always, many thanks John !
Yes. Sure beats the rubbish on tv.
Enjoyed this so much. A Walthamstow I never knew existed. Beautifully shot and narrated. Clearly gentrified since the 1960s but the only part we ever visited from Leyton back then was the High Street market and Hoe Street - especially the Granada Cinema (now EMD Cinema) and Henry Taylors for school uniform (now an HSBC). Walthamstow was always the poor relation 55 years ago - then the arrival of the Victoria Line changed all that.
thanks Eric
Nice to see the Walthamstow Village my Dad's elder sisters had a bungalow there always considered it posh, take care John your films give me great solace in these turbulent times .....
My parents were married in that church and I believe my grandfather is buried there. My mother and her family lived in First Avenue.
Enjoyed this very much, John. Lovely, unassuming manner. Told me lots, too: eg, did not know about the 16th century wine vaults in the Nag's head. Thanks very much.
What a lovely video, looking forward to seeing the rest. Keep up the great work
Amazing videos as always John. You should check out Walthamstow Town hall and the park/running track behind it. Quite lovely.
Thanks for all videos John .Hope you can get back on the London loop eventually
Thanks Gordon - me too, might be in the autumn though I reckon
Great video . You ended up in Fraser road , another 25 yards and you would have been outside the house I grew up in . I can remember delivering newspapers to the Monoux almshouses early in the mornings and getting spooked by the graves . Thanks for all the reminders . Vince
Our Fernando , Daisy Xavier Iris live there so thanks for helping us here in New York visit our family there! We had many walks through these sights and you add the extra history - very lovely! Hi MOLES! From wantagh Long Island! Damian is our other son - coincidence you mention guy on bike ! Junk yard were wedding after celebration! WOW ! Great job - congrats - my favorite is church lane . Would love to have an apartment there.
Great video John, I saw a programme on the TV about year ago on Walthamstow village and it has been on my to do list. Thanks mate, stay safe.
cheers Andy
John, I overlooked this video so what a treat to finally see it. My previous notion of Walthamstow was the dog track and that was it - but for one amusing memory. When I used to ride round the A406 to Snaresbrook there was a timber merchant on the right in an estate just after the River Lea.... once a week, without fail, they would hoist up a display board over the premises that you could easily see from the North Circular (for that was its purpose). On it was emblazoned the words "Laminate of the week" -- and, for sure, each week it changed - always amused me that did - cheers
Was it Shadbolt? They sold veneers, and closed down, and moved to somewhere in Essex. It’s been replaced by the Costco
@@TfL1901 - it must have been - such a quirky place but a real treat
@@howdymartin6258 a bit further down the A406 on Bowes Road there is a vets, and they have a big sign that also changes each week, “Bird of the week” 🤣
Hi John,
Great to watch. Another area of English heritage added to my list of places to visit.
Many thanks,
Carl.
Lovely memories of my time living in Walthamstow, more than a decade ago. I used to walk past St Mary's church on my way to work. Thanks John!
Glad I could take you back there Carolina
Fantastic video. I spent the first ten years of my life living close to Walthamstow village from 1970-80. Great nostalgia seeing the places I knew so well as a kid. There used to be a boys club on Grove Road that me & my mates went to twice a week. Ahh, good times!🙂
Thanks John It was amazing to see this I worked in Walthamstow in the mid to late 90s from an office Wood Street and it is good to see how it has changed and a number of places that were customers of that business still going.
That was a real treat. And now I can say I was born in Awesome-stow!
thanks Douglas - yes, I reckon there's a t-shirt somewhere as well
I lived in the area, on Livingstone road, Bakers Arms. i had pleasant walks around the cemetery.
I just found you tonight, Oct 19, 2020. You took me to a wonderful place that I didn't know existed. I felt time/place/people in some of the wonderful buildings. I felt quite the time traveler. Thanks John Rogers, thanks so much.
Live in dubai just gave me good memories as kid growing up in Walthamstow Selborne walk and market it has changed so much over the years
Thank you once again John for a wonderful and informative video. You showed me parts of Walthamsrow that I didn't know existed. Bob.
cheers Bob
Watched a few of yours now, very good, enough history to be interesting without being boring, no naff soundtrack and nice and steady filming. Having found you have subscribed. Amazing what you can learn just by walking out and about in London.
Evening Blighty,
This will be the end of my first week on board ship..... great fun & luv the set & tone.
Canna wait for your, soon to be...actual pub reviews.....I've been following your treks & reading up as you go, on the olde pub histories on Goog Maps...such as when you and Mr. Sinclair happened by the old Rose in Docklands...Magic Shadows....
Thanks for this Excellent video you have made John , Going back to my Roots !
Cheers John, cool walk.
thanks Ralph
Magnificent dude! Thank you SO much. Wish I was there for incomparable Thames Valley summer. You are the best. Loving you constantly from here in Mexico City.
Thanks Grant
My grandmother was born in Walthamstow in 1920 . She was the eldest girl amongst 13 kids and they lived in two rooms above a pub .
She passed on a little bit of her Walthamstow culture to me .
Who knew there was so much history to Walmthamstow ? the other comments inspired me to look further its really amazing Awesomestow. Cant wait for Lockdown to finish and let John get out and about more, great video.
Good video John. I was born in E17 but left aged 4. Pop back sometimes when I go to Leyton to watch the mighty Orient
I’ve lived on wood street for 10 years and had no idea about the history of this place
A really great post. I've been a resident of the borough since 1980 when my family migrated from Hackney. I am familiar with some of what you have shared, but it was refreshing to hear more and with reference to something you mentioned, I have heard estate agents refer to walthamstow as the Hackney extension.
I grew up in Walthamstow it's great to me you explaining the buildings and places I took for granted Walthamstow instilled in me the Christian faith for which I am grateful for and I live my life for Jesus now, which was not always the case as I was one of those dreadful Walthamstow Central Station" Ticket Touts" which you could say brought urban blight to a very serene and nostalgic area.
My old home John,It's good to see your still about, i went to Sydney Chaplin school and my house was Toni !
Great vid as always John. Didn’t realise that Walthamstow was that pretty, and the way you presented this vid was excellent! Keep up the good work! 👍🏻
Thanks Daniel
Love your walks video I am from Liverpool thanks
Thank you John for this positive view of Walthamstow. My mother grew up there in the mid 1920s and I visited in the 90s with not a very good impression, so this restored my view of how it was in times past and may encourage me to take my daughter on a visit in the future.
Great video john. The only thing I knew about Walthamstow was the tv wrestling back in the 60s was sometimes from Walthamstow Baths.
I need to go and find Walthamstow Baths now John
@@JohnRogersWalks hope I've got that right as my memory is not always that good
That's fascinating John. Are you referring to the Lido that used to be at Hollow Ponds?
@@lauratulloch8963 no it was actually a swimming baths. They used to cover the pool with boards and erect a ring on the boards. This was about +60 years ago so it probably was closed and developed years ago.
@@JohnRogersWalks The baths are long gone, used to be down hill next to the library on High Street, if the library is still there.
John thanks you made Walthamstow in to a beautiful Village Wow
Thank you for doing these interesting walks, although I grow up in Walthamstow and come from a old Walthamstow family I realised how little knew about the local history of the place. I hope to go back some time and do this walk myself. It was good to see the old Bakers Alms houses are still there. My mother was born in Bakers Avenue Leyton, worked in a Bakers and died in the Bakers retirement flats in Epping.
Thanks for another good look around John. I really enjoyed the music too.
thanks Liza - hope you and Fletch are well
Really enjoy these videos ,grew up in seven kings ,builder most my life working around east and north London mostly recognise all these places 👍
Thanks John. Excellent as always..it’s been a while so I now have some videos to catch up with.mad times.great that your getting out and about. I need to get a pint lol I do miss my local.
thanks James - plenty of time to catch up. You might find a local pub selling draft beer to take away - there are a few round here now
Just wanted to say that I fell upon this video completely by accident and absolutely loved it. Brilliant. The music uploaded to the video greatly suited the mood and theme of the video throughout. Excellent commentary, incidentally. Anyway, have now signed up to the channel and look forward to familiarising myself with your local area (am from Belfast myself). Best regards.
Thanks very much Peter - hope you enjoy more of the videos