Eeek I canna believe developers want to tear it down...rather than develop, fix the stuff we have. I'm really enjoying your videos john. The mix of history, lost information and nature is right up my alley..
It is one of the reasons I got out of working in the construction industry, I couldn't sleep in good consciousness as it became clear that I was part of the problem in destroying the city that I love.
@@dambrooks7578 you should use your construction expertise in restoration architecture, then. I’m sure there is a need for that, especially in old England.
@@Mistydazzle I do not have the financial backing to do such work, instead building is now so poorly run that homes are built that will struggle to still be standing in fifty years. All because quick profit is seen as important, restoration is seen as profit loss, so isn't done when tearing it down is so much easier.
I used to work for a shitty company (MAS Market Research) in St John's Square from '87-88. My favourite parts of the day were the walk to and from Farringdon station because I would walk past St John's Gardens and then go through St John's Path. The winter nights oozed history and ghosts would pepper my imagination especially when it was foggy. God, I love that part of London. You've inspired a day out. Thank you.
Great walk! My mom was born in Clerkenwell but evacuated during the war with her sister and baby brother to the Midlands where my grandmother decided to stay for the open space. They would’ve returned to a flat after having a huge garden. My Grandfather joined them eventually after serving in the fire brigade through the blitz . Sadly they died when I was young and I missed out on so many precious stories. My grandparents lived in Compton Buildings but I’ve no idea if such a place still exists . Thanks again, these walks are a bounty of those stories x
I was born and brought up in central London, then came north but visited back to my roots several times a year since then. However, I may not be visiting so often in years ahead which means I really appreciate your videos both now and in time to come. I can almost smell the streets as you walk and talk. London. My first love. X
I was a Cycle Messenger for many years and used Live/squat and Work in Clerkenwell.. So many good times on a summer Friday evening hanging out with mates around the pubs about the Green.. Cheers Mush.
i love Clerckenwell i LIVE on Percival street I walk all the time as much as I can I love London, im not a native but I LOVE to live in London absolutely, thank you for the awesome history about so much I didnt know🥰🥰🥰🥰
Welcome back John, hope you enjoyed your well-deserved rest. A nice film to start the year, and it's great getting the Sunday evening walk-fix again. I enjoyed seeing 'fact-checking John' too, a nice way to update us on what you'd said in the film. I dunno how you keep so much information in your head, so you're definitely allowed the odd clarification as far as I'm concerned!
I worked for several years at Holborn library and have spent many happy lunch breaks exploring the area, which is my favourite part of London. There's so much ancient history represented there, one can always learn something new. The blue plaque at the end of Hatton Garden commemorating Hiram Maxim was only a recent and random discovery, simply by chance of looking up as I passed by. Great content as always John.
Great start to 2022. What a fascinating area on the outskirts of City. I’ve walked passed this area every day for years. I’m now retired. Lovely to see the Jerusalem Tavern. When I visited here with friends I found that it was owned by St Peter’s Brewery, in Suffolk. This was where I married my lovely, and late lamented husband in 2005. A building constructed of the remnants of Flixton Priory… all the connections. It’s was a joyful day in the heart of deepest rural Suffolk.
I walked through Clerkenwell Green many times when studying at City University in the 1960s and worshipped at St. James’ Church whilst on a visit to ‘the Smoke’ in 2021. It is a beautiful church inside.
Hi John, I have recently found your brilliant and fascinating video’s,. Although a Londoner myself I left in 1989 and am learning so much about our great city. How I wish I could travel back in time to see how London looked back in the times you interesting describe. Many many thanks.
I used to live in London on various occasions between the years of 1999 and 2006. I miss walking along the many interesting streets and being part of the many lovely architecture of London. Hope to return soon. Meanwhile, hope nothing changes much. I hope more people would take an interest in preserving London as the most interesting city in the world.
Happy new year John. Clerkenwell is especially of interest to me, as my late Dad grew up there and it features heavily in my family tree. Thank you for walking around the area and your knowledge of the local history.
Great job buddy, used to go every Friday evening to the Duke of York on the corner of Clerkenwell Rd and Vine Hill back in 2000’s when I was working as a courier, also worked for the courier company just of Hatton Gardens for a while so know the area like the back of my hand . Loved it all apart from the chavs harassing everyone on a daily basis from the rotten city rd / angel area. Hope things changed by now. Greetings from Liverpool pal
John apologies accepted lol...thank you thank you lived in Islington (Highbury) since 1988 and you've shown me street sights that I never new existed love Clerkenwell worked and spend many nights out in that area..God bless keep up the good work
Excellent video. Slowly working through your back catalogue, love your passion for London and it's incredible history. I think the face you thought was possible a green man looks to me to be more like Pan.
Hi John what a beautiful walk. I use to work in this area and miss it so much. I've seen it at all times of day and it always has that inspiring feeling no matter what time of day it is. I must get back for a walk around there later this year. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and making these informative video's I do look forward to Sundays. Take care and look forward to the next one, wherever that may be! 😊
A trip down memory lane for me and a reminder of happy days working in that area of London. It's great to have the historical background for the buildings we walk by. Thanks.
Hi John great video as usual,the fox & anchor was famous back in the day for opening at 3 am to serve booze & breakfasts to the meat porters ,pity you didn't mention the watch,clock& jewellery trade which occupied all of the back streets for 100's of years,worked in the trade there for years, our landlord was charterhouse,i used to go in there to pay the rent. cheers, Ray.
I just posted this on Julian McDonnell's website and so, true to my word... Joolz Guides and John Rogers: in some ways so different, in some ways so similar - and yet both excellent in terms of quality and interest. I'd love to hear you swapping stories about your journeys around London and to compare and contrast your different approaches to storytelling and film-making. In fact, I think I might repeat this exact request on John's channel and see if anything comes of the suggestion! All the best from a Melburnian Londoner.
I’m here because of the comment you posted over on Joolz Guides lol Thank you for that, I’m enjoying seeing London from a different perspective. Cheers
Hear hear Phil - I find they scratch different itches for me - perhaps John a more contemplative and meditative (the wonderful music helps) and Joolz is more factual and jolly.
All these mentioned are excellent, has anyone seen Robslondon channel ? RUclipss recent creator on the rise. The research, narrative and atmospheric music makes for entertaining videos. He fits in well with the London gang !
That was great John. You walked past where my grandfather had his gold & silversmith's business in St.John Street, Clerkenwell, in around 1896. Mappin & Webb were also near there.
I use your videos in two ways, one for learning English purpose, shadowing method, repeat sentences after you. Second for pleasure and getting knowledge about the city I'm living now. Thank you. All the best in the New Year!
Great video again John, thank you. Rumours have it that the Museum of London will take over some of the Smithfield Market retaining its current features. Also a bit of rumoured folklore about the Charter House is where the Offside and throw in laws in association football were created. Apparently when the school was there the children would play with a ball in the cloisters and occasion the ball would fly out of one of the arches (now windowed up) and the young pupils were sent out the retrieve the ball and throw it back into play. And then the offside to stop players hiding behind the pillars and waiting the ball to come up to their end of the pitch for them to run out and have a free shot on goal. Whether that is true or not I am not sure but it seems plausible.
Its true, the museum is going to move to smithfield , it will occupy the part of the market known as the village, also the annexe which is located at the farringdon rd end of the market,
I cannot but think we must of rubbed shoulders at some point in the 26 years that I lived in London. Great to see Clerkenwell again. The Kings Head in particular where yes we used to stand on the pavement drinking also. So many good memories of the area especially Jerusalem Passage where the stained glass studio I worked for at the time was situated. Thank you again for doing these walks and don't ever apologise for getting bits wrong. You get far more right and it is all part of your video's. Keep em coming. I hope Smithfields survives but the hands of time and all that. Interesting to note that some of the buildings we installed stained glass into only 30 years ago that were new builds are now gone replaced by new new builds! All part of the ever changing face of London and its story.
I am in UK for the first time and discovering Clerkenwell right now while on vacation. I can’t believe I bumped into your videos. They are so instructive. I am planning to see even more locations tomorrow thanks to you.
Mr. Rogers, a very hearty thanks for these fascinating and authentic walk-abouts. Britain's history is so rich...good, bad and everything in between. Much obliged! : { )
the caledonian cattle market became a normal market and then it was one of the first astroturf (all weather)football pitches in the country ... in fact I've got some photos of the group Madness filming a promo shoot there ... proably 35 years ago???
The Fox and Anchor is a really nice pub. During my time working in the City of London. I had a few breakfast meetings in this pub. At 08:30 you could have a full and I mean full English breakfast. It was huge. And a pint of Guinness for about £6. This was in the 90’s. There were a few pubs around Smithfield market which open from 02:30 when the market opened for the traders. An old tradition, long before they charged the drinking laws and opening times. The landlord/chef looked like he had eaten the profits but a great guy and cooked a mean breakfast.
Great upload. Thanks for sharing. I am new to living 8n Clerkenwell. It is a great part of Town with so much history. It is fascinating learning more about the Russian connection in Clerkenwell also. Speaking of underground rivers and tunnels. There is something very serious underneath Clerkenwell of a Government/MoD nature.
The character above the arch near Charterhouse could be Silenus - a minor Roman nature deity usually pictured as a satyr with large ears, and associated with Dionysus/vines/wine. Thank you for this great video!
John, I so love your walking tour videos, you are full of enthusiasm and information. I used to work in Charterhouse Square and on Little Britain (Barts and QMUL) I knew I was in special places, but not so much about the history behind them
haha i am catching up - 2022! hehe the BOING noise was fun - as was the intermission for your "correction", ha! and a [very] belated happy 2022 to you as well, john! 😊
Hi john it’s the boy with gold tooth you met me by Heathcote pub on grove green road a while ago when you open your channel you met with such respect truly great content you help me discover London and made it so interesting with the facts and history makes me proud born in London I show your videos to my kids and I tell them that’s my friend 😂
Happy new year John, and great to see one of my favourite areas of London included in your perambulations. A couple of points of interest, (which you are probably aware of anyway); and those are that if the architectural character of Smithfield Market and Leadenhall Market look familiar it is because they were both designed by the city architect, Horace Jones who also designed Tower Bridge. All of these are early examples of prefabricated iron structures, (stone clad in the case of Tower Bridge of course). Also, if you haven't had a pint in the Fox and Anchor it is well worth a visit for the original cubicles towards the rear which facilitated confidential business meetings, ("business" doubtless being a loosely applied term in this instance!). Thanks again, and hope to see you on the next walk,...wherever that may be.
I think doing a lively walk and getting every detail right is quite rare. I go on guided walks and often stay stum when mistakes slip in, but I love your intervention from home to correct one! By the way another Clerkenwell guide informed me this week that the Jerusalem Tavern is 25 years old.
I’m here because someone mentioned this channel in the comments of a Joolz guides video. I am so glad that person left that comment as I’m enjoying John’s videos as well. Happy New Year! Cheers
I have been under Smithfield Market in the dark dank tunnels doing some work for a company called siemens rail. I feel privileged now. I find the history of London amazing and mesmerizing!. Thanks for your hard work and best wishes as you walk in the foot steps of Phyllis Pearsall.
Woow am going to over load on this channel... where have you been all my life. Just found you and can't stop... so easy to listen to you.. its as if we are walking together... THANK YOU
Thank you for this. I used to go to London for work on a regular basis and work with a client in St John’s Street. Loved seeing all the old places again - and am really regretting that I failed to visit all those beautiful places around Clerkenwell when I had the opportunity.
Great walk! Great having a look around the old buildings and streets of London, finding out about their history. Calm atmosphere of a New Years Day really was a treat!
Fascinating and so many familiar old haunts! Worked in St John Street for many years and had forgotten how much history per square metre there is in the area!
Thanks John, this walk brought back a lot of memories from my time working in St John Street. In fact at around 11.04 mins in your video, my old office at no.16 (furthest right of the 4 buildings) was also known as ‘Cross Keys’ as seen at the top of the facade, apparently mentioned in a Dickens novel (unsure of which). Prior to my company moving there in around 1992 the building was the derelict headquarters of The Communist Party of Gt Britain and left within along with old propaganda printing paraphernalia was an old station clock gifted from Moscow Central Railway station! Just a little footnote for you. Once again thanks and keep up the good work comrade!
Great video! I was in this area a few months ago. Wish I would have found your video before my vacation. Lots of great historical info on your amazing city! I will use it for my next trip.
Thanks again for another highly informative and entertaining video. I worked in Hatton Garden around the late 70s to early 80s and walked many of these streets youthfully unaware of history and stories around me. I have lived overseas since 1989 and in 2016 whilst back on a visit, I did a comprehensive walk in this area with the goal of informing myself of what I had casually passed many years before. The developers seem to have got their hooks into so many things around there, yet I felt a little like a time traveller as many buildings resolutely remain and layouts of streets became quickly became familiar.
Great to see you back John I have a long period of paternity leave coming up and John has been a real inspiration for me - my baby and I will be hitting the streets and seeing things. I'm reading through Iain Sinclairs' books at the moment and feel ready to tap into the city - maybe our paths will cross
Nice walk John. Clerkenwell is a smashing area of London with oodles of history and full or interesting characters. I used to work on Clerkenwell Road and at the time was able to park the car on land owned by The Charterhouse. Back then I was a roving engineer so a car in town was essential but it meant being up there around 7AM each day.. Getting up to town early had some benefits as some of the pubs around Smithfield market would serve gargantuan breakfasts to the meat porters and anyone else brave enough to tackle the extra large plate. There was no need for lunch.
A wonderful walk as usual. At the beginning when you are in Charterhouse Square I noticed a very familiar building in the background, Florin Court. As fans of the Poirot TV series will know, this was the building used as Whitehaven Mansions, where Poirot had his flat.
Happy New Year JOhn. Did you know part of "About a boy" was filmed in Clerkenwell Green? The Phone boxes outside the Crown Tavern were covered & became the Newspaper stand in the film. The house of the young boy was just around the corner to the left. I worked opposite the pub for NetBenefit way back & from memory COLT (City of London Telecoms) was based in the silvery fronted office block. I believe on the last day of filming Hugh Grant bought drinks for everyone in the Crown Tavern... or so my System Admins told me. The building on the right as you go into Clerkenwell Green was the headquarters of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hi John- Working around that area for a good few years it was nice to see it again . I used to have an early morning Full English with a pint of Guiness in the Fox & Anchor with the Meat Market lads . I would be sorry to see the market go as another part of history would be lost. Keep safe ...............Cheers Kev
Hi John, Clerkenwell was the heart of the London clock and watch trade for nigh on 350 years, and was still there up to the 1970's. I remember going to 'Shoots & Sons' which was about the most famous material dealers in the area. I believe there just a few dealers left now one being Gleave & Co who have traded there since 1948. Great video as always. AAA+++
I’ve visited London 31 times in the past 20 years, and realize I still have so much to see. I’ll be there again soon and plan to hit some of the places you describe. I always walk everywhere, average about 10 miles a day, when I visit London. Getting lost is one way to discover so many hidden gems. Being from the US, we just don’t have the history……it keeps taking me back to this incredible city. I hope developers don’t tear down Smithfield Market. It should be a protected building.
Pausing at 5:06 so as not to forget to mention an important though imaginal individual who lived in Charterhouse Square in that fabulous curvy brick building seen at 00:15. This Californian's heart leapt when I saw Hercule Poirot's home and office, from the series starring David Suchet.
wonderful as always John. just having a cold beer while watching your video. My Malaysian wife is just preparing a fish curry. The perfect evening. I really should go to London more often. Bob.
I have walked around here a lot John. However, you make it even more fascinating - thanks for another excellent video and I loved the helpful interruption.
Wonderful as always, Happy New Year! This sent me down another rabbit hole, looking at the domes of Smithfield Market - they looked familiar to me, like a dome I've seen somewhere local to me (Southend). I discovered the architect was Ove Arup, who designed the Sydney Opera House, and (bizarrely!) the Labworth Cafe on Canvey Island! Thank you John, absolutely love your channel. I can't wait to go out investigating again.
Thank you from an Australia who adores the area and stays there on Clerkenwell Road. Please visit the Wyvern Book Binders in Clerkenwell Road. It is an Aladins's Cave in the true spirit of graphics design and books. The Jeruslem Tavern is our favourite pub.... St John's is never open. Also thank you for eludation of the Building you found out was The Old Sessions House we walked past there daily on our way to the city especially the BM, and wondered what the building was as it is very posh inside.
Eeek I canna believe developers want to tear it down...rather than develop, fix the stuff we have. I'm really enjoying your videos john. The mix of history, lost information and nature is right up my alley..
I think the Museum of London will be moving in, so looks like it will survive.
It is one of the reasons I got out of working in the construction industry, I couldn't sleep in good consciousness as it became clear that I was part of the problem in destroying the city that I love.
City of London wants to tear it down. Different entity run by bankers. Kinda London's shadow government
@@dambrooks7578 you should use your construction expertise in restoration architecture, then. I’m sure there is a need for that, especially in old England.
@@Mistydazzle I do not have the financial backing to do such work, instead building is now so poorly run that homes are built that will struggle to still be standing in fifty years. All because quick profit is seen as important, restoration is seen as profit loss, so isn't done when tearing it down is so much easier.
This guy can tell no lies without being completely devastated - absolutely love it 😃
@@psr0459 Yes indeed....a mistake would be a more appropriate phrase....he would never tell untruths on purpose ;)
I used to work for a shitty company (MAS Market Research) in St John's Square from '87-88. My favourite parts of the day were the walk to and from Farringdon station because I would walk past St John's Gardens and then go through St John's Path. The winter nights oozed history and ghosts would pepper my imagination especially when it was foggy.
God, I love that part of London. You've inspired a day out. Thank you.
Great walk! My mom was born in Clerkenwell but evacuated during the war with her sister and baby brother to the Midlands where my grandmother decided to stay for the open space. They would’ve returned to a flat after having a huge garden. My Grandfather joined them eventually after serving in the fire brigade through the blitz . Sadly they died when I was young and I missed out on so many precious stories. My grandparents lived in Compton Buildings but I’ve no idea if such a place still exists . Thanks again, these walks are a bounty of those stories x
I was born and brought up in central London, then came north but visited back to my roots several times a year since then. However, I may not be visiting so often in years ahead which means I really appreciate your videos both now and in time to come. I can almost smell the streets as you walk and talk. London. My first love. X
I was a Cycle Messenger for many years and used Live/squat and Work in Clerkenwell.. So many good times on a summer Friday evening hanging out with mates around the pubs about the Green.. Cheers Mush.
Cheers Wayne
i love Clerckenwell i LIVE on Percival street I walk all the time as much as I can I love London, im not a native but I LOVE to live in London absolutely, thank you for the awesome history about so much I didnt know🥰🥰🥰🥰
Welcome back John, hope you enjoyed your well-deserved rest. A nice film to start the year, and it's great getting the Sunday evening walk-fix again. I enjoyed seeing 'fact-checking John' too, a nice way to update us on what you'd said in the film. I dunno how you keep so much information in your head, so you're definitely allowed the odd clarification as far as I'm concerned!
Many thanks Steve - I really annoy myself with some of the mistakes but I also love just getting carried away with the spirit of the walk
♥️Thanks John
I worked for several years at Holborn library and have spent many happy lunch breaks exploring the area, which is my favourite part of London. There's so much ancient history represented there, one can always learn something new. The blue plaque at the end of Hatton Garden commemorating Hiram Maxim was only a recent and random discovery, simply by chance of looking up as I passed by. Great content as always John.
Great start to 2022. What a fascinating area on the outskirts of City. I’ve walked passed this area every day for years. I’m now retired. Lovely to see the Jerusalem Tavern. When I visited here with friends I found that it was owned by St Peter’s Brewery, in Suffolk. This was where I married my lovely, and late lamented husband in 2005. A building constructed of the remnants of Flixton Priory… all the connections. It’s was a joyful day in the heart of deepest rural Suffolk.
I walked through Clerkenwell Green many times when studying at City University in the 1960s and worshipped at St. James’ Church whilst on a visit to ‘the Smoke’ in 2021. It is a beautiful church inside.
this video has brought tears to my eyes ... I have made that walk a thousand times between the train station and the store where i worked
Hi John, I have recently found your brilliant and fascinating video’s,. Although a Londoner myself I left in 1989 and am learning so much about our great city. How I wish I could travel back in time to see how London looked back in the times you interesting describe. Many many thanks.
Hey Neil, may I ask where you lived - and where are you now?
I used to live in London on various occasions between the years of 1999 and 2006. I miss walking along the many interesting streets and being part of the many lovely architecture of London. Hope to return soon. Meanwhile, hope nothing changes much. I hope more people would take an interest in preserving London as the most interesting city in the world.
I’m really enjoying your videos John, I’ve lived in London all of my 59 years and I’m still learning more about it everyday 😀
Happy new year John and the community hope you all had a great time. Looking forward to the new walks, wherever they may be 👍
Happy new year John. Clerkenwell is especially of interest to me, as my late Dad grew up there and it features heavily in my family tree. Thank you for walking around the area and your knowledge of the local history.
Great job buddy, used to go every Friday evening to the Duke of York on the corner of Clerkenwell Rd and Vine Hill back in 2000’s when I was working as a courier, also worked for the courier company just of Hatton Gardens for a while so know the area like the back of my hand . Loved it all apart from the chavs harassing everyone on a daily basis from the rotten city rd / angel area. Hope things changed by now. Greetings from Liverpool pal
me too.. Its called the Clerk and Well now .. To posh for couriers for bout the last 10/12 years..
John apologies accepted lol...thank you thank you lived in Islington (Highbury) since 1988 and you've shown me street sights that I never new existed love Clerkenwell worked and spend many nights out in that area..God bless keep up the good work
Thank you John, wonderful stuff for an exiled Londoner far from home to enjoy and learn from.
Excellent video. Slowly working through your back catalogue, love your passion for London and it's incredible history. I think the face you thought was possible a green man looks to me to be more like Pan.
Hi John what a beautiful walk. I use to work in this area and miss it so much. I've seen it at all times of day and it always has that inspiring feeling no matter what time of day it is.
I must get back for a walk around there later this year.
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and making these informative video's I do look forward to Sundays.
Take care and look forward to the next one, wherever that may be! 😊
A trip down memory lane for me and a reminder of happy days working in that area of London. It's great to have the historical background for the buildings we walk by. Thanks.
Absolutely first class as usual John - wonderful stuff : )
Hi John great video as usual,the fox & anchor was famous back in the day for opening at 3 am to serve booze & breakfasts to the meat porters ,pity you didn't mention the watch,clock& jewellery trade which occupied all of the back streets for 100's of years,worked in the trade there for years, our landlord was charterhouse,i used to go in there to pay the rent. cheers, Ray.
I just posted this on Julian McDonnell's website and so, true to my word...
Joolz Guides and John Rogers: in some ways so different, in some ways so similar - and yet both excellent in terms of quality and interest. I'd love to hear you swapping stories about your journeys around London and to compare and contrast your different approaches to storytelling and film-making. In fact, I think I might repeat this exact request on John's channel and see if anything comes of the suggestion!
All the best from a Melburnian Londoner.
I’m here because of the comment you posted over on Joolz Guides lol
Thank you for that, I’m enjoying seeing London from a different perspective. Cheers
And Sean James Cameron as well. That would make an interesting and entertaining trio.
Hear hear Phil - I find they scratch different itches for me - perhaps John a more contemplative and meditative (the wonderful music helps) and Joolz is more factual and jolly.
I follow both and they are outstanding - simply outstanding
All these mentioned are excellent, has anyone seen Robslondon channel ? RUclipss recent creator on the rise. The research, narrative and atmospheric music makes for entertaining videos. He fits in well with the London gang !
That was great John. You walked past where my grandfather had his gold & silversmith's business in St.John Street, Clerkenwell, in around 1896. Mappin & Webb were also near there.
I use your videos in two ways, one for learning English purpose, shadowing method, repeat sentences after you. Second for pleasure and getting knowledge about the city I'm living now. Thank you. All the best in the New Year!
That’s wonderful Andrew - great to see the videos are useful
Great video again John, thank you. Rumours have it that the Museum of London will take over some of the Smithfield Market retaining its current features.
Also a bit of rumoured folklore about the Charter House is where the Offside and throw in laws in association football were created. Apparently when the school was there the children would play with a ball in the cloisters and occasion the ball would fly out of one of the arches (now windowed up) and the young pupils were sent out the retrieve the ball and throw it back into play. And then the offside to stop players hiding behind the pillars and waiting the ball to come up to their end of the pitch for them to run out and have a free shot on goal. Whether that is true or not I am not sure but it seems plausible.
I remember the rumours that the Museum of London will go there but as yet haven’t seen this, but what a great location it would be.
Its true, the museum is going to move to smithfield , it will occupy the part of the market known as the village, also the annexe which is located at the farringdon rd end of the market,
I cannot but think we must of rubbed shoulders at some point in the 26 years that I lived in London. Great to see Clerkenwell again. The Kings Head in particular where yes we used to stand on the pavement drinking also. So many good memories of the area especially Jerusalem Passage where the stained glass studio I worked for at the time was situated. Thank you again for doing these walks and don't ever apologise for getting bits wrong. You get far more right and it is all part of your video's. Keep em coming. I hope Smithfields survives but the hands of time and all that. Interesting to note that some of the buildings we installed stained glass into only 30 years ago that were new builds are now gone replaced by new new builds! All part of the ever changing face of London and its story.
I am in UK for the first time and discovering Clerkenwell right now while on vacation. I can’t believe I bumped into your videos. They are so instructive. I am planning to see even more locations tomorrow thanks to you.
Mr. Rogers, a very hearty thanks for these fascinating and authentic walk-abouts. Britain's history is so rich...good, bad and everything in between. Much obliged! : { )
Thank you .. Im in Saint John Street, a bit North of Smithfield, good to know some things of the area
the caledonian cattle market became a normal market and then it was one of the first astroturf (all weather)football pitches in the country ... in fact I've got some photos of the group Madness filming a promo shoot there ... proably 35 years ago???
The Fox and Anchor is a really nice pub. During my time working in the City of London. I had a few breakfast meetings in this pub. At 08:30 you could have a full and I mean full English breakfast. It was huge. And a pint of Guinness for about £6. This was in the 90’s. There were a few pubs around Smithfield market which open from 02:30 when the market opened for the traders. An old tradition, long before they charged the drinking laws and opening times. The landlord/chef looked like he had eaten the profits but a great guy and cooked a mean breakfast.
Loved The Charterhouse and what fascinating Medieval locales. Yon do cram a lot into such a short space of time. Scintillating stuff, John.
Great upload. Thanks for sharing. I am new to living 8n Clerkenwell. It is a great part of Town with so much history. It is fascinating learning more about the Russian connection in Clerkenwell also. Speaking of underground rivers and tunnels. There is something very serious underneath Clerkenwell of a Government/MoD nature.
The character above the arch near Charterhouse could be Silenus - a minor Roman nature deity usually pictured as a satyr with large ears, and associated with Dionysus/vines/wine. Thank you for this great video!
John, I so love your walking tour videos, you are full of enthusiasm and information. I used to work in Charterhouse Square and on Little Britain (Barts and QMUL) I knew I was in special places, but not so much about the history behind them
haha i am catching up - 2022! hehe the BOING noise was fun - as was the intermission for your "correction", ha! and a [very] belated happy 2022 to you as well, john! 😊
Hi John! Just found you on RUclips, so am now binging your videos. They're great! Happy New Year from a new fan in the US.
That’s wonderful - cheers Meg, much appreciated
Sipping a cup of tea and watching a Sunday staple with my favourite topic of wells and springs, buried rivers, along a walk with history....
I love Clerkenwell. So historical.
Great walk. Eye-opening as always.
Hi john it’s the boy with gold tooth you met me by Heathcote pub on grove green road a while ago when you open your channel you met with such respect truly great content you help me discover London and made it so interesting with the facts and history makes me proud born in London I show your videos to my kids and I tell them that’s my friend 😂
Happy new year John, and great to see one of my favourite areas of London included in your perambulations. A couple of points of interest, (which you are probably aware of anyway); and those are that if the architectural character of Smithfield Market and Leadenhall Market look familiar it is because they were both designed by the city architect, Horace Jones who also designed Tower Bridge. All of these are early examples of prefabricated iron structures, (stone clad in the case of Tower Bridge of course). Also, if you haven't had a pint in the Fox and Anchor it is well worth a visit for the original cubicles towards the rear which facilitated confidential business meetings, ("business" doubtless being a loosely applied term in this instance!). Thanks again, and hope to see you on the next walk,...wherever that may be.
Great video John. I enjoyed the almost Pythonesque intervention. Happy New year!
I think doing a lively walk and getting every detail right is quite rare. I go on guided walks and often stay stum when mistakes slip in, but I love your intervention from home to correct one! By the way another Clerkenwell guide informed me this week that the Jerusalem Tavern is 25 years old.
Absolutely the best ..John is a wonderfully engaging companion on these fascinating walks ..Thanks John
This has become my favourite you tube channel 👏👏👏 brilliant
many thanks Dave
I’m here because someone mentioned this channel in the comments of a Joolz guides video. I am so glad that person left that comment as I’m enjoying John’s videos as well. Happy New Year!
Cheers
I am watching every step you take while reading the "London Compendium". So much fun !
Just. Super! ⚘⚘⚘ Thanks!
I have been under Smithfield Market in the dark dank tunnels doing some work for a company called siemens rail. I feel privileged now. I find the history of London amazing and mesmerizing!. Thanks for your hard work and best wishes as you walk in the foot steps of Phyllis Pearsall.
Great walk brought back memories of 87/88 when i worked for Addison lee, used to drink in clerkenwell on the weekends...... 👍
Woow am going to over load on this channel... where have you been all my life.
Just found you and can't stop... so easy to listen to you.. its as if we are walking together... THANK YOU
welcome to the channel tiddlesthatsmycat - thanks for watching the videos
Surely not tear down Smithfield market😱...we so love your walks ,this was a great one.
Also, Happy New Year John and everyone else xXx xXx
Thank you for this. I used to go to London for work on a regular basis and work with a client in St John’s Street. Loved seeing all the old places again - and am really regretting that I failed to visit all those beautiful places around Clerkenwell when I had the opportunity.
I thoroughly enjoyed the video, beautiful old buildings and fascinating history. Thank you
Great walk! Great having a look around the old buildings and streets of London, finding out about their history. Calm atmosphere of a New Years Day really was a treat!
Thank you! Thank you a lot! Many previous walks to cutch up and many to come!
Fascinating and so many familiar old haunts! Worked in St John Street for many years and had forgotten how much history per square metre there is in the area!
Nice to see a shout out to the Jersulem Tavern - my favourite pub in London! Amazing bitters, stouts and red ales from St. Peters Brewery.
Thanks yet again for your marvellous videos.
Thanks John, this walk brought back a lot of memories from my time working in St John Street. In fact at around 11.04 mins in your video, my old office at no.16 (furthest right of the 4 buildings) was also known as ‘Cross Keys’ as seen at the top of the facade, apparently mentioned in a Dickens novel (unsure of which). Prior to my company moving there in around 1992 the building was the derelict headquarters of The Communist Party of Gt Britain and left within along with old propaganda printing paraphernalia was an old station clock gifted from Moscow Central Railway station! Just a little footnote for you. Once again thanks and keep up the good work comrade!
All the best in the next cycle, always a pleasure! Cheers
Great video! I was in this area a few months ago. Wish I would have found your video before my vacation. Lots of great historical info on your amazing city! I will use it for my next trip.
I used to work on St. John's Lane so this video brings back some memories. I've even enjoyed a few beers in The Jerusalem.
Lived in Claremont square most of my life can’t wait to watch this video
Hope you enjoy it Sarah
Thanks again for another highly informative and entertaining video. I worked in Hatton Garden around the late 70s to early 80s and walked many of these streets youthfully unaware of history and stories around me. I have lived overseas since 1989 and in 2016 whilst back on a visit, I did a comprehensive walk in this area with the goal of informing myself of what I had casually passed many years before. The developers seem to have got their hooks into so many things around there, yet I felt a little like a time traveller as many buildings resolutely remain and layouts of streets became quickly became familiar.
Great to see you back John
I have a long period of paternity leave coming up and John has been a real inspiration for me - my baby and I will be hitting the streets and seeing things. I'm reading through Iain Sinclairs' books at the moment and feel ready to tap into the city - maybe our paths will cross
congratulations on the birth of your baby Radders - many many happy days ahead
Nice walk John. Clerkenwell is a smashing area of London with oodles of history and full or interesting characters. I used to work on Clerkenwell Road and at the time was able to park the car on land owned by The Charterhouse. Back then I was a roving engineer so a car in town was essential but it meant being up there around 7AM each day..
Getting up to town early had some benefits as some of the pubs around Smithfield market would serve gargantuan breakfasts to the meat porters and anyone else brave enough to tackle the extra large plate. There was no need for lunch.
A wonderful walk as usual. At the beginning when you are in Charterhouse Square I noticed a very familiar building in the background, Florin Court. As fans of the Poirot TV series will know, this was the building used as Whitehaven Mansions, where Poirot had his flat.
Happy New Year JOhn. Did you know part of "About a boy" was filmed in Clerkenwell Green? The Phone boxes outside the Crown Tavern were covered & became the Newspaper stand in the film. The house of the young boy was just around the corner to the left. I worked opposite the pub for NetBenefit way back & from memory COLT (City of London Telecoms) was based in the silvery fronted office block. I believe on the last day of filming Hugh Grant bought drinks for everyone in the Crown Tavern... or so my System Admins told me. The building on the right as you go into Clerkenwell Green was the headquarters of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
An absolute joy - thank you
Hi John- Working around that area for a good few years it was nice to see it again . I used to have an early morning Full English with a pint of Guiness in the Fox & Anchor with the Meat Market lads . I would be sorry to see the market go as another part of history would be lost.
Keep safe ...............Cheers Kev
Marvelous walk, thank you. Also, happy birthday!
Hi John, Clerkenwell was the heart of the London clock and watch trade for nigh on 350 years, and was still there up to the 1970's. I remember going to 'Shoots & Sons' which was about the most famous material dealers in the area. I believe there just a few dealers left now one being Gleave & Co who have traded there since 1948. Great video as always. AAA+++
Thanks for that info Michael
just brilliant to watch the video so much knowledge
Many thanks Kevin
I’ve visited London 31 times in the past 20 years, and realize I still have so much to see. I’ll be there again soon and plan to hit some of the places you describe. I always walk everywhere, average about 10 miles a day, when I visit London. Getting lost is one way to discover so many hidden gems.
Being from the US, we just don’t have the history……it keeps taking me back to this incredible city.
I hope developers don’t tear down Smithfield Market. It should be a protected building.
Pausing at 5:06 so as not to forget to mention an important though imaginal individual who lived in Charterhouse Square in that fabulous curvy brick building seen at 00:15. This Californian's heart leapt when I saw Hercule Poirot's home and office, from the series starring David Suchet.
I love doing London rambles. Really good to have someone pointing out all the history I would often miss. Cheers.
wonderful as always John. just having a cold beer while watching your video. My Malaysian wife is just preparing a fish curry. The perfect evening. I really should go to London more often. Bob.
So interesting, I love the history that was often left out when we were taught at school. Thank you and a happy new year 💕🇦🇺
I have walked around here a lot John. However, you make it even more fascinating - thanks for another excellent video and I loved the helpful interruption.
Many thanks- I love it round here so it’s great to be able to share
Wow, John you are a total national treasure and your work is amazingly knowledgeable and respectful of our great City. Thank you.
Happy new year, I have just started with your tours and really enjoy them
This popped up in my recommendations. Great stuff. Subbed
Happy New Year, John! Bits of this remind me of a medieval village. So evocative.
Thanks for the video and the book tips John.
A great way to see in the new year John, nicely done
I will put your bloopers down to an exuberant New Year's Eve celebrations, but a great video nonetheless John😊😊
Many thanks wombat - I did indeed have a cracking NYE watching the fireworks on Wanstead Flats
i work in farringdon and really enjoyed learning about all the amazing history of the area. thank you for putting this together
Beautiful! I was a student at City and my accommodation was near Smithsfield Market. Loved the walk around, so many memories!
Just discovered your channel and I love it! I visited London almost 5 years ago and would love to make it back someday. You have a new subscriber
Thanks John. You bring a nice vibey sense of place to these videos.
A hauntingly beautiful walk through London history and geography. I love the music also. Thank you!
Brilliant video and so informative thank you very much.
Wonderful as always, Happy New Year! This sent me down another rabbit hole, looking at the domes of Smithfield Market - they looked familiar to me, like a dome I've seen somewhere local to me (Southend). I discovered the architect was Ove Arup, who designed the Sydney Opera House, and (bizarrely!) the Labworth Cafe on Canvey Island! Thank you John, absolutely love your channel. I can't wait to go out investigating again.
That's an interesting fact about Canvey!
Thank you from an Australia who adores the area and stays there on Clerkenwell Road. Please visit the Wyvern Book Binders in Clerkenwell Road. It is an Aladins's Cave in the true spirit of graphics design and books. The Jeruslem Tavern is our favourite pub.... St John's is never open. Also thank you for eludation of the Building you found out was The Old Sessions House we walked past there daily on our way to the city especially the BM, and wondered what the building was as it is very posh inside.