The Ilford Hospital Chapel will be open for London Open House Festival in 2023 on Saturday 16th September 10am to 4pm on Sunday 17th September 1pm to 4.30pm. Guided tours. Do pop in to see us
I lived in Ilford for a few years and passed the Chapel every day but I've never seen inside it. I had read that rhinoceros and elephant or mammoth bones had been uncovered along Ilford Lane during construction work. I imagine Ilford has changed a lot since I lived there.
Brilliant John, really enjoyed this one.. I am a Riverkeeper on the South side of the Thames from you and its horrible to see so much rubbish in the Adlers brook.. London has so many secret spots that people pass and don't give any thought to. Looking for ward to your next walk... ATB Chris.
When I first visited Wanstead Flats as a child, I thought the name referred to all the tower blocks I could see. I remember wondering what they called the big grassy space in the middle.
@@JohnRogersWalks It's been repeated a few times,. The original event took nine days (though not consecutive ones) and he published an account in a book called "The Nine Dayes Wonder". He did it after falling out with Shakespeare, some of whose comic characters had been written specifically for him.
@@JohnRogersWalks I assume for the repeats the route of the roman road wasn't used. Large parts of it are now unfortunately dual carriageway with no pavements. It's quite hard to dance or even walk between most towns these days.
Great memories of travelling down Romford road to ilford in the late 70's as a kid visiting relatives, in those days when ever you went to Ilford you were your best clothes alas them days are long gone. Thanks John
thanks for sharing that Raj - when I moved to Leytonstone 15 years ago Ilford was still where some people went to do their Christmas shopping. I used to look forward to going over there on days off. I think Stratford Westfield had a really negative impact on Ilford sadly
Some sections of this walk really should carry a public health & hazard warning. I once cycled that stretch of riverside stream where it meets the railway arches and graffitied tunnel to exit onto Romford Road. At least half a dozen menacing and clearly 'out of it' characters loitering that section openly dealing and consuming, eyeing me closely with suspicion. Pleased I was on the bike and with others. Wouldn't have liked to be walking, alone. That section you can easily become trapped with the stream and cemetery wall either side preventing any exit strategy other than towards and through that litter strewn and rather long tunnel where they all congregate. Sometimes it"s all too easy to exaggerate potential no go zones and areas to be extra vigilant. But this is definitely a heightened anti social spot and the crime stats agree.
Just saw the City of London Cemetery on your map. Whilst I now live in the North i came from Leytonstone and my Mum, Dad, Grandma and Grandad are buried there!
I have an uncle and aunt (from Clapton) and wife has a long-lost cousin who started in Sheffield then via India and Japan to retirement in Woodford area
When I think of all the roads I walked regularly especially Romford rd. Why was I never taught or told about ANY of this local history in school. William the Conqueror- Barking Abbey these are the stories that kids can relate too.....local history is so undervalued. Thanks John
Your enthusiasm for these walks,especially in winter never ceases to amaze me,I have taken to a motorised treadmill with the patio doors open and pretending I am walking along Canvey seafront.Well done .
My Dad , when he was working in Walthamstow , dug up an object that he thought was an animal bone of some sort which turned out to be part of a mammoths tusk . He gave it to the vestry museum. Further proof that east London was prehistoric. Long live the rivers of London . 😊👍
It's always been there but unless you actually went inside, then like most people you wouldn't give it a second glance. I went inside 20 years ago to a jumble sale and was amazed at the place. But today it just sits there, being quietly historic (and forgotten)
A nostalgic walk through my home town , I have luved in Australia for 30 years it's changed a bit took a while to get my bearings . Look forward to your next walk 👍👍👍👍
Mention of William Kemp immediately brought to mind the lyric: "Since Robin Hood, Maid Marian, And Little John are gone, The hobby horse was quite forgot, When Kemp did dance alone He did labour After the tabor. For to dance, Then into France. He took pains to skip it In hope of gains. He did trip it On the toe, Diddle diddle diddle doe."
Looking forward to Wanstead Park, amazing how grand Wanstead House would have been. Come on Wanstead Golf Club and let John in. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you pop in.
I’m a mid 90’s generation kid that was raised in Ilford-Forest Gate and I never knew there was so much history here. It always seemed for us hopeless and desolate but seeing this video helped me see the strong history beneath the urban decay. It also gives us a sense of identity and some hope so thank you for this.
Talking of rivers, have you seen the River Ching recently going through Hatch Forest? At this rate, we will be able to go white water rafting down it. It is truly an awesome sight!
John, loved this video. You've been an inspiration since I first saw your videos before Xmas. On Boxing day, my brother and I went on a long walk through Wanstead park and following the Roding into Ilford...half way through I thought the Roding had narrowed considerably which was unusual...little did I know that I had stumbled onto the path you found of the Aldersbrook! What an amazing little find! and so glad you went to the Hospital chapel...must be many thousands of times I've walked past or driven past without even thinking what it might be. On our walk on Boxing day, my brother and I walked past and were left wondering about it's history but couldn't go in so really glad you've given us a great background to it. Who would've thought, amidst all the highrise modern buildings in Ilford, we would still be able to find a medieval relic! Money is a bit tight at the moment but I really hope to become a Patreon! Really looking forward to your Wanstead park walk - we were particularly intrigued by the Grotto!
rivers and water courses always seem to have such a soothing quality about them, they seem to almost instantly soothe the soul. such a magical experience. river walks are my favourite. Great Stuff!
The rivers are remarkable aren't they and that is what makes all the litter so heartbreaking - taken part in some clean ups myself, not a pleasant business - I recommend people wear some heavy duty gloves as there can be syringes lying in amongst some of the rubbish. I love 'seeing' history and so particularly enjoyed this walk from the point where you mention the Conqueror and the jester. I actually got a ghostly shiver just as the Ilford Hospital Chapel came into view. I have read about the washing of the feet but did not know anything about this particular building. Twelfth century wow, you built up to that very well without spoiling it, the best thing I have seen so far in 2021, I love old buildings, thank you John.
You can't see the future by watching crows fly. Our ancestors were idiots by and large. But they did live in a rosey world where everything was better instead of worse like it is now; now that everything has gone down the shitter 👉🏻🙈
After the death of Thomas Becket his sister Mary was made Abbess of Barking, she enlarged the chapel and added her brother's name to the chapel's name.
@@annetteoutram St Ethelberga was the first Abbess of the Abbey, her brother St Earconwald founded the Abbey in 666AD. He was Bishop of London and is one of the patron saints of London. Mary was the sister of St Thomas Becket who was murdered in 1170. Mary became Abbess in 1173, her appointment by King Henry II was him trying make amends for her brothers death.
Hi John. As well as litter picking helps right now, Ivy trimming is a great help to the trees and the future. So many are being choked by the ivy. It always grows back giving it's cover to some species, but if left to grow rampant, it always sadly kills the host. No one else is going to do it. Just cut or break the ivy near the ground. One tree per walk is enough. Cheers
Growing up in Manor Park I discovered the Aldersbrook from maps, having wondered where the road got it's name from. I was surprised to find it was already known to us kids as 'the stream', you tried not to fall in the stream while climbing over the concrete wall under the railway bridge (one of our hangouts). It doesn't surprise me that the locals don't know of it's existence, most think Wanstead Flats is called Wanstead Park. You surprised me with Mill Rd, I had forgotten the horror of cycling through there as it was a great alternative to the muddy lane alongside the brook.
I did the same! I remember climbing the concrete wall as a child and then crossing Aldersbrook, there was a gas pipe that used to go across it which we used to dare one another to attempt otherwise use the bricks/stones that were on the water. I remember going under the railway bridge and into Ilford golf course! Nostalgic
In the 1950's as kids we used to walk down the long path on the right hand side of the cemetery to the Aldersbrook to catch sticklebacks, wonderful times indeed. As always a great and informative video. AAA+++
absolutely fascinating. Much i Knew, but much I didn't. One thing I really clearly remember is waiting for the bus home with my mother in the mid 1950's and my mum would invariably pop into that little chapel on Ilford Hill, and chat to the nuns who lived there. It was a very special memory returned to me, so thank you so much for that. I also recall that a part of this was sold off and demolished more recently to allow for the one way system and more building. Beautiful places sacrificed to traffic and pollution. It is insanity. Thanks for your lovely walk.
Wonderful memories in this one. One of my childhood playgrounds was along the bridle path next to the cemetery to Wanstead Park. The area under the railway was known by as as the Butts. There was only a small fence then and we could climb onto the dam and follow the brook around to Ilford Bridge. Keep 'em coming.
As always another great video and this one more so, as you actually filmed on the pavement right outside my house. The gate / barrier across the Aldersbrook where it goes underneath the railway (was always known as The Butts for some reason) was put there by the railway to replace an older smaller one. This is because the modern day "Underground construction and tunnelling academy" is built on the site of Aldersbrook House which was a British Rail Staff Hostel (the building was still there as late as 1995) and the fence / barrier was put there to keep out unwanted visitors. Ilford railway depot would be a stop over / terminus point for rail crews working into London Liverpool Street or Broad street. Staff would stay overnight at the hostel before working their route home the next day. Surprising that the ladies who you met that were litter picking said they hadn't heard of the Aldersbrook as it is well represented in the area. To get from Wanstead Flats into Empress Avenue (where the UK government tested Citizens Band radio in the 70's) you had to cross Aldersbrook Road. The tunnel under the railway brought you out into Aldersbrook Lane. You walked along Daines Close (Possibly a vague link to the Danes stranded up towards Hertford when the River Lea was Diverted to trap them) to look over the wall for the Aldersbrook. I took some pictures from Ilford Bridge where you filmed the Aldersbrook joining the Roding a couple of days before you were there and the water was much higher. Ordinarily you can see the junction of the Roding and the Aldersbrook because the water from Aldersbrook is much dirtier and easier to spot in the very tidal river Roding The chapel at the top of Ilford Hill has probably only survived this far because it is a place of worship, otherwise I have no doubt that some developer would have levelled it and built on top of the remains. As always, your videos are epic. Can't wait for the next one
@@JohnRogersWalks You're welcome. I got interested in the local history of my area when I visited the Passmore Edwards museum in Stratford whilst still at school. I was always amazed by (for example) an old out of place building tucked in amongst all the new ones and was fascinated to learn its history . So many of your video's relate to areas I know, have lived in or worked in. You bring those areas to life with your video's.
Beautifully captured, John. Pretty much anywhere in Britain there is always the potential that under each footfall there are millennia of human history, particularly along our rivers where many thousands of people have walked. I can almost feel their vibrations coming through the soles of my boots when I stand at a river confluence. Cheers 👍🏽
Oh dear. Ilford used to be in Essex! My Nan used to live in York Mews off of York Road. The area around Aldersbrook river where it joins the Roding and where the Underground Tunnel Training Centre is now was the Aldersbrook Railway Hostel and Training Centre. This was an accommodation facility for rail staff on overnight stayovers when the railways were a national concern rather than the now limited local operations. It closed in the late 80s, but became a training facility for signalling operations and maintenance and continues today in its present guise. There was a local entrepreneur who wanted to build a marina at the confluence of the Aldersbrook to the Roding, and a couple of boats appeared but it came to nothing and the boats were sunk or set fire to. There was a local sea scouts training type establishment in the same area. Can remember Ilford Films and the Paper Makers Arms round the back streets. The one in the vid opposite Mill Road was the Rose & Crown. Sankeys' Pyruma Works was half way up Ilford Hill, and Mill Road was home to Holding & Barnes breakers yard. There was a South Essex Water Works steam pumping station and had visiting flocks of sheep to keep the grass short! The engine from the pumping station ended up at the Museum of Power at Langford near Maldon. If you visit Barking, find the Rushing Waters, from memory there was the remnants of a lock that kept the water level navigable upto Ilford. The Conservative Club was the old Police Station. Sorry no trolleybuses, but thats another story!👍
I always love your walks. Feels like an old friend is showing me secrets I didn't know existed. Another wonderful video that has transported me to somewhere I'm not able to visit right now. Thankyou.
Thank you John for a wonderful video. I must get my sister to watch it as she lives just around the corner from the hospital chapel on Ilford hill. Bob.
I've been watching your videos for a few months now and really look forward to them. I also bought your book This Other London, which I found entertaining and informative. Although I live in Lincolnshire these days, I was born and grew up in Forest Gate, close to Wanstead Flats, so for me your videos are like a walk down memory lane. Please keep making them and I'll keep watching.
that old pubat 29 59 think it used to have a sign on it that said the bit on the end was for coah and horses i often wonder how old it is shut down now very sadly great one john thank you steve
I met a fisherman many years ago who said u can catch founders on a high tide as he fished on bridge to water works lands with the water running up stream !!!. I like the stream from Golf Course into the Shoulder of Mutton pond which once had a huge swans nest at confluence with the pond....
Thanks for another fantastic, educational and interesting walk John - I love these they are so calming and absorbing...really looking forward to the next one .... wherever that may be 😁
Hi John, The double banking of the Roding was done in the mid-70's from memory with the arrival of the M11. The river was also altered then to allow construction. You can see a "null" bridge as you enter Woodford Bridge just by the Ashton Playing Fields entrance. The river used to flow through there and behind Uplands Road - causing frequent flooding of properties. Other areas were purposely left open as flood plains. The football pitches outside Broadmead Flats and Ray Lodge Park being good examples. The banking goes all the way up to Buckhurst Hill railway bridge before the river returns to nature proper. The idea was to allow the river to remain somewhat natural without turning it into a concrete channel. That largely worked I think although the banks can loom over you a bit in some of the more culverted sections. Stay well :-)
thanks for that Mouxbar - this was only recently pointed out to me in the summer on the video where I walk along the nature reserve between Wanstead and Charlie Brown's roundabout. Hadn't realised that before on my Roding walks
There's a friends of Wanstead park as you must know. They organised a visit to the site of the big house some years ago. Don't forget how Astronomy was big around Wanstead too. Great video. So London sick am I. Really miss Leytonstone et al.
Just one question please John. When you do your "walk away" shots have you ever forgotten to go back for your camera and not realised till you got home!!!!!!!
Thanks for this. Until I was 18 I lived on Exeter Gardens which joins Wanstead Park Road opposite the entrance to the park. I used to go to Highlands junior school which you stood in front of on your cranbrook video. I remember having school sports afternoons on the greens where the north circular now is, that's my memory of wanstead park and it was lovely and peaceful there, you used you walk straight down and not take the dog leg that you now do over the roadnbridge. I can't even say I felt nostalgic as I never explored where you went in this video and feel a bit sad about that but its magical that you did this walk. Ive got plenty of family buried in the city of London cemetery and actually had no idea it was so close. The area where you walked from felt like a million miles away then. Amazing stuff, thoroughly enjoyed your journey!
History is just beneath our feet, it certainly is thanks for uncovering some glimpses into the mystery, The Way of Wyrd is one of my favourite books, thank you John, stay safe,stay well, see you soon ♥🌈⭐☯️
Wonderful and so interesting ,ive read so many books about London and yet all this is new to me, thanks John i look forward to watching all your previous vids .
That was a truly fantastic walk. Many many thanks. And the hospital chapel ! I absolutely have to go there......Brambles are bastards aren't they? Absolute shitters........Is the Rom in Romford etymologically linked to the Rom in Roman?
Good to see my hometown of Ilford again. I haven't lived there for 24 years. Looks like there have been many changes. Love the river walks too. Looking forward to your walk to the River Roding source at Molehill Green...WHENEVER THAT MAY BE!
Very interesting, John. My wife used to work in Ilford 'nick on Ilford Hill. I'm willing to bet that she didn't know about the hospital chapel. I certainly didn't and yet I must have walked up and down the Hlll (and down Mill Road!) many times. Incidentally, the satellite view on Google Maps shows the Alders Brook pretty clearly in many places. Must have been high tide :-)
Lived in seven kings for a few years and passed that chapel unknowingly many times. Wished I knew it was there at the time, would of loved to see it in person. Thanks for your engrossing videos.
Hey John, just found your channel about 3 weeks ago and its already one of my favourites. Been binging on your videos and can't wait for the lockdown to be over, so I can get out there and do some of these amazing walks. Keep up the great work John and stay safe
What an incredible exploration! Mister Rogers, thank you so much for your delicate and elegant presentation and compliments for your lively eruduction. This is how places really bring history to life! (from Italy - Milano).
Great video John! There’s 2 videos there, waiting to be made, travels along Romford Road and Barking Abbey! Interesting reading some comments about travelling to Ilford as a special occasion, I grew up in Plaistow and would visit Ilford shops with my mum as a day out! You had Littlewoods, M&S, Harrison Gibson shops. 👏🏻👍
That was interesting John, thank you. Pretty amazing that the Hospital Chapel has survived, virtually unscathed, through all the "development" on every side. This was the first of your videos that I've seen and I subscribed immediately. Anyone who can walk, along the side of a brook, to an ancient chapel 𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝒍𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒅, must be doing something right.👍👌😁 Cheers for now, Dougie.
A wonderfully evocative video, John. I was particularly fascinated and astonished by the hidden gem that is the Hospital Chapel in Ilford. It truly is incredible how one place can relate and connect to another without ever seeming to be linked on the face of it, geographically or historically: where I live, in Dunfermline, there is a site called Malcolm Canmore's Tower, which is reputed to have been constructed in the 10th or 11th century. All that remains today are a few fragments of the foundation. But I mention it because Queen Maud ( who became Henry I 's wife ) was born in the tower in 1068. And David I of Scotland, Canmore's son, would have known the Tower intimately. I had no idea either of them had an association with the Ilford Hospital Chapel.
Thank you for another wonderful journey John. As is sometimes the case your film triggered memories. I grew up in Ashville Road Leytonstone and I have wonderful summer memories of my mates and I, (early 60's), making our way to Wanstead flats via Cathall Road and Harrow Green. We'd spend long sunny afternoons roaming hither and thither. I can still recall the sense of liberation as we came to the flats and the sense of limitless freedom as they opened up before us. I may be wrong but I'm sure that what became Jubilee ponds was then drained and rather unsightly. I remember walking across to the islands, then just large mounds girded by concrete slabs lined with what looked like asphalt. But my memory may be at fault. Thanks again for another great film.
Another great walk John, thank you for taking us with you. I lived for many years in Leytonstone, not far from the start of the walk, and from 2000 to 2007 worked in the car dealership (it is now Nissan, but I was there when it was Renault). I have walked the Ilford part many times, and sat on the benches in the chapel garden. Thinking about the high water level, reminded me of a few days while I was at the garage, when we had the Roding and Aldersbrook, both ‘burst their banks’ and the footpath and Romford Road were closed for several hours. Enjoyed this greatly. See your next one....whatever it may be!
My friend and I picked up the Aldersbrook river and followed it to Ilford. We started in Snaresbrook with the Eagle pond and Hallow pond and walked our way through to Wanstead flats and the park. We then took the river roading walk and picked up the Aldersbrook. We then made our way to Ilford and the Wetherspoons pub for a few ales. Thanks for the video and the inspiration.
Hi John, I accidentally found this video. Being a history buff really enjoyed it. Your name resonated with me as "Rogers" and I wonder have you ever traced your family tree? There was "John Rogers" 1507 - 1555 who was martyred for heresy in Smithfield London. Could there be a connection? He was my 12 X Gt. Grandfather.
You see beauty, wonderment, admiration for everything you chance upon. Even if it's in Ilford, which must be one the most depressing areas of London. Good for you - and for us too!
New subscriber, lived all my life in the Stanmore area. London cabbie who very rarely went further east than Hackney wick, Stratford, Docklands thoroughly enjoying parts of this wonderful old town that l don't know 🍀
Hi john can I request you say words like impromptus because you used it in your video when you walked on the lea valley in 2019 and I really like it when you use words like that hope this finds you well
Many years ago I worked at The Cranbrook pub in Ilford and, despite my surname being Brooks and knowing that literally means "lives by the stream," I however never thought of the pub being reference to a water cause in the Ilford area. It might be my now reading too much into this video...
In the Eighties I worked along the Romford Road and I would see a man of the road, he would walk between Stratford and Romford and do chalk drawings on the pavement. His name was Peter. Very talented man.
What a monstrosity the North circular is at that point. When your coming off it from the north you have to come back on yourself. Maybe it was something to do with the river. John! Have you done any vids of the old redbridge? Love to know more about that.
Do you know that the tower block on the right at the begining of the video is where Alf Garnet the character was moved to when his old house was demolished in the movie The Alf Garnett Saga? You can search for it on TH-cam and jump to time 38:53.
When i was growing up in ilford they opened up the chapel and conveted it into shops. I went in to a book shop there. Big old cement fireplace there. See if you can find some pics of it. The council will have them.
John I am very intrugued about your comment(s) on timbers being taken via the Roding to Barking I think you mention. When I did my thesis on beech coppice in Epping Forest (one question was did it have roman origins i.e. did they start coppicing on a large scale there?), I often hypothesised about the river being used in a similar way then. It would have been a critical resource for a growing Roman Londinium. What time frame are you referring to? I love watching your videos. They are comforting and informative. If I haven't said so already... thank you for this wonderful resource you create. All the best. Tim
Hi Tim - I believe this refers to the medieval period and later when the wharfs at Ilford were relatively busy, but I see no reason why it wouldn’t have been used by the Romans. They had a settlement around Barking so the Roding would have been a direct link
@@JohnRogersWalks Thanks for this John. Ill get me maps out. It's exciting. I often thought about this link but always came back to it being just supposition and not worth pursuing. I love the prospect of coppice beech being taken from Epping to London to be made into charcoal, or used for underfloor heating perhaps. Have you been through Dulsmead, Epping Forest?
The Ilford Hospital Chapel will be open for London Open House Festival in 2023 on Saturday 16th September 10am to 4pm on Sunday 17th September 1pm to 4.30pm. Guided tours. Do pop in to see us
I lived in Ilford for a few years and passed the Chapel every day but I've never seen inside it.
I had read that rhinoceros and elephant or mammoth bones had been uncovered along Ilford Lane during construction work.
I imagine Ilford has changed a lot since I lived there.
Brilliant John, really enjoyed this one.. I am a Riverkeeper on the South side of the Thames from you and its horrible to see so much rubbish in the Adlers brook.. London has so many secret spots that people pass and don't give any thought to. Looking for ward to your next walk... ATB Chris.
cheers Chris and greatly appreciate the work of the Riverkeepers
When I first visited Wanstead Flats as a child, I thought the name referred to all the tower blocks
I could see. I remember wondering what they called the big grassy space in the middle.
Will Kemp danced all the way from London to Norwich? Wow, I could never do that...
I'd have given up at Bury St Edmunds.
apparently somebody repeated the feat a few years ago
@@JohnRogersWalks It's been repeated a few times,.
The original event took nine days (though not consecutive ones) and he published an account in a book called "The Nine Dayes Wonder".
He did it after falling out with Shakespeare, some of whose comic characters had been written specifically for him.
@@JohnRogersWalks I assume for the repeats the route of the roman road wasn't used. Large parts of it are now unfortunately dual carriageway with no pavements. It's quite hard to dance or even walk between most towns these days.
You'd be forgiven though. Many people have simply given up at Bury St Edmunds...
This channel is one of the great gems of TH-cam. I am pleased to see the number of subscribers has jumped to over 20,000. Even more to come!👏
thanks very much - very kind of you
This channel is fcuked!!! www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/call-for-action-after-alders-brook-sewage-spill-7868490
@@RIDDONS That is terrible
Great memories of travelling down Romford road to ilford in the late 70's as a kid visiting relatives, in those days when ever you went to Ilford you were your best clothes alas them days are long gone. Thanks John
thanks for sharing that Raj - when I moved to Leytonstone 15 years ago Ilford was still where some people went to do their Christmas shopping. I used to look forward to going over there on days off. I think Stratford Westfield had a really negative impact on Ilford sadly
"The towers of Ilford through the trees". Oh, the romance of east London.
Hardly "romantic" at all really!
I believe the irony is somewhat understated!
Some sections of this walk really should carry a public health & hazard warning.
I once cycled that stretch of riverside stream where it meets the railway arches and graffitied tunnel to exit onto Romford Road. At least half a dozen menacing and clearly 'out of it' characters loitering that section openly dealing and consuming, eyeing me closely with suspicion. Pleased I was on the bike and with others. Wouldn't have liked to be walking, alone. That section you can easily become trapped with the stream and cemetery wall either side preventing any exit strategy other than towards and through that litter strewn and rather long tunnel where they all congregate.
Sometimes it"s all too easy to exaggerate potential no go zones and areas to be extra vigilant. But this is definitely a heightened anti social spot and the crime stats agree.
Just saw the City of London Cemetery on your map. Whilst I now live in the North i came from Leytonstone and my Mum, Dad, Grandma and Grandad are buried there!
I have an uncle and aunt (from Clapton) and wife has a long-lost cousin who started in Sheffield then via India and Japan to retirement in Woodford area
When I think of all the roads I walked regularly especially Romford rd. Why was I never taught or told about ANY of this local history in school. William the Conqueror- Barking Abbey these are the stories that kids can relate too.....local history is so undervalued. Thanks John
Your enthusiasm for these walks,especially in winter never ceases to amaze me,I have taken to a motorised treadmill with the patio doors open and pretending I am walking along Canvey seafront.Well done .
My Dad , when he was working in Walthamstow , dug up an object that he thought was an animal bone of some sort which turned out to be part of a mammoths tusk . He gave it to the vestry museum. Further proof that east London was prehistoric. Long live the rivers of London . 😊👍
Why! Why hasn't anyone told me about that medieval site in central ilford?
it's strangely overlooked and tucked away behind that gate but a real gem. They hold services in normal times I think
It's always been there but unless you actually went inside, then like most people you wouldn't give it a second glance. I went inside 20 years ago to a jumble sale and was amazed at the place. But today it just sits there, being quietly historic (and forgotten)
A nostalgic walk through my home town , I have luved in Australia for 30 years it's changed a bit took a while to get my bearings . Look forward to your next walk 👍👍👍👍
Such a joy to hear your enthusiasm when you take your walks & such fun when you find new discoveries on your way.
Mention of William Kemp immediately brought to mind the lyric:
"Since Robin Hood, Maid Marian,
And Little John are gone,
The hobby horse was quite forgot,
When Kemp did dance alone
He did labour
After the tabor.
For to dance,
Then into France.
He took pains to skip it
In hope of gains. He did trip it
On the toe,
Diddle diddle diddle doe."
Delightful!
Looking forward to Wanstead Park, amazing how grand Wanstead House would have been. Come on Wanstead Golf Club and let John in. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you pop in.
The ilford chapel has open days where you can be guided for free inside .
thanks Yasmeen - I'd love to go for a look around one day
how do I found out when these are. I would love to go inside again after all these years.
Bucket list must do. It looks like it belongs in Bruges or the arse end of Prague
Thanks Yasmeen, noted, I would love to visit this building one day.
John, you are the middle-aged Londoners' Joe Wicks. You've made lockdown far more bearable Keep it up!
As a fellow Londoner I really enjoy all the history that your walks include. Love the relaxed style. An oasis of tranquility in this mad world.
thanks Anthony
I’m a mid 90’s generation kid that was raised in Ilford-Forest Gate and I never knew there was so much history here. It always seemed for us hopeless and desolate but seeing this video helped me see the strong history beneath the urban decay. It also gives us a sense of identity and some hope so thank you for this.
Just enjoyed this on a snowy Sunday in NW England. With subtitles on, I learned a lot about "once dead flats". Thank you John.
Ha, that’s brilliant- I shall start calling it that from now on
Talking of rivers, have you seen the River Ching recently going through Hatch Forest? At this rate, we will be able to go white water rafting down it. It is truly an awesome sight!
John, loved this video. You've been an inspiration since I first saw your videos before Xmas. On Boxing day, my brother and I went on a long walk through Wanstead park and following the Roding into Ilford...half way through I thought the Roding had narrowed considerably which was unusual...little did I know that I had stumbled onto the path you found of the Aldersbrook! What an amazing little find! and so glad you went to the Hospital chapel...must be many thousands of times I've walked past or driven past without even thinking what it might be. On our walk on Boxing day, my brother and I walked past and were left wondering about it's history but couldn't go in so really glad you've given us a great background to it. Who would've thought, amidst all the highrise modern buildings in Ilford, we would still be able to find a medieval relic! Money is a bit tight at the moment but I really hope to become a Patreon! Really looking forward to your Wanstead park walk - we were particularly intrigued by the Grotto!
rivers and water courses always seem to have such a soothing quality about them, they seem to almost instantly soothe the soul. such a magical experience. river walks are my favourite. Great Stuff!
The rivers are remarkable aren't they and that is what makes all the litter so heartbreaking - taken part in some clean ups myself, not a pleasant business - I recommend people wear some heavy duty gloves as there can be syringes lying in amongst some of the rubbish.
I love 'seeing' history and so particularly enjoyed this walk from the point where you mention the Conqueror and the jester. I actually got a ghostly shiver just as the Ilford Hospital Chapel came into view. I have read about the washing of the feet but did not know anything about this particular building. Twelfth century wow, you built up to that very well without spoiling it, the best thing I have seen so far in 2021, I love old buildings, thank you John.
You can't see the future by watching crows fly. Our ancestors were idiots by and large. But they did live in a rosey world where everything was better instead of worse like it is now; now that everything has gone down the shitter 👉🏻🙈
You went to Ilford of your own volition? I take my hat off to you sir.
After the death of Thomas Becket his sister Mary was made Abbess of Barking, she enlarged the chapel and added her brother's name to the chapel's name.
That must be Mary who became St Ethelberga
@@annetteoutram St Ethelberga was the first Abbess of the Abbey, her brother St Earconwald founded the Abbey in 666AD. He was Bishop of London and is one of the patron saints of London. Mary was the sister of St Thomas Becket who was murdered in 1170. Mary became Abbess in 1173, her appointment by King Henry II was him trying make amends for her brothers death.
Hi John. As well as litter picking helps right now, Ivy trimming is a great help to the trees and the future. So many are being choked by the ivy. It always grows back giving it's cover to some species, but if left to grow rampant, it always sadly kills the host. No one else is going to do it. Just cut or break the ivy near the ground. One tree per walk is enough. Cheers
thanks for the advice Jonathan - I shall look to do that on my next walk
Been looking forward to your video. So calming In these troubled times. Loved seeing the Aldersbrook flowing. I felt your excitement! Thank you.
The Hospital Chapel is a hidden jewel in London's crown! Very beautiful inside.
Growing up in Manor Park I discovered the Aldersbrook from maps, having wondered where the road got it's name from. I was surprised to find it was already known to us kids as 'the stream', you tried not to fall in the stream while climbing over the concrete wall under the railway bridge (one of our hangouts). It doesn't surprise me that the locals don't know of it's existence, most think Wanstead Flats is called Wanstead Park.
You surprised me with Mill Rd, I had forgotten the horror of cycling through there as it was a great alternative to the muddy lane alongside the brook.
I did the same! I remember climbing the concrete wall as a child and then crossing Aldersbrook, there was a gas pipe that used to go across it which we used to dare one another to attempt otherwise use the bricks/stones that were on the water. I remember going under the railway bridge and into Ilford golf course! Nostalgic
In the 1950's as kids we used to walk down the long path on the right hand side of the cemetery to the Aldersbrook to catch sticklebacks, wonderful times indeed. As always a great and informative video. AAA+++
absolutely fascinating. Much i Knew, but much I didn't. One thing I really clearly remember is waiting for the bus home with my mother in the mid 1950's and my mum would invariably pop into that little chapel on Ilford Hill, and chat to the nuns who lived there. It was a very special memory returned to me, so thank you so much for that. I also recall that a part of this was sold off and demolished more recently to allow for the one way system and more building. Beautiful places sacrificed to traffic and pollution. It is insanity. Thanks for your lovely walk.
Never knew about the chapel and Ive been past there so many times!! Thanks for taking us along.
I love east London due to my journey of completion n then separation.
Wonderful memories in this one. One of my childhood playgrounds was along the bridle path next to the cemetery to Wanstead Park. The area under the railway was known by as as the Butts. There was only a small fence then and we could climb onto the dam and follow the brook around to Ilford Bridge. Keep 'em coming.
thanks for that Robert. Actually the two ladies I met doing the litter pick mentioned the Butts so it's still in use
As always another great video and this one more so, as you actually filmed on the pavement right outside my house. The gate / barrier across the Aldersbrook where it goes underneath the railway (was always known as The Butts for some reason) was put there by the railway to replace an older smaller one. This is because the modern day "Underground construction and tunnelling academy" is built on the site of Aldersbrook House which was a British Rail Staff Hostel (the building was still there as late as 1995) and the fence / barrier was put there to keep out unwanted visitors. Ilford railway depot would be a stop over / terminus point for rail crews working into London Liverpool Street or Broad street. Staff would stay overnight at the hostel before working their route home the next day.
Surprising that the ladies who you met that were litter picking said they hadn't heard of the Aldersbrook as it is well represented in the area. To get from Wanstead Flats into Empress Avenue (where the UK government tested Citizens Band radio in the 70's) you had to cross Aldersbrook Road. The tunnel under the railway brought you out into Aldersbrook Lane. You walked along Daines Close (Possibly a vague link to the Danes stranded up towards Hertford when the River Lea was Diverted to trap them) to look over the wall for the Aldersbrook. I took some pictures from Ilford Bridge where you filmed the Aldersbrook joining the Roding a couple of days before you were there and the water was much higher. Ordinarily you can see the junction of the Roding and the Aldersbrook because the water from Aldersbrook is much dirtier and easier to spot in the very tidal river Roding
The chapel at the top of Ilford Hill has probably only survived this far because it is a place of worship, otherwise I have no doubt that some developer would have levelled it and built on top of the remains.
As always, your videos are epic. Can't wait for the next one
Thanks so much for all that info John
@@JohnRogersWalks You're welcome. I got interested in the local history of my area when I visited the Passmore Edwards museum in Stratford whilst still at school. I was always amazed by (for example) an old out of place building tucked in amongst all the new ones and was fascinated to learn its history . So many of your video's relate to areas I know, have lived in or worked in. You bring those areas to life with your video's.
Beautifully captured, John. Pretty much anywhere in Britain there is always the potential that under each footfall there are millennia of human history, particularly along our rivers where many thousands of people have walked. I can almost feel their vibrations coming through the soles of my boots when I stand at a river confluence. Cheers 👍🏽
Oh dear. Ilford used to be in Essex! My Nan used to live in York Mews off of York Road. The area around Aldersbrook river where it joins the Roding and where the Underground Tunnel Training Centre is now was the Aldersbrook Railway Hostel and Training Centre. This was an accommodation facility for rail staff on overnight stayovers when the railways were a national concern rather than the now limited local operations. It closed in the late 80s, but became a training facility for signalling operations and maintenance and continues today in its present guise.
There was a local entrepreneur who wanted to build a marina at the confluence of the Aldersbrook to the Roding, and a couple of boats appeared but it came to nothing and the boats were sunk or set fire to. There was a local sea scouts training type establishment in the same area. Can remember Ilford Films and the Paper Makers Arms round the back streets. The one in the vid opposite Mill Road was the Rose & Crown. Sankeys' Pyruma Works was half way up Ilford Hill,
and Mill Road was home to Holding & Barnes breakers yard. There was a South Essex Water Works steam pumping station and had visiting flocks of sheep to keep the grass short! The engine from the pumping station ended up at the Museum of Power at Langford near Maldon. If you visit Barking, find the Rushing Waters, from memory there was the remnants of a lock that kept the water level navigable upto Ilford.
The Conservative Club was the old Police Station. Sorry no trolleybuses, but thats another story!👍
brilliant info Peter thanks so much
I should add, the Alders brook was crystal clear back then and flowing steadily.
I always love your walks. Feels like an old friend is showing me secrets I didn't know existed. Another wonderful video that has transported me to somewhere I'm not able to visit right now. Thankyou.
thanks Rebekah - hope to get out later to take you on another walk which I'll have online Sunday
Thank you John for a wonderful video. I must get my sister to watch it as she lives just around the corner from the hospital chapel on Ilford hill. Bob.
Thanks John. I lived in Ilford in the 70s. Great place to be. Room at the top, tiffany's and the best one the lacy lady.
I've been watching your videos for a few months now and really look forward to them. I also bought your book This Other London, which I found entertaining and informative. Although I live in Lincolnshire these days, I was born and grew up in Forest Gate, close to Wanstead Flats, so for me your videos are like a walk down memory lane. Please keep making them and I'll keep watching.
thanks very much Brian - I'll certainly keep making the videos - the next two are already planned
that old pubat 29 59 think it used to have a sign on it that said the bit on the end was for coah and horses i often wonder how old it is shut down now very sadly great one john thank you steve
I met a fisherman many years ago who said u can catch founders on a high tide as he fished on bridge to water works lands with the water running up stream !!!.
I like the stream from Golf Course into the Shoulder of Mutton pond which once had a huge swans nest at confluence with the pond....
Thanks for another fantastic, educational and interesting walk John - I love these they are so calming and absorbing...really looking forward to the next one .... wherever that may be 😁
Thank you John walking Vicariously with you with a glass of wine and a pizza , still shielding . Thank you for giving me a glimpse to the outside xxx
My pleasure Morrigan - brighter days ahead and sounds like you're nicely sorted with the wine and pizza
@@JohnRogersWalks indeed I feel brighter days ahead xxx
Hi John, The double banking of the Roding was done in the mid-70's from memory with the arrival of the M11. The river was also altered then to allow construction. You can see a "null" bridge as you enter Woodford Bridge just by the Ashton Playing Fields entrance. The river used to flow through there and behind Uplands Road - causing frequent flooding of properties. Other areas were purposely left open as flood plains. The football pitches outside Broadmead Flats and Ray Lodge Park being good examples. The banking goes all the way up to Buckhurst Hill railway bridge before the river returns to nature proper. The idea was to allow the river to remain somewhat natural without turning it into a concrete channel. That largely worked I think although the banks can loom over you a bit in some of the more culverted sections. Stay well :-)
thanks for that Mouxbar - this was only recently pointed out to me in the summer on the video where I walk along the nature reserve between Wanstead and Charlie Brown's roundabout. Hadn't realised that before on my Roding walks
There's a friends of Wanstead park as you must know. They organised a visit to the site of the big house some years ago. Don't forget how Astronomy was big around Wanstead too. Great video. So London sick am I. Really miss Leytonstone et al.
Had some friends that lived over Wantstead Flats John, doesn’t time fly!
Did you go to norlington and Essex road schools between 69-75?
Thank you John "Fascinating" Walk, Keep safe Looking forward to the Next. Dave in Yorkshire.😊
thanks very much Dave - hope you haven't got too much snow up there
Just one question please John. When you do your "walk away" shots have you ever forgotten to go back for your camera and not realised till you got home!!!!!!!
ha thankfully not Graham but when I did that shot on Pitstone Hill in the Chilterns someone ran after me with my camera assuming I'd forgotten it
Thanks for this. Until I was 18 I lived on Exeter Gardens which joins Wanstead Park Road opposite the entrance to the park. I used to go to Highlands junior school which you stood in front of on your cranbrook video. I remember having school sports afternoons on the greens where the north circular now is, that's my memory of wanstead park and it was lovely and peaceful there, you used you walk straight down and not take the dog leg that you now do over the roadnbridge. I can't even say I felt nostalgic as I never explored where you went in this video and feel a bit sad about that but its magical that you did this walk. Ive got plenty of family buried in the city of London cemetery and actually had no idea it was so close. The area where you walked from felt like a million miles away then. Amazing stuff, thoroughly enjoyed your journey!
History is just beneath our feet, it certainly is thanks for uncovering some glimpses into the mystery, The Way of Wyrd is one of my favourite books, thank you John, stay safe,stay well, see you soon ♥🌈⭐☯️
That long muddy path, we used to call it the bridal path as kids, and collected our tadpoles in the brook, good old days, nice one johnny boy👍👍👍
Wonderful and so interesting ,ive read so many books about London and yet all this is new to me, thanks John i look forward to watching all your previous vids .
John have you ever been invited or taken part in Beating of the Bounds. Just reading about it.
I have indeed - in 2006 I took part in a beating of the bounds of the Leyton Lammas Lands - it was a fantastic experience
I love thinking about how in the far past you could travel along the roding river from the Hospital Chapel to Barking Abbey
That was a truly fantastic walk. Many many thanks. And the hospital chapel ! I absolutely have to go there......Brambles are bastards aren't they? Absolute shitters........Is the Rom in Romford etymologically linked to the Rom in Roman?
Dinner with a trot around London..🙂👍🏻
Good to see my hometown of Ilford again. I haven't lived there for 24 years. Looks like there have been many changes.
Love the river walks too. Looking forward to your walk to the River Roding source at Molehill Green...WHENEVER THAT MAY BE!
Very interesting, John. My wife used to work in Ilford 'nick on Ilford Hill. I'm willing to bet that she didn't know about the hospital chapel. I certainly didn't and yet I must have walked up and down the Hlll (and down Mill Road!) many times.
Incidentally, the satellite view on Google Maps shows the Alders Brook pretty clearly in many places. Must have been high tide :-)
Lived in seven kings for a few years and passed that chapel unknowingly many times. Wished I knew it was there at the time, would of loved to see it in person. Thanks for your engrossing videos.
honestly such a good video inspires me to do something :)
Hey John, just found your channel about 3 weeks ago and its already one of my favourites. Been binging on your videos and can't wait for the lockdown to be over, so I can get out there and do some of these amazing walks. Keep up the great work John and stay safe
thanks very much Jay
What an incredible exploration! Mister Rogers, thank you so much for your delicate and elegant presentation and compliments for your lively eruduction. This is how places really bring history to life! (from Italy - Milano).
Great video John! There’s 2 videos there, waiting to be made, travels along Romford Road and Barking Abbey! Interesting reading some comments about travelling to Ilford as a special occasion, I grew up in Plaistow and would visit Ilford shops with my mum as a day out! You had Littlewoods, M&S, Harrison Gibson shops. 👏🏻👍
Thank you John for another trip down memory lane , love Carolyn from cedars road
all the best Carolyn
That was interesting John, thank you. Pretty amazing that the Hospital Chapel has survived, virtually unscathed, through all the "development" on every side.
This was the first of your videos that I've seen and I subscribed immediately. Anyone who can walk, along the side of a brook, to an ancient chapel 𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝒍𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒅, must be doing something right.👍👌😁
Cheers for now,
Dougie.
A wonderfully evocative video, John. I was particularly fascinated and astonished by the hidden gem that is the Hospital Chapel in Ilford. It truly is incredible how one place can relate and connect to another without ever seeming to be linked on the face of it, geographically or historically: where I live, in Dunfermline, there is a site called Malcolm Canmore's Tower, which is reputed to have been constructed in the 10th or 11th century. All that remains today are a few fragments of the foundation. But I mention it because Queen Maud ( who became Henry I 's wife ) was born in the tower in 1068. And David I of Scotland, Canmore's son, would have known the Tower intimately. I had no idea either of them had an association with the Ilford Hospital Chapel.
Thank you for another wonderful journey John. As is sometimes the case your film triggered memories. I grew up in Ashville Road Leytonstone and I have wonderful summer memories of my mates and I, (early 60's), making our way to Wanstead flats via Cathall Road and Harrow Green. We'd spend long sunny afternoons roaming hither and thither. I can still recall the sense of liberation as we came to the flats and the sense of limitless freedom as they opened up before us. I may be wrong but I'm sure that what became Jubilee ponds was then drained and rather unsightly. I remember walking across to the islands, then just large mounds girded by concrete slabs lined with what looked like asphalt. But my memory may be at fault. Thanks again for another great film.
Another great walk John, thank you for taking us with you. I lived for many years in Leytonstone, not far from the start of the walk, and from 2000 to 2007 worked in the car dealership (it is now Nissan, but I was there when it was Renault). I have walked the Ilford part many times, and sat on the benches in the chapel garden. Thinking about the high water level, reminded me of a few days while I was at the garage, when we had the Roding and Aldersbrook, both ‘burst their banks’ and the footpath and Romford Road were closed for several hours.
Enjoyed this greatly. See your next one....whatever it may be!
My friend and I picked up the Aldersbrook river and followed it to Ilford. We started in Snaresbrook with the Eagle pond and Hallow pond and walked our way through to Wanstead flats and the park. We then took the river roading walk and picked up the Aldersbrook. We then made our way to Ilford and the Wetherspoons pub for a few ales. Thanks for the video and the inspiration.
Hi John, I accidentally found this video. Being a history buff really enjoyed it. Your name resonated with me as "Rogers" and I wonder have you ever traced your family tree? There was "John Rogers" 1507 - 1555 who was martyred for heresy in Smithfield London. Could there be a connection? He was my 12 X Gt. Grandfather.
Your videos are just as good as any BBC-produced documentary! Tony Robinson has some competition, though that was Channel 4 :)
Your enthusiasm is infectious. Thx for this great walk.
You see beauty, wonderment, admiration for everything you chance upon. Even if it's in Ilford, which must be one the most depressing areas of London. Good for you - and for us too!
Another wonderful mystery tour in East London
More of what I missed when journeying thro Ilford
Pleasure to share SMILES 👍🇬🇧👌
New subscriber, lived all my life in the Stanmore area. London cabbie who very rarely went further east than Hackney wick, Stratford, Docklands thoroughly enjoying parts of this wonderful old town that l don't know 🍀
Oh ma favourites prehistoric sites and small rivers. The Alders Brook is a live and well just beautiful
Hi john can I request you say words like impromptus because you used it in your video when you walked on the lea valley in 2019 and I really like it when you use words like that hope this finds you well
Hi Sam - I'll have a good opportunity to use it in my next video in fact
Thank you so much!
Fascinating I grew up in Barking 1962-1969 the Roding was unseen at the end of our street (Victoria Road)-history everywhere
Many years ago I worked at The Cranbrook pub in Ilford and, despite my surname being Brooks and knowing that literally means "lives by the stream," I however never thought of the pub being reference to a water cause in the Ilford area. It might be my now reading too much into this video...
Thank you so much, always wondered about the beautiful old chapel. Hopefully can oneday join the Friends of River Roding.
Superb John, shame its so disrespected and full of rubbish. Hard to believe the Chapel was 12th century, amazing history in our backyards.
Love Wanstead Flats ! A place still fairly unmanicured, because it does n't need it . As always Great unearthing.Cheers John.
Amazing ,thank you I never new about the Chapel.
Superlative content. Your work is such a tonic in these pestilential times, John🇯🇪
In the Eighties I worked along the Romford Road and I would see a man of the road, he would walk between Stratford and Romford and do chalk drawings on the pavement. His name was Peter. Very talented man.
I've picked up an old copy of 'The Way of Wyrd' from eBay after watching this, looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the recommendation
For those who don’t know that is a Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladesh city right now. You will be lucky if you see an English person right there.
What a monstrosity the North circular is at that point. When your coming off it from the north you have to come back on yourself. Maybe it was something to do with the river.
John! Have you done any vids of the old redbridge? Love to know more about that.
I enjoyed and it good to know how back the area goes. Love to hear Barking Abbey
thanks Ann - here's a video from 2017 where I visit Barking Abbey th-cam.com/video/Pk_Y0KbnVSo/w-d-xo.html
@@JohnRogersWalks thank you.
Do you know that the tower block on the right at the begining of the video is where Alf Garnet the character was moved to when his old house was demolished in the movie The Alf Garnett Saga? You can search for it on TH-cam and jump to time 38:53.
When i was growing up in ilford they opened up the chapel and conveted it into shops.
I went in to a book shop there.
Big old cement fireplace there.
See if you can find some pics of it. The council will have them.
Daniel Day Lewis and the Fairlop Oak Festival of Essex\ Touring Caravan
John I am very intrugued about your comment(s) on timbers being taken via the Roding to Barking I think you mention. When I did my thesis on beech coppice in Epping Forest (one question was did it have roman origins i.e. did they start coppicing on a large scale there?), I often hypothesised about the river being used in a similar way then. It would have been a critical resource for a growing Roman Londinium. What time frame are you referring to?
I love watching your videos. They are comforting and informative. If I haven't said so already... thank you for this wonderful resource you create. All the best. Tim
Hi Tim - I believe this refers to the medieval period and later when the wharfs at Ilford were relatively busy, but I see no reason why it wouldn’t have been used by the Romans. They had a settlement around Barking so the Roding would have been a direct link
@@JohnRogersWalks Thanks for this John. Ill get me maps out. It's exciting. I often thought about this link but always came back to it being just supposition and not worth pursuing. I love the prospect of coppice beech being taken from Epping to London to be made into charcoal, or used for underfloor heating perhaps. Have you been through Dulsmead, Epping Forest?