My mother worked for Withers, in Fleet Street in the 70s. I had the privilege, at ages 4 and 5 years, to roam about and meet people. Only one individual, whom shall reman nameless, frowned upon my inquisitive behaviour. Best moments were climbing up and down the spiral staircases, going up and down the old lift, with a metal closing gate! and the little balcony on the top floor, my mother's office, where I could climb out of the window and peer at everyone and listen. I am sure that those moments are very much responsible for my interests in architecture, industrial pieces and old streets. Thank you for igniting my memory banks.
I worked for Withers in the post-room 1973-74! In those days it was called Withers, Nichols and Manistey. Some very famous clients used to sweep past, usually in a spot of bother like Gerald Nabarro. I remember once an impressively caped and sun-glassed individual asking Albert the doorman (dead ringer for Derek Guyler) to announce him. “What name sir?” “Prince Richard of Gloucester”. “Er… is that Mr Prince Richard sir?”And oh the joy of spending our luncheon vouchers at the pub round the corner on Fleet Street. Pint of Fosters and a smoked salmon sandwich, bliss. Got to know the Street of Shame, the Temple and the inner courts and all the alleyways so evocative of Samuel Pepys and Dr Johnson like the back of my hand. Obviously I loved this video. One question - is Mick’s All-Night Café still going? Highly unlikely since the demise of the print but you never know. Many thanks for this walk back to a very happy time in my life.
Lovely walk, I am Italian and came to London in 1973, got a job in Fleet Street as a photographer, I used to walk to work in the mornings passing through Temple and since I was 18 at the time I had no idea of the history of this place, so it is very interesting and brings back many memories, thank you.
Wonderful film! I am an American who worked on Fleet Street as a sub editor for the Press Association when it was at #85, along with Reuters. Did drink in the Bell, the Punch, and El Vino in the 1990s. Please do a north side Street of Shame film ... so many stories and so many memories for myself and others who were journalists. Fleet Street was a rogues gallery of characters then but also was where I met some of the smartest (and most honorable) people I ever had the pleasure to work alongside. Thank you for your films.
1/2 million views is a joke John you should be on TV mate. You are so knowledgable and your delivery is full of wonder. Fantastic John really enjoyed this walk/history lesson 👍
Morning!!! I'm from Argentina...I don't think I ever have the chance to visit England or the city of London...so watching your videos makes me feel like I'm there. I learn a lot about history as well, you are so kind so as to share your knowledge with us ...God bless you!!
You never know!! Things occured in my life and I found myself living there, two different times!! (I never planned to, it just happened for me!). Life can bring in some interesting things lol. I would love to visit Argentina 🙃. I've only ever been to Europe so far. (I'm from canada). London is my favourite place in the world, it is so magical. As soon as I landed, it felt like I'd come home for the first time, and I felt it every time I was there. I love England, I love many places in England, ive lived many places, all over england, but London feels literally just so magical and special to me. Edinburgh in scotland, felt a bit similar, but London is still ❤❤❤❤❤❤ my baby. Lol.
Retired at 55 OMG life is just starting a new Curtis come and see us here in UK.. as a ex Tour Guide we would love to show more of England. My partner is always bored of English history. Think I need to change partners. 👱♀️😉
You sound so much like my late Grandpa who was also from London. He migrated to the U.S. after his service in the RAF in WW1 and widowed, married my Grandmother, also widowed. Although not my biological grandfather, he was a wonderful Grandpa for me. The two of them cared for me for long stretches of time when my mother was not capable, making them more like parents than grandparents. I miss them so much! He longed to see London again and my Grandma said he'd be disappointed because after 60 years it would have changed too much. As I watch your video, I realize that there would have been much still there to recognize, despite the changes. So, I get to see, through you, the London he knew and hear a voice and accent so like his. Thank you!
Absolutely outstanding. Fascinating from start to finish. How blessed we are to live in an age where we have such content in the palm of our hands. I have walked fleet street many times, and never knew even a smidgeon of the history that I was walking in.
Well we can’t rely on the multi billion pound BBC to provide such quality content, they’re too busy making up fake news stories in the pursuit of their Frankfurt School agenda.
I used to work as a bus conductor on the route 15 routemasters along Fleet Street. Iale at night I would pick up workers from the print shops and they would hand me copies of tommorow's papers in return for a free ride. Great days! Brilliant video John. < Many thanks and a happy new year
I used to take the 15 to school in the morning in the 1970's, I used to go from the strand to commercial road in the east end, I wonder if I was on your bus any time?
What an absolute treat John! You are spoiling us. As an idle strumpet and vagabond I related very much to your evocative film. Thank you so much for all your wonderful films in 2021 and for doing more than your bit in keeping the morale of the people up on Sunday nights. Can’t wait for your first film of 2022 “Wherever that may be”
Just stumbled on your video, bud. I’m from Manchester, rarely go to London, but love reading about its history. You bring it to life in a no nonsense manner. Thanks for your efforts. Appreciated. 👏👍😀😊
Had to smile as you wandered in twists and turns, trying to find Temple Church. Absolutely well worth the maze, time and confusion, however. Once inside, the clerk noticed my obvious relief on finding the place and said, 'Good for you! Most people give up before locating us.' Indeed, mysterious and ancient - such history! THANK YOU!
To walk with you down Aldrich, St Clement Danes and Fleet Street has been so moving for me. My father left school at 14 and had a job as an office boy in the city, in the mid 1930s. His job was to run errands and messages from the city to the docks. He described to me that there were many short cuts to the docks, through all the alley ways, passages and even through the office buildings. Some more history for you. One time, walking down Fleet St I saw a lunch time recital in St Brides so went in to listen. Such a treat. Your fan in W Canada and a long way from home. Thanks for this. It means so much.
My ancestors William and Elizabeth Perks, residents of Hanging Sword Alley, had their first child Dinah baptized at St Bride's Church in December 1753. It means alot to me to be able to see these visions of the area! Thanks :)
That was a stonkingly good tour. Decades ago, I used to edit guide books to London and I thought I knew a lot. This video reminded me that I've only ever scratched the surface of the city and London is full of people who know massively more than me, Stonkingly good, man, stonkingly good. It was really good. After two years of hibernation I needed this kick up the bum to start re-learning and re-loving my city. Many, many, many, many, many thanks. I needed this. (And, obviously, I've upped your subscriber count by one.)
This brought back so many memories for me. My Dad, his brothers and cousins. My brother and many cousins all worked in Fleet Street and Shoe Lane. Mainly the Daily Express and Sunday Express at night. From before WW11 until it was closed. I remember when I was little my Dad used to go to the Printers Union meetings at Black Friars, the Union was always called the Chapel. We moved to Holborn from Barnsbury Islington in 1961 so my Dad was nearer work and I started work aged 16 at a bank in Lombard Street, so it was easy for me to get to work too. Many great little shops, jeweller, tailors etc during the early 60's. Also the pubs and the markets were the best ever. Thank you so much for this walk John. 💕🇦🇺
Hi. I lived with my spouse for two years in London. I actually worked at Fleet Street (at KPMG). Your tour guided me to places I walked and loved, which were just near the office. Many thanks!
I bloody love these videos. I despise travelling to London but I’m always conflicted as I absolutely love the history! In these stressful times, John’s videos are such a welcome tonic.
Randomly came across your video and bless you for it. After living and working in London for decades I moved to the far north of England 8 years ago. I love it here, total peace and near isolation but I do miss London. Back in the 60s, every Saturday I would push my toddler in her pushchair up and down Oxford St, Regent St exploring all the little passages. I walked miles but slowly, slowly, too many people pushing and shoving, no enjoyment any more. Sadly, the population, the traffic, crime, et all just made me move for I was tired of London, but unlike Johnson's quote, I am not tired of life! So your videos will dole out my "fix" and now I have the best of both worlds. Again, many thanks and can't wait to watch your other offerings.
I do love it when you visit the City, my dad was a Black cab driver for over 40 years, he used to take me site-seeing around the City when I was young just to keep up his knowledge of London, brings many a happy memory back to me, Another absolutely brilliant video John, keep up the amazing work. and a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Hackney Cabs are the best! My Dad was Kentish Town and later Islington. I spent a lot of my teens in Camden at a lot of time at Mean Fidler pub ^.^ Been so long since I last was there... Feels like another lifetime
Completely fallen in love with this channel John mate. Every single video blows me away, especially the London walks. When I was a youngster working in central London from the late 90s to the late 00s I had no idea of the hidden history around me. I guess youth really is wasted on the young. Cheers!
Robbie Coltrane as Dr Johnstone,very good ,almost as entertaining as one of your walks John ,thank you , it’s so important to keep these tale’s stories legends and tidbits of info alive,for if it’s forgotten a couple of generations it’s gone for ever,just know your channel is much appreciated 👍🏻
Great walk. .spent my time in the early 80s as a solicitor’s articled clerk wandering through inner and middle temple often getting lost trying to find the right set of barrister’s chambers to deliver or collect briefs (well before the internet and emails did that job for us). Temple, like the Royal Courts across the road really became spooky in the winter - those dull grey afternoons when you struggled to find the right address or room in the Courts! I also seem to recall that Middle Temple was still lit by gaslight!
The wondfull thing is you can do this in most cities. I grew up in Sydney Australia. Which is a mere pup compared to London, but still loaded to the gills with quirky and interesting history.
When I was little, my aunt used to bring me to Fleet Street on Boxing Day. And she used to walk me round the Temples for a treat. There was always some chestnuts roasting somewhere on our walk. Happy Christmas and a blessed new year John 🎄😀
This was so fascinating. Every bit of London has story upon story to tell and you told them so well. Thank you! Coming from a country that is only 74 years old, you can imagine how intriguing this is for me and I wonder how many of your fellow countrymen realise how lucky you are!
As an LSE graduate, City Worker and Barbican resident - I’ve walked these streets for years, yet I love finding out the new history you show in your videos! thanks
As an Ex International Tour Guide, I fully appreciate your passion and the work you have put into these amazing filmed guides to London. It reminds me of myself 17 years ago, before UA-cam. Your research is spot on. Your the love history and teaching people, is not always present in the average school teacher, and really makes the films come alive. I am thinking Andrew Cruikshank, History on the BBC etc. which we all love. Keep up your wonderful work
Apropos Hoare's Bank; I used to work for a (perhaps, even, the) supplier of computers to the bank. Legend had it that the vaults below the building had three levels containing items of increasing value. The uppermost housed the filthy lucre, the middle deeds and documents, but the lowest level contained the holy of holies - the wine. I was told that members (customers) of the bank could buy wine at cost even after it had sat in the cellar for decades, so very special wine could be had for very ordinary prices. Thank you for a lovely and fascinating film.
Well done John....you have made the history of this part of London come to life! I was a Building Surveyor with the City of London Corporation (1984-2011)and have great memories of working in some of these historic buildings mentioned in your video.I feel privileged to have experienced this.Keep up your good work...London is such a great City
John, thank you so very much for an excellent presentation and explanation of the historical context of the Fleet Street and Temple area. Regarding the Holy Wells, they are still there, but for the time being closed by man. A Holy Well is an entrance to the 'other world' and a very subliminal place. There will come a time in the future when they will be rediscovered, re-dedicated and opened up, so that the energies can again flow between this world and the other, bringing harmony and balance. Because they are currently closed (and lost to our awareness), this is the reason why we have so much chaos and unhappiness. Let us look forward to when the holy places, wells, shrines and sacred trees again enter our lives and bring happiness, contentment and tranquillity. Again, thank you John for your sensitive presentation of our London heritage.
That was brilliant. I was lucky enough to stay at the Inner Temple my last week in London, I'm from New Zealand. It was amazing, so peaceful and mystical. My room was on the top floor and overlooked the west door of Temple church.
Great video, John. I worked in the Temple for 45 years, 30 of those years opposite Temple Church in Dr Johnson’s. buildings. Many memories of El Vinos and the Bell and all of the surrounding area. I was told that the Bell was actually a hostel for workers on the construction of St Paul’s Cathedral. Happy New Year to you John
You at your best John, thank you. 1981, I worked for Reg Hayters sports agency in Gough Square and took the football results on a Saturday afternoon to the sports desks of all the main newspapers of the day on Fleet Street and beyond.
The bells of St Clement Danes play the first two lines of "Oranges and Lemons", I believe. I think an interesting video (and longish walk) would be to take in all the churches mentioned in that rhyme, because it is so evocative of historic London, which is why it keeps resurfacing in the confused memories of Winston Smith, way back in "Nineteen Eighty-Four". We should all trust the instincts of George Orwell - he usually was spot on with this kind of thing. (Thank you for your periodic references to Daniel Defoe, by the way; I'm currently trying to put together a show about his amazing life, very loosely centred around the publication of his "Journal of the Plague Year" in 1722. Your wanderings through all my old stamping grounds of Hackney and environs help to keep the localities and the histories thereof more alive for this long-term resident of Australia.)
Worked in Fleet st and passed the Temple church every morning on my way up from the station. Absolutely loved every minute of it, so many years ago now.
First video of yours I’ve seen… Absolutely loved it. So informative and helped with my ‘Feeling Homesick’ lol. Been years since I last visited London. Thank you. Subscribed.
Magnificent! I had absolutely no intention of watching this through to the end this morning but once started I couldn't tear myself away. I will trace your steps when we can travel again. Many, many thanks for this most wonderful walk. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Boston, USA.
I used to work on a ship down on Blackfriars Embankment and Fleet Street was a hive of activity at lunch time in those days. There was a place called Fuzzy Grubs where you could get a Sunday lunch in a bread roll! It was truly scrumptious especially if you went towards closing at 2pm and got extra meat; yes it also came with gravy. This video brought back so many memories of where I used to hang out. Recently I've been researching Sweeney Todd and am planning a visit to Hen and Chicken Court in the New Year. Merry Christmas John and a very Happy New Year to another great year of walking, wherever that may be.
Such a delightful insight into that area of London, John. Thank you. In the early sixties I worked for a firm of solicitors in Arundel Street, near to the Law Courts. We later moved to Hind Court off Fleet Street. Your walk brought back memories of when I was young.
Smashing film thank you John. I can see why it took the work it did with all the visuals supporting the great story of Gogmagog. And you can't beat a sprinkling of idleness, strumpetry and vagabonding at this time of year. We really appreciate you giving up time to do this, especially at Christmas when there's so much else to do. Another fabulous walk, thank you for this work.
Thanks for this, John. I don't often comment on UA-cam videos but this video, and the rest of your videos that got me through lockdown as a newbie to london, are well worth it. Fascinating walk and content as always - keep up the great work!
Fantastic walk and so many memories. I used to work at the RCJ with a view of St Clement Danes from my office window and probably stared out more than I should instead of concentrating on the job at hand. RCJ was built by an italian workforce and there are many many beautiful parts to the building but the story that always sticks with me is that the builders lived in the RCJ whilst building it. There is a cloister to the back of the great hall and to mark respect to God they left one arch unbuilt because of course only God could create perefct things.
This was a lovely history lesson for a New Year’s Eve. I used to work for solicitors in the building on the south side of the Strand right opposite St Clement Dane’s. I used to enjoy hearing the bells play “Oranges and Lemons” but sadly I never even went inside. It’s absolutely beautiful. At the time I was interested in more frivolous pastimes than looking at beautiful churches. I wish you and your family a happy New Year from a frigid Regina, Saskatchewan where it hasn’t managed to get above 29 below Celsius for the past week!
I Desperately want to go live in London, and live alongside al the stories I've read all my life. Thank you for taking me on a tour of just a tiny piece of those places.
Outstanding John. Simply brilliant. This hands down beats 99.9% of the drivel on mainstream TV. Why you and your outstanding knowledge and your natural camera presence haven't been snapped up by a professional documentary production company is beyond me. Keep them coming kind Sir.
Just found your channel, John, what a treat! Thoroughly enjoyed your tour, kept me glued to my seat, fascinating! In Cambridge we have the Gog Magog Hills, rumoured to be the final resting place of the last giant who lived in Albion. A long way to be brought for burial all the way from Cornwall! 😀
Great walk John- Growing up in Waltham Cross in the Seventies, Temple Bar was a strange site to see amongst the densely wooded Theobalds Park - Cedars Park close by is worth a visit for sure - Happy New Year..
One of your best. That's was brilliant, John. What a way to wrap up the year. It's so easy sometimes to take London for granted. Watching videos like this it puts everything in perspective. Earlier in the year, I sat my Life in UK test for my permanent residence visa (I passed), and after watching this it all makes sense now. Happy new year, everyone!
That was completely riveting!!!! Now I really miss London and can’t wait to get back. Fleet Street was never really my turf, but as law students wanting to be called to the Bar, we did have to dine at the Inns. Memories !
Another tremendous film. Thanks John for helping keep us stay sane in strange times. Thanks too for stimulating me to do my own family tree walks visiting & filming locations important in the history of my family with an aim to leave them for my children so that they have our history available to them. I look forward to more from you in 2022 wherever that may be. All the best to you & your family.
John: I watched your tremendous walk with my eight-year-old son. As an avid Monopoly player, he was very interested in your exploration of Fleet St. Thanks, John. Brilliant stuff! 🙏
Of course it is the Street leading to The Fleet, rather than the street atop The Fleet, John mentioned his earlier walk but I thought he might have made a little more of reaching the line of the Fleet at the end.
Took much the same walk a hundred times from the age of 13 or so John. Fantastic to have you fill in history so entertainingly. Haven't lived in London for many years, but that was my favorite stretch for derives, years before I'd heard of the term psychogeography. Glorious stuff.
Brilliant walk My deceased husband worked in Fleet Street and surrounding places in 60’s 70’s as a printer till it all changed Brought back lovely memories of him Thank you
Lovely walk, always been a magical street for me, the beautiful Temple bar guardian is one of my favourite London landmarks, so many little curious alley ways leading off to be explored, the Temple is as you say a real little bubble of old London, very therapeutic just to wander round away from the madness of the real world before heading to The Old Bell for a few pints, not been down there for a few years but you have inspired me to return one early morning soon to soak it all in once more
Brilliant John. I went to a book signing by my good friend Deryn Lake in the Old Bell Tavern on Fleet Street, the pub was built by Christopher Wren for the workers on the rebuilding of St Pauls after the Great Fire. I also walked the length of Fleet Street and The Strand, found the Saatchi Gallery (closed), the site of Sweeney Todd's place and the Twining's Tea Museum. Also had a wander round the Temple which has an awesome atmosphere. Happy New Year from all us in West Virginia.
Facinating video John i luv London greatest city in the world & i left the UK 60yrs ago the names of streets &areas i remember from my Mum who was a cockney
Thank you for a wonderful tour. My grandfather was a photographer and had a studio off Fleet Street. The whole area holds many many memories for me. This was very special 🥰
Blackadder's Dr Johnson depicted by Robbie Coltrane is as classic a piece of British comedy as the Dictionary itself IMHO 😉. Having done my compositor apprenticeship nearby I found this a fascinating vid sir, thankyou. Where was I, Aardvark...
Ended up walking most of this walk today by accident...but the scenery made me think of this video. Very sad to see that 'Hanging Sword Alley' no longer exists. That whole block between Whitefriars Street and Salisbury Court has been flattened except for some exterior on the Salisbury Court. I walked to this area from Liverpool Street taking every alleyway I stumbled across. Great fun to explore London through these hidden passages.
I love the side streets of London. When I lived there, many years ago now, I'd spend my days off work just strolling around with my little pocket AtoZ lol & I still have it with it's markings & highlighted streets on the pages. By the way, this is the first video I've ever seen of yours & I really really appreciate your format of adding in the maps new & old. Seriously, for someone who loves maps, that's so very much appreciated. Thank you. Enjoying this.
Hi John ,just want to say how much I enjoyed your walk along Fleet Street and environs , it has changed so much since I knew it in the sixties and seventies,when it was full of journalists and newspaper vans and offices , so much history , mostly centred around Churches and Pubs , religion and booze ,ah humans eh ! Also want to wish you a Happy New Year , it's almost five years since I first found your channel , thank you for all the wonderful walks , you've helped me get through this difficult time , I look forward to the new year and new walks through an amazing landscape , see you on the next one , wherever that may be ! Cheers !
Wonderful to see Fleet Street again. I remember seeing the A board telling us that John Mccarthy was still a hostage. Also seeing the Temple Gardens where they chose the roses for the War of the Roses. I worked in Falcon Court and I remember hearing on the radio about the Marchioness disaster which happened very close to our side of the Thames.
Marvellous walk round Fleet Street and the Temple Area John.My Father was night Editor on the Daily Mail during the war so this wss very interesting to me.Have a very Happy New Year and full of fascinating walks!!
Great walk down memory lane for me. In the 60’s, I used to walk from Brooke Street, High Holborn, down chancery Lane, Fetter Lane to John Carpenter Street where The Guildhall School of Music and Drama was. It’s an office building now, but the facade still shows it’s musical history.
It is so good to have an adult, pre internet, walk us through the streets. You take your time and give interesting information, instead of just buzzing through , without a thought or care of what it is we just went by, thanks. I also appreciate the references if one wants to do more research on their own.
The Temple area of London is beautiful...tucked away from the hustle and bustle are churches dating back 900 years and buildings dating back over 500...London is truly a unique city.
Just discovered your videos. Absolutely fantastic. Worked in Vauxhall, Southwark, City of London & West End from 1975 until left UK in 2007. Brings back so many great memories & introducing me to some many things & places I never Knew.
Wow, what a treat - and well worth waiting an extra 24 hours for! Speaking personally this video has to be in my top 10, and one I'll be revisiting many times I'm sure. The origin stories of London were fascinating, along with the other nuggets of history you related along the way. I'll await the second part of this duo; the northern side of Fleet Street, with quiet anticipation. I'm sure I speak for many when I say a massive thank you for your amazing content, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in 2022. 🙂👍
Next door to the east of St Dunstan in the West in the red brick building is where Sweeney Todd is supposed to have had his premises. The wording on the building reading Dundee Evening Telegraph. There are tunnels from that building into the catacombes of St Dunstan's, in which human bones were once found dumped rather than interred, which led to the public validation of the Sweeney Todd mythology.
How did I miss this one? I used to work in Temple Place and used to wander round all the areas featured. So good to hear you being so enthusiastic and informative about this area.
Great stuff John! One could probably have a whole channel dedicated to Fleet ST. and The Strand and never run out of content. The story of Gogmagog was new to me and I'm inspired to go learn more, thank you. St. Brides is a lovely church and one of my favorite of Wren's. Also, that museum underneath is a gem. The inside of St. Dunstan in The West and The Temple Church are both very special for their unique circular design features and worth going inside if you can. I think it's also worth mentioning St. Mary Le Strand just a bit further up from St. Clement Danes. Possibly my favorite London church. A stunning interior akin to a baroque, Italian, Catholic church, that's not to be missed. Happy New Year!
Gog and Magog are mentioned in the Bible (as well as being names given to some large canons years later. Geoffrey of Monmouth alas was a bit full of poetic licence in his telling of the British legends, but then not many people did write anything down, and most legends have an element of truth in them,
Thank you for this. I really do appreciate the work that goes into these films. I don't travel abroad so it's a pleasure to see all the lovely architecture. And truly complimented by great old fashion story telling. 😍
Thanks John. I loved that tour, it was very interesting. You're such a lovely man and your talks reflect that. I haven't been to London since 1975/6 and I only wish I had the knowledge and interest in history back then that I have now. But I have your videos now!!!!
I so enjoyed your walking tour and comments. I used to live and work in London so much of this was very familiar. I now reside in Kentucky USA so this for me was a very pleasant trip down memory lane. Thank you for posting.
Absolutely fascinating John, thank you so much for taking us there in such depth. I was fortunate to be in London 2019 and followed the Fleet from source to the Thames, becoming very interested in the levels of history in the City of London. Now from NZ/Aotearoa wishing you a very Happy 2022 and appreciating all your research and our good fortune in being able to be taken on these walks.
Great vid John. I definitely used to drink in The Old Bell in the late 80s and early 90s. I was working as a barman at the Hoop and Grapes pub just over on Farringdon St. Was a regular haunt of mine but by this time it was pretty quiet in the evenings with most of the printers and journalists gone. I used to walk around all the back alleys just soaking up the history. Loved it. A few years later I was a manager at the Doggets Coat and Badge, just over Blackfriars Bridge so I managed to spend even more time in this area. Thanks for the tour mate, great memories and a few dubious tales to tell too.
If there isn't a video before new year, I'd like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the wonderful videos you've given us this year. It's been a challenging one for me personally, so having a video to look forward to on a Sunday helped more than you will know. Thank you and Happy New Year John!
Thank you so much for such a magnificent walk.I have never seen this area.Thank you for all the walks this year and health and happiness to you and your family for 2022.
Thank you Mr Rogers,that was so enjoyable. Good wishes for 2022 for you and your family. I was only in that very area in mid December but I was so blindly unaware of all that history you showed us and I didn't know about the Temple area. I was in the vicinity to see the show Back To The Future which was fantastic but maybe next spring or summer I can allow myself a day to follow your footsteps and explore around. One place in that location I have visited,about 15 years ago(!),time flies,is Prince Henry's room. The entrance is really hard to find,it's more or less opposite the Royal Court of Justice. It's a Tudor house but you just see the one room. It's survived the Fire of London and The Blitz. It's mainly built around and subsumed into later buildings. The room you see was the "office" for Prince Henry the one who died after swimming in the Thames so his younger brother Charles got to be King instead.Later on it was the office for Samuel Pepys where he conducted at least some of his Navy business. I was so lucky when I went there. I checked it would be open in advance. The volunteer manning the room that day was a retired journalist,he was very like,very similar to the late Derek Jamieson. He told me all about the room but to be honest,much MORE interesting was all the stories he told me about his life in journalism,on the old real Fleet St. He started as a message boy running errands and making tea etc when he left school at 14 just before WW2 and then progressed on from there,he told me first hand of the old Fleet St of the 60s when all the journos really did file their stories from the pub,and the profession was full of eccentrics etc. I cant remember the exact details now but it was like being in a tv show in real life. I don't mean to be shallow but from the cut of his suit,the watch on his wrist,and his shiny shoes he'd certainly done alright in journalism. Maybe he was a well known one but I never asked his name. Anyway I felt like I'd seen a some real life old London.
My mother worked for Withers, in Fleet Street in the 70s. I had the privilege, at ages 4 and 5 years, to roam about and meet people. Only one individual, whom shall reman nameless, frowned upon my inquisitive behaviour. Best moments were climbing up and down the spiral staircases, going up and down the old lift, with a metal closing gate! and the little balcony on the top floor, my mother's office, where I could climb out of the window and peer at everyone and listen. I am sure that those moments are very much responsible for my interests in architecture, industrial pieces and old streets. Thank you for igniting my memory banks.
Who not “ whom”.
I worked for Withers in the post-room 1973-74! In those days it was called Withers, Nichols and Manistey. Some very famous clients used to sweep past, usually in a spot of bother like Gerald Nabarro. I remember once an impressively caped and sun-glassed individual asking Albert the doorman (dead ringer for Derek Guyler) to announce him. “What name sir?” “Prince Richard of Gloucester”. “Er… is that Mr Prince Richard sir?”And oh the joy of spending our luncheon vouchers at the pub round the corner on Fleet Street. Pint of Fosters and a smoked salmon sandwich, bliss. Got to know the Street of Shame, the Temple and the inner courts and all the alleyways so evocative of Samuel Pepys and Dr Johnson like the back of my hand. Obviously I loved this video. One question - is Mick’s All-Night Café still going? Highly unlikely since the demise of the print but you never know. Many thanks for this walk back to a very happy time in my life.
Lovely walk, I am Italian and came to London in 1973, got a job in Fleet Street as a photographer, I used to walk to work in the mornings passing through Temple and since I was 18 at the time I had no idea of the history of this place, so it is very interesting and brings back many memories, thank you.
Ha! You are part of the history of the place.
Wonderful film! I am an American who worked on Fleet Street as a sub editor for the Press Association when it was at #85, along with Reuters. Did drink in the Bell, the Punch, and El Vino in the 1990s. Please do a north side Street of Shame film ... so many stories and so many memories for myself and others who were journalists. Fleet Street was a rogues gallery of characters then but also was where I met some of the smartest (and most honorable) people I ever had the pleasure to work alongside. Thank you for your films.
I worked for Taylor Joynson Garrett solicitors on fleet street same time as you...fantastic atmosphere
Hey... I was at Reuters from 1980 so we shared 85. The Bell was the Reuters haunt along with the Golf Club and Mrs Moons. Ah happy days.
El vino the wine bar... so 90s
You’re the worse kind
What a dream come true! So cool as a American myself I just so enjoy anything related to London!!!
1/2 million views is a joke John you should be on TV mate. You are so knowledgable and your delivery is full of wonder. Fantastic John really enjoyed this walk/history lesson 👍
Morning!!! I'm from Argentina...I don't think I ever have the chance to visit England or the city of London...so watching your videos makes me feel like I'm there. I learn a lot about history as well, you are so kind so as to share your knowledge with us ...God bless you!!
You never know!!
Things occured in my life and I found myself living there, two different times!! (I never planned to, it just happened for me!). Life can bring in some interesting things lol.
I would love to visit Argentina 🙃. I've only ever been to Europe so far. (I'm from canada).
London is my favourite place in the world, it is so magical. As soon as I landed, it felt like I'd come home for the first time, and I felt it every time I was there. I love England, I love many places in England, ive lived many places, all over england, but London feels literally just so magical and special to me. Edinburgh in scotland, felt a bit similar, but London is still ❤❤❤❤❤❤ my baby. Lol.
Curtis, 55, in Las Vegas, recently retired U.S. Navy.. and I love British history and videos like these are so interesting and so much fun, thanks.
Retired at 55 OMG life is just starting a new Curtis come and see us here in UK.. as a ex Tour Guide we would love to show more of England. My partner is always bored of English history. Think I need to change partners. 👱♀️😉
@@lovetravell well I've seen it all, boomers flirting on yt
@@wsk5846 absolutely 😅 beats Tinder any day, 😏. Seriously if he had seen my real channel he would be on the next plane! 😉
@@lovetravell haha well whats your real channel?
You sound so much like my late Grandpa who was also from London. He migrated to the U.S. after his service in the RAF in WW1 and widowed, married my Grandmother, also widowed. Although not my biological grandfather, he was a wonderful Grandpa for me. The two of them cared for me for long stretches of time when my mother was not capable, making them more like parents than grandparents. I miss them so much! He longed to see London again and my Grandma said he'd be disappointed because after 60 years it would have changed too much. As I watch your video, I realize that there would have been much still there to recognize, despite the changes. So, I get to see, through you, the London he knew and hear a voice and accent so like his. Thank you!
Temple is my favourite area in London. The inner courtyards are so nice and peaceful; a good place to escape the chaos.
Samuel Johnson's most important quote is "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." Something most Americans seem to have forgotten.
Absolutely outstanding. Fascinating from start to finish. How blessed we are to live in an age where we have such content in the palm of our hands. I have walked fleet street many times, and never knew even a smidgeon of the history that I was walking in.
Ues
Well we can’t rely on the multi billion pound BBC to provide such quality content, they’re too busy making up fake news stories in the pursuit of their Frankfurt School agenda.
@GRAPHENE IS IN THE MASKS, SWABS and PCR TESTS!!! What an idiot
I used to work as a bus conductor on the route 15 routemasters along Fleet Street. Iale at night I would pick up workers from the print shops and they would hand me copies of tommorow's papers in return for a free ride. Great days! Brilliant video John. < Many thanks and a happy new year
I worked on route 63
I used to take the 15 to school in the morning in the 1970's, I used to go from the strand to commercial road in the east end, I wonder if I was on your bus any time?
What an absolute treat John! You are spoiling us. As an idle strumpet and vagabond I related very much to your evocative film. Thank you so much for all your wonderful films in 2021 and for doing more than your bit in keeping the morale of the people up on Sunday nights. Can’t wait for your first film of 2022 “Wherever that may be”
Nicely said David...all the best!
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Strumpet? Have you misunderstood what the word means?
@@orbtastic A literalist is one that engages (from Merriam-Webster) in literalism, adherence to the explicit substance of an idea or expression.
Ignorance is bliss for you i take it?
Just stumbled on your video, bud. I’m from Manchester, rarely go to London, but love reading about its history. You bring it to life in a no nonsense manner. Thanks for your efforts. Appreciated. 👏👍😀😊
Thanks so much Shane
Had to smile as you wandered in twists and turns, trying to find Temple Church. Absolutely well worth the maze, time and confusion, however. Once inside, the clerk noticed my obvious relief on finding the place and said, 'Good for you! Most people give up before locating us.' Indeed, mysterious and ancient - such history! THANK YOU!
To walk with you down Aldrich, St Clement Danes and Fleet Street has been so moving for me. My father left school at 14 and had a job as an office boy in the city, in the mid 1930s. His job was to run errands and messages from the city to the docks. He described to me that there were many short cuts to the docks, through all the alley ways, passages and even through the office buildings. Some more history for you. One time, walking down Fleet St I saw a lunch time recital in St Brides so went in to listen. Such a treat.
Your fan in W Canada and a long way from home. Thanks for this. It means so much.
You're not far from home ... it's in your DNA. 👍😉
@@vwright1021 Thanks for that. :)
My ancestors William and Elizabeth Perks, residents of Hanging Sword Alley, had their first child Dinah baptized at St Bride's Church in December 1753. It means alot to me to be able to see these visions of the area! Thanks :)
That was a stonkingly good tour.
Decades ago, I used to edit guide books to London and I thought I knew a lot. This video reminded me that I've only ever scratched the surface of the city and London is full of people who know massively more than me, Stonkingly good, man, stonkingly good.
It was really good. After two years of hibernation I needed this kick up the bum to start re-learning and re-loving my city.
Many, many, many, many, many thanks. I needed this.
(And, obviously, I've upped your subscriber count by one.)
This brought back so many memories for me. My Dad, his brothers and cousins. My brother and many cousins all worked in Fleet Street and Shoe Lane. Mainly the Daily Express and Sunday Express at night. From before WW11 until it was closed. I remember when I was little my Dad used to go to the Printers Union meetings at Black Friars, the Union was always called the Chapel. We moved to Holborn from Barnsbury Islington in 1961 so my Dad was nearer work and I started work aged 16 at a bank in Lombard Street, so it was easy for me to get to work too. Many great little shops, jeweller, tailors etc during the early 60's. Also the pubs and the markets were the best ever. Thank you so much for this walk John. 💕🇦🇺
Hi. I lived with my spouse for two years in London. I actually worked at Fleet Street (at KPMG). Your tour guided me to places I walked and loved, which were just near the office. Many thanks!
I bloody love these videos. I despise travelling to London but I’m always conflicted as I absolutely love the history! In these stressful times, John’s videos are such a welcome tonic.
Randomly came across your video and bless you for it. After living and working in London for decades I moved to the far north of England 8 years ago. I love it here, total peace and near isolation but I do miss London. Back in the 60s, every Saturday I would push my toddler in her pushchair up and down Oxford St, Regent St exploring all the little passages. I walked miles but slowly, slowly, too many people pushing and shoving, no enjoyment any more. Sadly, the population, the traffic, crime, et all just made me move for I was tired of London, but unlike Johnson's quote, I am not tired of life! So your videos will dole out my "fix" and now I have the best of both worlds. Again, many thanks and can't wait to watch your other offerings.
I do love it when you visit the City, my dad was a Black cab driver for over 40 years, he used to take me site-seeing around the City when I was young just to keep up his knowledge of London, brings many a happy memory back to me, Another absolutely brilliant video John, keep up the amazing work. and a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
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Hackney Cabs are the best!
My Dad was Kentish Town and later Islington. I spent a lot of my teens in Camden at a lot of time at Mean Fidler pub ^.^
Been so long since I last was there... Feels like another lifetime
Completely fallen in love with this channel John mate. Every single video blows me away, especially the London walks. When I was a youngster working in central London from the late 90s to the late 00s I had no idea of the hidden history around me. I guess youth really is wasted on the young. Cheers!
Robbie Coltrane as Dr Johnstone,very good ,almost as entertaining as one of your walks John ,thank you , it’s so important to keep these tale’s stories legends and tidbits of info alive,for if it’s forgotten a couple of generations it’s gone for ever,just know your channel is much appreciated 👍🏻
Great walk. .spent my time in the early 80s as a solicitor’s articled clerk wandering through inner and middle temple often getting lost trying to find the right set of barrister’s chambers to deliver or collect briefs (well before the internet and emails did that job for us). Temple, like the Royal Courts across the road really became spooky in the winter - those dull grey afternoons when you struggled to find the right address or room in the Courts! I also seem to recall that Middle Temple was still lit by gaslight!
What a walk! It’s interesting to see how much history is tucked away down back alleys away from the main streets in London. Thank you!
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The wondfull thing is you can do this in most cities. I grew up in Sydney Australia. Which is a mere pup compared to London, but still loaded to the gills with quirky and interesting history.
@GRAPHENE IS IN THE MASKS, SWABS and PCR TESTS!!! So why is every solid object in the universe round except the Earth?
@@glenchapman3899 their brain is flat, too.
@@kjsbadfkjlasbdg Yeah sorry I channeled my in Sheldon for a minute lol
When I was little, my aunt used to bring me to Fleet Street on Boxing Day. And she used to walk me round the Temples for a treat. There was always some chestnuts roasting somewhere on our walk. Happy Christmas and a blessed new year John 🎄😀
I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to visit London so I am drawing vicarious pleasure from your walk. Thank you so much! Enjoyed it thoroughly.
This was so fascinating. Every bit of London has story upon story to tell and you told them so well. Thank you! Coming from a country that is only 74 years old, you can imagine how intriguing this is for me and I wonder how many of your fellow countrymen realise how lucky you are!
As an LSE graduate, City Worker and Barbican resident - I’ve walked these streets for years, yet I love finding out the new history you show in your videos!
thanks
As an Ex International Tour Guide, I fully appreciate your passion and the work you have put into these amazing filmed guides to London. It reminds me of myself 17 years ago, before UA-cam. Your research is spot on. Your the love history and teaching people, is not always present in the average school teacher, and really makes the films come alive. I am thinking Andrew Cruikshank, History on the BBC etc. which we all love. Keep up your wonderful work
Apropos Hoare's Bank; I used to work for a (perhaps, even, the) supplier of computers to the bank. Legend had it that the vaults below the building had three levels containing items of increasing value. The uppermost housed the filthy lucre, the middle deeds and documents, but the lowest level contained the holy of holies - the wine. I was told that members (customers) of the bank could buy wine at cost even after it had sat in the cellar for decades, so very special wine could be had for very ordinary prices.
Thank you for a lovely and fascinating film.
Well done John....you have made the history of this part of London come to life! I was a Building Surveyor with the City of London Corporation (1984-2011)and have great memories of working in some of these historic buildings mentioned in your video.I feel privileged to have experienced this.Keep up your good work...London is such a great City
John, thank you so very much for an excellent presentation and explanation of the historical context of the Fleet Street and Temple area. Regarding the Holy Wells, they are still there, but for the time being closed by man. A Holy Well is an entrance to the 'other world' and a very subliminal place. There will come a time in the future when they will be rediscovered, re-dedicated and opened up, so that the energies can again flow between this world and the other, bringing harmony and balance. Because they are currently closed (and lost to our awareness), this is the reason why we have so much chaos and unhappiness. Let us look forward to when the holy places, wells, shrines and sacred trees again enter our lives and bring happiness, contentment and tranquillity. Again, thank you John for your sensitive presentation of our London heritage.
That was brilliant. I was lucky enough to stay at the Inner Temple my last week in London, I'm from New Zealand. It was amazing, so peaceful and mystical. My room was on the top floor and overlooked the west door of Temple church.
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Great video, John. I worked in the Temple for 45 years, 30 of those years opposite Temple Church in Dr Johnson’s. buildings. Many memories of El Vinos and the Bell and all of the surrounding area. I was told that the Bell was actually a hostel for workers on the construction of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Happy New Year to you John
That must have been a fascinating time John. Really intrigued by that info about the Bell
Hi John. Pleased to see you are still around. I am a regular at the Edgar and Dev if you are around any time soon.
Subscribed off the back of this video. Absolutely fascinating. Better than the dross on TV. Thank you..
You at your best John, thank you. 1981, I worked for Reg Hayters sports agency in Gough Square and took the football results on a Saturday afternoon to the sports desks of all the main newspapers of the day on Fleet Street and beyond.
Fantastic story Little Acorns - thanks
The bells of St Clement Danes play the first two lines of "Oranges and Lemons", I believe. I think an interesting video (and longish walk) would be to take in all the churches mentioned in that rhyme, because it is so evocative of historic London, which is why it keeps resurfacing in the confused memories of Winston Smith, way back in "Nineteen Eighty-Four". We should all trust the instincts of George Orwell - he usually was spot on with this kind of thing.
(Thank you for your periodic references to Daniel Defoe, by the way; I'm currently trying to put together a show about his amazing life, very loosely centred around the publication of his "Journal of the Plague Year" in 1722. Your wanderings through all my old stamping grounds of Hackney and environs help to keep the localities and the histories thereof more alive for this long-term resident of Australia.)
The Tabbard! That made me smile. It's the Tablet. Wonderfully interesting videos - thank you so much. Mick
Worked in Fleet st and passed the Temple church every morning on my way up from the station. Absolutely loved every minute of it, so many years ago now.
As a Canadian working in London for two years, I’m obsessed with your content! It’s fabulous!
First video of yours I’ve seen… Absolutely loved it. So informative and helped with my ‘Feeling Homesick’ lol. Been years since I last visited London. Thank you. Subscribed.
Magnificent! I had absolutely no intention of watching this through to the end this morning but once started I couldn't tear myself away. I will trace your steps when we can travel again. Many, many thanks for this most wonderful walk. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Boston, USA.
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I was the same.
I used to work on a ship down on Blackfriars Embankment and Fleet Street was a hive of activity at lunch time in those days. There was a place called Fuzzy Grubs where you could get a Sunday lunch in a bread roll! It was truly scrumptious especially if you went towards closing at 2pm and got extra meat; yes it also came with gravy. This video brought back so many memories of where I used to hang out.
Recently I've been researching Sweeney Todd and am planning a visit to Hen and Chicken Court in the New Year.
Merry Christmas John and a very Happy New Year to another great year of walking, wherever that may be.
...still there...
Thanks for sharing that Sean. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year
@@malcolmwinter6797 Fuzzys closed around 13 years ago.
Blimey! Talk about layer upon layer upon layer of history, myth and legends, thanks so much John, lots to ponder...
Cheers Lois, and that was only skimming the surface
Such a delightful insight into that area of London, John. Thank you. In the early sixties I worked for a firm of solicitors in Arundel Street, near to the Law Courts. We later moved to Hind Court off Fleet Street. Your walk brought back memories of when I was young.
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Smashing film thank you John. I can see why it took the work it did with all the visuals supporting the great story of Gogmagog. And you can't beat a sprinkling of idleness, strumpetry and vagabonding at this time of year. We really appreciate you giving up time to do this, especially at Christmas when there's so much else to do. Another fabulous walk, thank you for this work.
Many thanks for that appreciation Steve- I love making these videos so the extra work was worth it
Thanks for this, John. I don't often comment on UA-cam videos but this video, and the rest of your videos that got me through lockdown as a newbie to london, are well worth it. Fascinating walk and content as always - keep up the great work!
Fantastic walk and so many memories. I used to work at the RCJ with a view of St Clement Danes from my office window and probably stared out more than I should instead of concentrating on the job at hand. RCJ was built by an italian workforce and there are many many beautiful parts to the building but the story that always sticks with me is that the builders lived in the RCJ whilst building it. There is a cloister to the back of the great hall and to mark respect to God they left one arch unbuilt because of course only God could create perefct things.
This was a lovely history lesson for a New Year’s Eve. I used to work for solicitors in the building on the south side of the Strand right opposite St Clement Dane’s. I used to enjoy hearing the bells play “Oranges and Lemons” but sadly I never even went inside. It’s absolutely beautiful. At the time I was interested in more frivolous pastimes than looking at beautiful churches.
I wish you and your family a happy New Year from a frigid Regina, Saskatchewan where it hasn’t managed to get above 29 below Celsius for the past week!
I Desperately want to go live in London, and live alongside al the stories I've read all my life. Thank you for taking me on a tour of just a tiny piece of those places.
Outstanding John. Simply brilliant. This hands down beats 99.9% of the drivel on mainstream TV. Why you and your outstanding knowledge and your natural camera presence haven't been snapped up by a professional documentary production company is beyond me. Keep them coming kind Sir.
Simply the best. Look no further for informative content. This lad does what it says on the tin.
Just found your channel, John, what a treat! Thoroughly enjoyed your tour, kept me glued to my seat, fascinating! In Cambridge we have the Gog Magog Hills, rumoured to be the final resting place of the last giant who lived in Albion. A long way to be brought for burial all the way from Cornwall! 😀
Now u have found this channel i cant stop watching,binge from start to finish,thank you
Great walk John- Growing up in Waltham Cross in the Seventies, Temple Bar was a strange site to see amongst the densely wooded Theobalds Park - Cedars Park close by is worth a visit for sure - Happy New Year..
I’m from USA andI must tell you that I throughly enjoy this vid! Thank You for sharing this!!!
One of your best. That's was brilliant, John. What a way to wrap up the year. It's so easy sometimes to take London for granted. Watching videos like this it puts everything in perspective. Earlier in the year, I sat my Life in UK test for my permanent residence visa (I passed), and after watching this it all makes sense now. Happy new year, everyone!
That was completely riveting!!!! Now I really miss London and can’t wait to get back. Fleet Street was never really my turf, but as law students wanting to be called to the Bar, we did have to dine at the Inns. Memories !
Another tremendous film. Thanks John for helping keep us stay sane in strange times. Thanks too for stimulating me to do my own family tree walks visiting & filming locations important in the history of my family with an aim to leave them for my children so that they have our history available to them. I look forward to more from you in 2022 wherever that may be. All the best to you & your family.
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John: I watched your tremendous walk with my eight-year-old son. As an avid Monopoly player, he was very interested in your exploration of Fleet St. Thanks, John. Brilliant stuff! 🙏
Of course it is the Street leading to The Fleet, rather than the street atop The Fleet, John mentioned his earlier walk but I thought he might have made a little more of reaching the line of the Fleet at the end.
Took much the same walk a hundred times from the age of 13 or so John. Fantastic to have you fill in history so entertainingly. Haven't lived in London for many years, but that was my favorite stretch for derives, years before I'd heard of the term psychogeography. Glorious stuff.
Brilliant walk
My deceased husband worked in Fleet Street and surrounding places in 60’s 70’s as a printer till it all changed
Brought back lovely memories of him
Thank you
Lovely walk, always been a magical street for me, the beautiful Temple bar guardian is one of my favourite London landmarks, so many little curious alley ways leading off to be explored, the Temple is as you say a real little bubble of old London, very therapeutic just to wander round away from the madness of the real world before heading to The Old Bell for a few pints, not been down there for a few years but you have inspired me to return one early morning soon to soak it all in once more
Discovered this by accident and I am now gripped. Absolutely fab filled with facts and locations as a Londoner I did not know about.
Brilliant John. I went to a book signing by my good friend Deryn Lake in the Old Bell Tavern on Fleet Street, the pub was built by Christopher Wren for the workers on the rebuilding of St Pauls after the Great Fire. I also walked the length of Fleet Street and The Strand, found the Saatchi Gallery (closed), the site of Sweeney Todd's place and the Twining's Tea Museum. Also had a wander round the Temple which has an awesome atmosphere. Happy New Year from all us in West Virginia.
Facinating video John i luv London greatest city in the world & i left the UK 60yrs ago the names of streets &areas i remember from my Mum who was a cockney
So enriching. Really helps me appreciate how lucky we are. We should all go around more slowly and look at things with more attention. Auguri
Thank you for a wonderful tour. My grandfather was a photographer and had a studio off Fleet Street. The whole area holds many many memories for me.
This was very special 🥰
Blackadder's Dr Johnson depicted by Robbie Coltrane is as classic a piece of British comedy as the Dictionary itself IMHO 😉. Having done my compositor apprenticeship nearby I found this a fascinating vid sir, thankyou. Where was I, Aardvark...
The statue of his cat Hodge is in New Street Square.
Ended up walking most of this walk today by accident...but the scenery made me think of this video. Very sad to see that 'Hanging Sword Alley' no longer exists. That whole block between Whitefriars Street and Salisbury Court has been flattened except for some exterior on the Salisbury Court. I walked to this area from Liverpool Street taking every alleyway I stumbled across. Great fun to explore London through these hidden passages.
Your enthusiasm reminds me of Mr. Robinson who narrates who does renactments of historical events and is especially proud of his London roots
Thank you John - more nostalgia through your channel from my childhood and youth.
I love the side streets of London. When I lived there, many years ago now, I'd spend my days off work just strolling around with my little pocket AtoZ lol & I still have it with it's markings & highlighted streets on the pages. By the way, this is the first video I've ever seen of yours & I really really appreciate your format of adding in the maps new & old. Seriously, for someone who loves maps, that's so very much appreciated. Thank you. Enjoying this.
Hi John ,just want to say how much I enjoyed your walk along Fleet Street and environs , it has changed so much since I knew it in the sixties and seventies,when it was full of journalists and newspaper vans and offices , so much history , mostly centred around Churches and Pubs , religion and booze ,ah humans eh ! Also want to wish you a Happy New Year , it's almost five years since I first found your channel , thank you for all the wonderful walks , you've helped me get through this difficult time , I look forward to the new year and new walks through an amazing landscape , see you on the next one , wherever that may be ! Cheers !
Wonderful to see Fleet Street again. I remember seeing the A board telling us that John Mccarthy was still a hostage. Also seeing the Temple Gardens where they chose the roses for the War of the Roses. I worked in Falcon Court and I remember hearing on the radio about the Marchioness disaster which happened very close to our side of the Thames.
Marvellous walk round Fleet Street and the Temple Area John.My Father was night Editor on the Daily Mail during the war so this wss very interesting to me.Have a very Happy New Year and full of fascinating walks!!
Great walk down memory lane for me. In the 60’s, I used to walk from Brooke Street, High Holborn, down chancery Lane, Fetter Lane to John Carpenter Street where The Guildhall School of Music and Drama was. It’s an office building now, but the facade still shows it’s musical history.
Holy moley, i have just discovered your channel. What an utter joy. Thank you so much, you are fascinating to listen to, and i absolutely love this!
It is so good to have an adult, pre internet, walk us through the streets. You take your time and give interesting information, instead of just buzzing through , without a thought or care of what it is we just went by, thanks. I also appreciate the references if one wants to do more research on their own.
The Temple area of London is beautiful...tucked away from the hustle and bustle are churches dating back 900 years and buildings dating back over 500...London is truly a unique city.
Just discovered your videos. Absolutely fantastic. Worked in Vauxhall, Southwark, City of London & West End from 1975 until left UK in 2007. Brings back so many great memories & introducing me to some many things & places I never Knew.
Wow, what a treat - and well worth waiting an extra 24 hours for! Speaking personally this video has to be in my top 10, and one I'll be revisiting many times I'm sure.
The origin stories of London were fascinating, along with the other nuggets of history you related along the way. I'll await the second part of this duo; the northern side of Fleet Street, with quiet anticipation.
I'm sure I speak for many when I say a massive thank you for your amazing content, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in 2022. 🙂👍
Thanks so much for that Tony
This was great! I've only been to London once, but this was the area I stayed in, and explored. Such a wealth of history in one small area.
Next door to the east of St Dunstan in the West in the red brick building is where Sweeney Todd is supposed to have had his premises. The wording on the building reading Dundee Evening Telegraph.
There are tunnels from that building into the catacombes of St Dunstan's, in which human bones were once found dumped rather than interred, which led to the public validation of the Sweeney Todd mythology.
How did I miss this one? I used to work in Temple Place and used to wander round all the areas featured. So good to hear you being so enthusiastic and informative about this area.
Great stuff John! One could probably have a whole channel dedicated to Fleet ST. and The Strand and never run out of content. The story of Gogmagog was new to me and I'm inspired to go learn more, thank you.
St. Brides is a lovely church and one of my favorite of Wren's. Also, that museum underneath is a gem. The inside of St. Dunstan in The West and The Temple Church are both very special for their unique circular design features and worth going inside if you can. I think it's also worth mentioning St. Mary Le Strand just a bit further up from St. Clement Danes. Possibly my favorite London church. A stunning interior akin to a baroque, Italian, Catholic church, that's not to be missed. Happy New Year!
Gog and Magog are mentioned in the Bible (as well as being names given to some large canons years later. Geoffrey of Monmouth alas was a bit full of poetic licence in his telling of the British legends, but then not many people did write anything down, and most legends have an element of truth in them,
John, this is one of my favourite channels on UA-cam. I’m a Londoner but there’s so much I don’t know about my city. Thanks so much.
Thank you for this. I really do appreciate the work that goes into these films. I don't travel abroad so it's a pleasure to see all the lovely architecture. And truly complimented by great old fashion story telling. 😍
Thanks John.
I loved that tour, it was very interesting.
You're such a lovely man and your talks reflect that.
I haven't been to London since 1975/6 and I only wish I had the knowledge and interest in history back then that I have now.
But I have your videos now!!!!
Thanks for this fantastic walk John. I hope you have a fantastic 2022 and I look forward to your future videos. Greetings from The Netherlands.
I so enjoyed your walking tour and comments. I used to live and work in London so much of this was very familiar. I now reside in Kentucky USA so this for me was a very pleasant trip down memory lane. Thank you for posting.
Absolutely fascinating John, thank you so much for taking us there in such depth. I was fortunate to be in London 2019 and followed the Fleet from source to the Thames, becoming very interested in the levels of history in the City of London. Now from NZ/Aotearoa wishing you a very Happy 2022 and appreciating all your research and our good fortune in being able to be taken on these walks.
No problem
Great vid John. I definitely used to drink in The Old Bell in the late 80s and early 90s. I was working as a barman at the Hoop and Grapes pub just over on Farringdon St. Was a regular haunt of mine but by this time it was pretty quiet in the evenings with most of the printers and journalists gone. I used to walk around all the back alleys just soaking up the history. Loved it. A few years later I was a manager at the Doggets Coat and Badge, just over Blackfriars Bridge so I managed to spend even more time in this area. Thanks for the tour mate, great memories and a few dubious tales to tell too.
If there isn't a video before new year, I'd like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the wonderful videos you've given us this year. It's been a challenging one for me personally, so having a video to look forward to on a Sunday helped more than you will know. Thank you and Happy New Year John!
This just popped up in my feed...
Where has this channel been all my life?
👍😄✌
Thank you so much for such a magnificent walk.I have never seen this area.Thank you for all the walks this year and health and happiness to you and your family for 2022.
Just fabulous, I’m a walker who loves history so these videos are just fascinating
, thank you John
Thank you Mr Rogers,that was so enjoyable. Good wishes for 2022 for you and your family. I was only in that very area in mid December but I was so blindly unaware of all that history you showed us and I didn't know about the Temple area. I was in the vicinity to see the show Back To The Future which was fantastic but maybe next spring or summer I can allow myself a day to follow your footsteps and explore around. One place in that location I have visited,about 15 years ago(!),time flies,is Prince Henry's room. The entrance is really hard to find,it's more or less opposite the Royal Court of Justice. It's a Tudor house but you just see the one room. It's survived the Fire of London and The Blitz. It's mainly built around and subsumed into later buildings. The room you see was the "office" for Prince Henry the one who died after swimming in the Thames so his younger brother Charles got to be King instead.Later on it was the office for Samuel Pepys where he conducted at least some of his Navy business. I was so lucky when I went there. I checked it would be open in advance. The volunteer manning the room that day was a retired journalist,he was very like,very similar to the late Derek Jamieson. He told me all about the room but to be honest,much MORE interesting was all the stories he told me about his life in journalism,on the old real Fleet St. He started as a message boy running errands and making tea etc when he left school at 14 just before WW2 and then progressed on from there,he told me first hand of the old Fleet St of the 60s when all the journos really did file their stories from the pub,and the profession was full of eccentrics etc. I cant remember the exact details now but it was like being in a tv show in real life. I don't mean to be shallow but from the cut of his suit,the watch on his wrist,and his shiny shoes he'd certainly done alright in journalism. Maybe he was a well known one but I never asked his name. Anyway I felt like I'd seen a some real life old London.
I suspect film companies etc would pay for coulm inches on their movie stars, though the NUJ rates certainly paid well