Sadly, in reality I am a glass-half-empty person. But for a brief moment I had this mad vision of someone throwing his/her crutch into the air, shouting "Hallelujah, I am cured!" and skipping off across the car park into the sunset.
Just watched this 2018 one John. Ebbsfleet international brings back memories for me. As a surveyor I worked on the construction set-out for that massive carpark in 2005! Never been back to look at it so interesting to see your vid. Stu the kiwi 🥝!
Through binge watching your wonderful video films of the edge environs, the hem lines of London Mega City's Skirts I can sadly see how the entire landscape is now subsumed to the Motor Car, roads cut through a desert like blasted heath set of landscapes covered by the detritus and discarded litter of the motorway and dual carriageway, thank you for exploring these lost byways and tracks, I hope this is the nadir of such transport and from now on the car and lorries triumph will disappear and these spaces can be reclaimed by human feet and legs en masse.....thank you John from an old ex London resident who no longer recognises a lot of it ....
Thank you for having us along. It is all World Series mania in our part of the world so a short trip with you to the marshes is my kind of “dirty water” rather than the Fenway park variety.
Really Fascinating to this this side of the river having looked out on it for many years as a child living as I did in a block of flats in Grays overlooking the Estuary on the Essex side..
Superb walk John- its Saxon Shore Way scenery but not on the Saxon Shore Way which starts at Gravesend and heads east along the Thames. I can't get enough of such landsacapes.
Great walk and nice relaxing music You always seem more relaxed on your walks in more natural settings Thanks again for taking us along. Have a nice week.
Nice video John. Swanscombe is said to have derived its name from 'Sweinscamp' or 'Swanscamp', due to its association with the Viking king Sweyn Forkbeard, whose warriors established winter camps all along the Thames Estuary. During the construction of Ebbsfleet International the remains of an Anglo-Saxon mill and a Roman villa were also found. In your last video you asked for ideas for future walks. In view of this might I make the suggestion that you find time to travel to Ebbsfleet in Thanet when you have sufficient time to do it? Ebbsfleet is a highly significant place in terms of its history in that it is cited in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as the very location at which the first waves of invading English made landfall in the aftermath of the departure of the Romans. The entry for the year 449 AD in the Garmonsway translation of the various editions of the manuscript Chronicle, which make up the generally accepted chronological canon, refers to Ebbsfleet as 'Wippidsfleet' or 'Eopwinesfleot' in its earliest form. More here about the arrival of Hengist and Horsa, the leaders of the first band of warrior migrants, and what they did after they established themselves in Kent, at this url: www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/saxon_34.html
Great info as always Rupert - I really want to visit that stretch of shoreline, my sister lives in Thanet and has mentioned it several times but I didn't really have the detailed background you've shared here. I reckon midwinter would be the perfect time too.
@@JohnRogersWalks Glad you liked the stuff I found John. On the Thanet front I have got this interesting old booklet on the Romans in East Kent which shows what that part of the Kent Coast looked like in Roman times which I will try and dig out for you before you go!
Hi John just watched another one of your great videos, you didn't mention the neolithic site at Swanscombe where a skull was found ''Swanscombe man'' I would like to say how much I enjoy your films, I walked a great deal in my youth and still do only with different goals I do professional wildlife photography walk miles after my subjects. I was born and bred in London "Hornsey" walked miles there through Highgate and Queen's woods Alexandra Place, Hampstead heath your films take me back a bit, so!! carry on the good work, till we meet on the next walk, wherever it may be. Best wishes David Webster
Yes, thought the same thing,"Swanscombe man", the only thing I know about Swamscombe. Odd that it has a pub called the Alma, as this is the same name the Russians call their hairy wild man of the forest. A bit like the Yeti, of Nepal. I know they also found bones of Hippopotamus, on the same site in Swanscombe.
Walked here today in the fog. Ignored the signs by the path 7:13 saying 'keep out'. Chalked a big picture of Moz's album sleeve for 'Kill Uncle' on a sea wall. Just typed 'Swanscombe Marshes' into RUclips now, and your video came up - great watch. Also did a night walk through the City - you must ride an e-scooters - I'll lend you my driving license to unlock one. Merry Christmas
Can't believe how soulless those new housing developments look john surely this landscape should be protected if there is wildlife present very sad but another lovely walk thanx John
Wonderful video My heart was in my throat At 12:00 the other side of that bank is a secret lake such a shame that you missed it. I have never seen a place like it in my life. And John take no notice of those signs you can roam around the whole area
Dear John ….. thankyou for letting us share another interesting Video of yours. I used to live in Chingford E4 Stanley road and frequently went for walks in the Epping Forest. You mention the Hunting Lodge and Queen Elizabeth the 1st would enter the Lodge on horse back and would ride up to the first floor on her horse , although I guess that you would know that. I Googled the Lodge and was disappointed to see they had painted over the timber beams which has kind of spoilt it. I had my Stag night in the lovely old Pub next door back in 1968 , at least that hasn't changed . I left there in 1977 and came to Australia. On your walk you gave us a glimpse of the … grave yard ….. of the old Route Masters a lovely bus that I grew up with and the new buses were beginning to appear when I left the Country. I am not a fan of change but I do have my memories. Take care John kind regards ….. Dave and Lyn …… from Australia.
I bet you do lots of treks in the area, I google earth the Thames river and find so many interesting things I would like to see live, forts, battle ship, narrowing of the river
Thanks for another interesting video.Appreciate your pointing out the possible build upon important marshland which is a haven to wildlife.Will sign the petition.
I loved the the STAR TREK and AREA 51 references. We really do need to protect our wetlands from development or at least what is left of them. See you in the next video!👍
Sorry looks like the last couple of comments in the chat weren't saved. In reply to the question about a playlist of music - all the music is from the RUclips audio library so I may be able to make a playlist somehow. I'm afraid there was another comment in the chat that I didn't get time to read
There is a pedestrian exit mate just past the railway foot bridge that would have been easier for you as it leads you into Swanscombe high street. Unfortunately you went the long way round. My church is right opposite Swanscombe stn I really can not contain myself that pathway is right opposite my front door I use it all the time. And I see you went past the charity shop that I volunteer at. You have made my night Right back to the video.
Tom Scott has an interesting video about this area, mostly about the nearby Gravesend-Broadness weather station (since closed) which regularly recorded the hottest temperatures in Britain, but also mentioning the forthcoming "BBC Theme Park". The development has been delayed several times in the last few years, with Paramount backing out at one point but then returning to the project last year. Completion is now slated for 2024, but we'll see.
Thanks John, when I saw the title of this I was quite excited about it. Mainly because I went to school on a 3 masted frigate, a steel hulled square rigger. It was called the HMS Worcester, it was a nautical training school for officers and gentlemen and I won a scholarship to go there in the 1960s. I know that area and the ship was anchored a hundred yards off a bit of land you were looking at, Greenhithe. We used to do our cross country runs all around those places you were walking but there was the Imperial paper mills I think, right there but nothing there now. I had some great memories from those days, plus it was the 1960s, what a time to be teenager. I have found a film that a guy from that school did, so here it is, enjoy! Thanks again for sharing this, long may it continue. ruclips.net/video/j8_FL51G088/видео.html
Hi, @whispjohn! I worked on HMS Worcester from 1955 to 1958 as Secretary to the Captain Superintendent, Commander G. C. Steele, V.C., F.I.N. He, his mother and sister had their living quarters on the ship. My time there was a very happy period of my life, but changed dramatically when an ex Royal Navy officer was appointed to the position on Gordon Steele's retirement. Was the school magazine "The Dog Watch" still being produced? I wonder how many of the staff I knew were there during your time.
Super interesting place John. I hope we don't get another theme Park promoting nothing much of use to the world. Hey we used to play in an Isolation Hospital just outside of Hereford. We would strip the lead off the roofs, melt it down and generally be lads. All good fun! Here some how felt remote. Good going. Mark
Maybe it'll be a psycho-geographic theme park with gnomic signs pointing to wet patches on the ground? We can live in hope.. looking forward to the upload.
HI JOHN, SORRY SBOUT UPPER CASE AS I NOW HAVE DOUBLE VIISION AS SELL AS LOSING BOTH LOWER LEGS. ON ONE SATURDAY / SUNDAY IN THE SUMMER OF 1969 I SPENT ALL NIGHT ON A FOOTBRIDGE OVER THE EX STEAM RAILWAY LINE FROM THE EX CHALK QUARRY ON SWANSCOMBE MARSHES AND THE LOCOS WERE WORKING VERY HARD AND WHISTLING A LOT ON HEAVY CHALK TRAINS AND I WAS MAKING AUDIO RECORDINGS. BUT I HAD POLICE AND PERSONS FROM THE QUARRY DESCEND ON ME THINKING I WAS TRYING TO COMMIT SUICIDE AND THEY WERE ALL VERY SURPRISED AT WHAT I WAS REALLY ACTUALLY DOING, DOCUMENTING WHAT WOULD VERY SOON AFTER BECOME JUST HISTORY. SWQANSCOMBE WAS ONE OF THE LAST PLACES IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND WHERE STEAM TRACTION WAS STILL USED 50 YEARS AGOU, APART FROM EX GWR OY0 TANKS ON LT DSURFACE LINES STORES ECT TRAINS TILL MAY 1971. ROUTEMASTERS AND OTHER EX LONDON TRANSPORT HERITAGE BUSES ARE AT THE EX LONDON TRANSPORT NORTHFLEET BUS GARAGE, NOW OWNED BY THE LONDON BUS CO FOUNDED BY ROGER WRIGHT WHO SOLD HIS RAINHAM ESSEX BLUE TRIANBLE BUS CO TO GO AHEAD, WHO STILL CALL THE LONDON BUS CONTRACT OPERATIONS BLUE TRIANGLE. ROGER BOUGHT THE EPPING TO ONGAR LINE EX CENTRAL LINE AND THAT IS NOW THRIVING. THE FIRST STEAM TRAIN BACK TO ONGAR WAS MAY 2012 WITH A GREAT WESTERN HALL LOCO, THE LAST STEAM TRAIN BEFORE TO ONGAR WAS IN NOV 1957. THE OTHER COMPANY WITH LOTS EX LONDON TRANSPORT HERITAGE BUSES AND OTHERS IS ENSIGN BUS CO AT PURFLEET AND BOTH THESE BRING LOTS OF THEIR BUSES TO LONDON AS EXTRAS ON LONDON ROUTES LIKE THE 29 ON LONDON UNDERGROUND STRIKE DAYS. IT'S A VERITABLE TIME WARP TO SEE CIRCA A DOZEN OLD LONDON RMS, RTS, TLS AND RTWS LINED UP AT HOLLOWAY IN THE MID DAY LAY OVER ON STRIKE DAYS. THE LONDON BUS COMPANY USES SEVERAL RTS, RTL, RTWS AND RMS ON THEIR SUMMER WEEKEND ROUTE 339 EPPING STATION, NORTH WEALD STAION AND ONGAR STATION TO SHENFIELD STATION. THERE IS AN INCLISIVE FARE OF UNDER £15 FOR THE HERITAGE BUSES AS DETAILED ABOVE AND HERITAGE DEISEL AND STEAM TRAINS, FROM NORTH WEALD TO JUST OUTSIDE EPPING< BUT NO STATION THERE YET > AND ONGAR.
Real alien landscape was waiting for a dragon to appear. It will be a tragedy if developers get their greedy mitts on it and build soulless luxury flats on such a unique piece of land.
if one has to go there & back just to learn how far it is, surely the easy option is to get your grubby little mitts on a copy of Harold Bayley's The Lost Language of London so you can save yourself the grief of sore feet, good sir_
@@JohnRogersWalks I bought a job lot earlier in the year, the real gem for me was a was a mint copy, OK as mint as any book from 1930 can be of Cromwell & Communism by Eduard Bernstein, but there at the bottom of the box was a couple of Harold Bayley tomes, an acquired taste to say the least_
the rocks you encountered arent rocks in the true sense they are remains of cement clinker that was stored there ready for processing into cement dust when the blue circle factory was there
That was a wonderful video, but, re: your comments about always walking to get somewhere, don’t let psychogeography become a job of work - that’s pretty much the opposite of what it was intended to be!
very true - it's more to do my preference for keeping moving, partly a practical consideration due to dodgy knees that seize up when I'm stationary for too long. But it was great just going up and sitting on Yardley Hill on Saturday
I find warm autumn days especially heartbreaking. Thanks for it, John!
Thanks for the comment Todd - it’s a special time of the year
Thank you for another interesting walk, John. Re the abandoned crutch - either a bad omen ... or evidence of a miracle ...
I prefer your optimistic reading Mariana
Sadly, in reality I am a glass-half-empty person. But for a brief moment I had this mad vision of someone throwing his/her crutch into the air, shouting "Hallelujah, I am cured!" and skipping off across the car park into the sunset.
What a treat, I loved this walk, so uncanny yet serene and peaceful, lots of Edgelands imagery to bank for later, thanks John
Just watched this 2018 one John. Ebbsfleet international brings back memories for me. As a surveyor I worked on the construction set-out for that massive carpark in 2005! Never been back to look at it so interesting to see your vid. Stu the kiwi 🥝!
Through binge watching your wonderful video films of the edge environs, the hem lines of London Mega City's Skirts I can sadly see how the entire landscape is now subsumed to the Motor Car, roads cut through a desert like blasted heath set of landscapes covered by the detritus and discarded litter of the motorway and dual carriageway, thank you for exploring these lost byways and tracks, I hope this is the nadir of such transport and from now on the car and lorries triumph will disappear and these spaces can be reclaimed by human feet and legs en masse.....thank you John from an old ex London resident who no longer recognises a lot of it ....
Looks great in an odd sort of way. As always so interesting to see another side of London
Thank you for having us along. It is all World Series mania in our part of the world so a short trip with you to the marshes is my kind of “dirty water” rather than the Fenway park variety.
thanks Kathleen - love the crossover with baseball mania, and as a Liverpool supporter I'm grateful to the Redsox cash that's come into the club
Thanks John,fantastic film, that's where they store all them old Routemasters,Cheers mate .
Thanks Ralph there’s another depot somewhere near Benfleet
Love these walks and your commentary as you go along...interesting, nice and tranquil as well. Always look forward to these. Thank you.
Thanks k - just editing the next video - will upload soon
Fantastic as always and you really are my perfect history teacher
lovely viewing. thank you
Really Fascinating to this this side of the river having looked out on it for many years as a child living as I did in a block of flats in Grays overlooking the Estuary on the Essex side..
Great walk as always John. I’d take these marshes over a theme park any day.
Thanks Ross - it’s a precious landscape, hope it’s saved
Superb walk John- its Saxon Shore Way scenery but not on the Saxon Shore Way which starts at Gravesend and heads east along the Thames. I can't get enough of such landsacapes.
Thanks Voxley - that next section of the estuary has been on my list for a while, I’ve also never been to the Isle of Grain
Great walk and nice relaxing music You always seem more relaxed on your walks in more natural settings Thanks again for taking us along. Have a nice week.
Thanks Dawn - yes I crave open spaces these days
Nice video John. Swanscombe is said to have derived its name from 'Sweinscamp' or 'Swanscamp', due to its association with the Viking king Sweyn Forkbeard, whose warriors established winter camps all along the Thames Estuary. During the construction of Ebbsfleet International the remains of an Anglo-Saxon mill and a Roman villa were also found. In your last video you asked for ideas for future walks. In view of this might I make the suggestion that you find time to travel to Ebbsfleet in Thanet when you have sufficient time to do it? Ebbsfleet is a highly significant place in terms of its history in that it is cited in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as the very location at which the first waves of invading English made landfall in the aftermath of the departure of the Romans. The entry for the year 449 AD in the Garmonsway translation of the various editions of the manuscript Chronicle, which make up the generally accepted chronological canon, refers to Ebbsfleet as 'Wippidsfleet' or 'Eopwinesfleot' in its earliest form. More here about the arrival of Hengist and Horsa, the leaders of the first band of warrior migrants, and what they did after they established themselves in Kent, at this url: www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/saxon_34.html
Great info as always Rupert - I really want to visit that stretch of shoreline, my sister lives in Thanet and has mentioned it several times but I didn't really have the detailed background you've shared here. I reckon midwinter would be the perfect time too.
@@JohnRogersWalks Glad you liked the stuff I found John. On the Thanet front I have got this interesting old booklet on the Romans in East Kent which shows what that part of the Kent Coast looked like in Roman times which I will try and dig out for you before you go!
Thanks John for showing me a part of London that I am not familiar with.
my pleasure Richard
Hi John just watched another one of your great videos, you didn't mention the neolithic site at Swanscombe where a skull was found ''Swanscombe man'' I would like to say how much I enjoy your films, I walked a great deal in my youth and still do only with different goals I do professional wildlife photography walk miles after my subjects. I was born and bred in London "Hornsey" walked miles there through Highgate and Queen's woods Alexandra Place, Hampstead heath your films take me back a bit, so!! carry on the good work, till we meet on the next walk, wherever it may be. Best wishes David Webster
thanks so much for that David and glad I can take you back to your old territory. Can't believe I missed Swanscombe Man - will have to read up now
Yes, thought the same thing,"Swanscombe man", the only thing I know about Swamscombe. Odd that it has a pub called the Alma, as this is the same name the Russians call their hairy wild man of the forest. A bit like the Yeti, of Nepal.
I know they also found bones of Hippopotamus, on the same site in Swanscombe.
Thank you for sharing this video John. Hopefully it’ll not be built upon. You seemed very relaxed in this episode.
thanks Michael - I did feel particularly laid-back, I was so grateful for the weather
Walked here today in the fog. Ignored the signs by the path 7:13 saying 'keep out'. Chalked a big picture of Moz's album sleeve for 'Kill Uncle' on a sea wall. Just typed 'Swanscombe Marshes' into RUclips now, and your video came up - great watch. Also did a night walk through the City - you must ride an e-scooters - I'll lend you my driving license to unlock one. Merry Christmas
Another interesting walk. Thank you for sharing.
Great video what a wonderful walk
Can't believe how soulless those new housing developments look john surely this landscape should be protected if there is wildlife present very sad but another lovely walk thanx John
I too can't believe it isn't protected Norma, hopefully Kent County Council will come to their senses
I fear not. Looks like it’s still going ahead. They’re calling it Kent’s Disneyland
Wonderful video
My heart was in my throat
At 12:00 the other side of that bank is a secret lake such a shame that you missed it. I have never seen a place like it in my life.
And John take no notice of those signs you can roam around the whole area
thanks john great stuff really enjoyed that one keep up the great work mate steve
Thanks Steve
Great video John thanks as always love all your content!
Thanks Leo
Thanks John for another great video , I think maybe the next one might need some warmer clothing!
I fear you could be right Robert
Was just taking a break from 'This Other London', came online and here you are! A pre-elegiac walk - soon this area will go I suppose....
great timing - let's hope this landscape is saved
Yes I hope so too. Will be walking there soon!
I live near here so often walk here, there are some beaches here if you folllow the river.
Thanks Jackie I intend to return at some point so will look for the beaches
Beaches, is it a mixture of gravel and mud or sand? Would be interested to see this.
@@williamnunn8847 Sand
Dear John ….. thankyou for letting us share another interesting Video of yours. I used to live in Chingford E4 Stanley road and frequently went for walks in the Epping Forest.
You mention the Hunting Lodge and Queen Elizabeth the 1st would enter the Lodge on horse back and would ride up to the first floor on her horse , although I guess that you would know that. I Googled the Lodge and was disappointed to see they had painted over the timber beams which has kind of spoilt it.
I had my Stag night in the lovely old Pub next door back in 1968 , at least that hasn't changed . I left there in 1977 and came to Australia.
On your walk you gave us a glimpse of the … grave yard ….. of the old Route Masters a lovely bus that I grew up with and the new buses were beginning to appear when I left the Country.
I am not a fan of change but I do have my memories.
Take care John
kind regards ….. Dave and Lyn …… from Australia.
thanks for that comment Dave and Lyn - I was in that lovely pub only two weeks ago, perfect place to end a forest walk
I bet you do lots of treks in the area, I google earth the Thames river and find so many interesting things I would like to see live, forts, battle ship, narrowing of the river
I do try to explore as much of the Thames region as possible Richard - there's still so much to see, particularly to the East of Swanscombe
Looks beautiful there, only 15mins. on the train for me, must go and visit before it's gone.
It’s stunning out there - definitely worth a visit
Thanks for another interesting video.Appreciate your pointing out the possible build upon important marshland which is a haven to wildlife.Will sign the petition.
thanks Humble - let's hope it's saved
Cool.
I loved the the STAR TREK and AREA 51 references. We really do need to protect our wetlands from development or at least what is left of them. See you in the next video!👍
thanks Scott - those landscapes really bring out those references
Yes we struggled through the car park having been to the match at Ebbsfleet. Not very foot friendly!
Sorry looks like the last couple of comments in the chat weren't saved. In reply to the question about a playlist of music - all the music is from the RUclips audio library so I may be able to make a playlist somehow. I'm afraid there was another comment in the chat that I didn't get time to read
Kent is beautiful.
There's nothing finer than a low sun!
There is a pedestrian exit mate just past the railway foot bridge that would have been easier for you as it leads you into Swanscombe high street.
Unfortunately you went the long way round.
My church is right opposite Swanscombe stn
I really can not contain myself that pathway is right opposite my front door I use it all the time.
And I see you went past the charity shop that I volunteer at.
You have made my night
Right back to the video.
Tom Scott has an interesting video about this area, mostly about the nearby Gravesend-Broadness weather station (since closed) which regularly recorded the hottest temperatures in Britain, but also mentioning the forthcoming "BBC Theme Park".
The development has been delayed several times in the last few years, with Paramount backing out at one point but then returning to the project last year. Completion is now slated for 2024, but we'll see.
hopefully its new status as an SSSI will keep this place special for another generation :)
You could fill the waiting time with some Pearl & Dean style cinema advertising John
I used to do that for the Leytonstone Pop-Up cinema with old cinema adverts from the 1940s
Thanks John, when I saw the title of this I was quite excited about it. Mainly because I went to school on a 3 masted frigate, a steel hulled square rigger. It was called the HMS Worcester, it was a nautical training school for officers and gentlemen and I won a scholarship to go there in the 1960s. I know that area and the ship was anchored a hundred yards off a bit of land you were looking at, Greenhithe. We used to do our cross country runs all around those places you were walking but there was the Imperial paper mills I think, right there but nothing there now. I had some great memories from those days, plus it was the 1960s, what a time to be teenager. I have found a film that a guy from that school did, so here it is, enjoy! Thanks again for sharing this, long may it continue. ruclips.net/video/j8_FL51G088/видео.html
Thanks for sharing that John - what a wonderful education
Hi, @whispjohn! I worked on HMS Worcester from 1955 to 1958 as Secretary to the Captain Superintendent, Commander G. C. Steele, V.C., F.I.N. He, his mother and sister had their living quarters on the ship. My time there was a very happy period of my life, but changed dramatically when an ex Royal Navy officer was appointed to the position on Gordon Steele's retirement.
Was the school magazine "The Dog Watch" still being produced? I wonder how many of the staff I knew were there during your time.
Botany Bay in Kent you mean 'Botany Bay is a quintessentially British bay, featuring stunning views of the white cliffs and the sea. ' :)
Super interesting place John. I hope we don't get another theme Park promoting nothing much of use to the world. Hey we used to play in an Isolation Hospital just outside of Hereford. We would strip the lead off the roofs, melt it down and generally be lads. All good fun! Here some how felt remote. Good going. Mark
Thanks Mark, it’s difficult to believe they’d be allowed to build on such a precious habitat
Yeah for sure John. They're rare enough as it let alone in a built up area....
If you ever want to come back, I’ll give you a tour. I know the place well.
Maybe it'll be a psycho-geographic theme park with gnomic signs pointing to wet patches on the ground? We can live in hope.. looking forward to the upload.
great idea and they wouldn't need to change a thing
HI JOHN, SORRY SBOUT UPPER CASE AS I NOW HAVE DOUBLE VIISION AS SELL AS LOSING BOTH LOWER LEGS. ON ONE SATURDAY / SUNDAY IN THE SUMMER OF 1969 I SPENT ALL NIGHT ON A FOOTBRIDGE OVER THE EX STEAM RAILWAY LINE FROM THE EX CHALK QUARRY ON SWANSCOMBE MARSHES AND THE LOCOS WERE WORKING VERY HARD AND WHISTLING A LOT ON HEAVY CHALK TRAINS AND I WAS MAKING AUDIO RECORDINGS. BUT I HAD POLICE AND PERSONS FROM THE QUARRY DESCEND ON ME THINKING I WAS TRYING TO COMMIT SUICIDE AND THEY WERE ALL VERY SURPRISED AT WHAT I WAS REALLY ACTUALLY DOING, DOCUMENTING WHAT WOULD VERY SOON AFTER BECOME JUST HISTORY. SWQANSCOMBE WAS ONE OF THE LAST PLACES IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND WHERE STEAM TRACTION WAS STILL USED 50 YEARS AGOU, APART FROM EX GWR OY0 TANKS ON LT DSURFACE LINES STORES ECT TRAINS TILL MAY 1971. ROUTEMASTERS AND OTHER EX LONDON TRANSPORT HERITAGE BUSES ARE AT THE EX LONDON TRANSPORT NORTHFLEET BUS GARAGE, NOW OWNED BY THE LONDON BUS CO FOUNDED BY ROGER WRIGHT WHO SOLD HIS RAINHAM ESSEX BLUE TRIANBLE BUS CO TO GO AHEAD, WHO STILL CALL THE LONDON BUS CONTRACT OPERATIONS BLUE TRIANGLE. ROGER BOUGHT THE EPPING TO ONGAR LINE EX CENTRAL LINE AND THAT IS NOW THRIVING. THE FIRST STEAM TRAIN BACK TO ONGAR WAS MAY 2012 WITH A GREAT WESTERN HALL LOCO, THE LAST STEAM TRAIN BEFORE TO ONGAR WAS IN NOV 1957. THE OTHER COMPANY WITH LOTS EX LONDON TRANSPORT HERITAGE BUSES AND OTHERS IS ENSIGN BUS CO AT PURFLEET AND BOTH THESE BRING LOTS OF THEIR BUSES TO LONDON AS EXTRAS ON LONDON ROUTES LIKE THE 29 ON LONDON UNDERGROUND STRIKE DAYS. IT'S A VERITABLE TIME WARP TO SEE CIRCA A DOZEN OLD LONDON RMS, RTS, TLS AND RTWS LINED UP AT HOLLOWAY IN THE MID DAY LAY OVER ON STRIKE DAYS. THE LONDON BUS COMPANY USES SEVERAL RTS, RTL, RTWS AND RMS ON THEIR SUMMER WEEKEND ROUTE 339 EPPING STATION, NORTH WEALD STAION AND ONGAR STATION TO SHENFIELD STATION. THERE IS AN INCLISIVE FARE OF UNDER £15 FOR THE HERITAGE BUSES AS DETAILED ABOVE AND HERITAGE DEISEL AND STEAM TRAINS, FROM NORTH WEALD TO JUST OUTSIDE EPPING< BUT NO STATION THERE YET > AND ONGAR.
Real alien landscape was waiting for a dragon to appear. It will be a tragedy if developers get their greedy mitts on it and build soulless luxury flats on such a unique piece of land.
I always ride my bike here at ingress park with my dad
Swanscombe is proper rough.
if one has to go there & back just to learn how far it is, surely the easy option is to get your grubby little mitts on a copy of Harold Bayley's The Lost Language of London so you can save yourself the grief of sore feet, good sir_
I like the sound of that book Johnny
@@JohnRogersWalks I bought a job lot earlier in the year, the real gem for me was a was a mint copy, OK as mint as any book from 1930 can be of Cromwell & Communism by Eduard Bernstein, but there at the bottom of the box was a couple of Harold Bayley tomes, an acquired taste to say the least_
Call me an old romantic, but there's nothing finer than a low sun, teasel, and an electricity pylon standing guard.
Completely agree Paul - the perfect combination
Ah yes car parks with no apparent way in or out on foot. A growing phenomenon.
the rocks you encountered arent rocks in the true sense they are remains of cement clinker that was stored there ready for processing into cement dust when the blue circle factory was there
Go to foulness Island @johnrogers ma boy
I'd love to Harry - one day for sure
I'd like to meet you one day perhaps I'm not worthy
That was a wonderful video, but, re: your comments about always walking to get somewhere, don’t let psychogeography become a job of work - that’s pretty much the opposite of what it was intended to be!
very true - it's more to do my preference for keeping moving, partly a practical consideration due to dodgy knees that seize up when I'm stationary for too long. But it was great just going up and sitting on Yardley Hill on Saturday
electric pylon - 'overpowering' .... baduum tish!
perfect