I visited the decommissioned station in the 1980's soon after it had closed and was horrified at how dirty and black from coal dust etc. the inside was with broken machinery and discarded equipment covering the floor. I spent all day assessing some machinery and after emerging from the dark dirty environment just wanted to get home for a shower. I probably will never forget the majesty of the buildings exterior. Great video Rob , most enjoyable.
Brilliant comment Stephen, thank you. I doubt many people visiting today can even begin to imagine the state you experienced it in back then! Cheers and stay well 😉
Was Battersea all chain grate stoker boilers? It is my understanding that chain grate stoker boilers will always have more unburned coal particles in the bottom ash than a boiler with pulverizers. A modern (70s) pulverizer boiler is very clean as there are very few places for coal to escape from the process. Plus the bottom ash is largely contained by system that captures it in water and transports it as a slurry for dewatering and disposal. I expect that working on a bottom ash removal crew of an old plant like Battersea had to be absolutely disgusting by our modern standards.
@@curtislowe4577 From memory I think the A station was chain grates, and the B station was pulverised fuel, but it’s a long time since I saw it, just after the A station closed.
Well done. great facts As a Canadian from Toronto who lived with aussies in a flat on Queenstown rd for a couple of years I remember every night after work walking past this lovely Art Deco piece of art Fond memories and times in damp rainy London. I brought my children back to London before they entered Uni. 10 years ago I have to return to see the old place
I visited Battersea Power Station with a friend only yesterday. We were very impressed and really overwhelmed with the large scale of the new development. My Uncle had worked at Battersea Power Station when it was operational. I remember as a child being terrified of his extremely loud voice. This developed apparently, due to the deafening sound of the machinery in operation and the men who worked there having to shout to each other to be heard. We had booked for the Lift 109 Experience, which was exciting and futuristic. The views at the top were breath taking. As a very young woman, I used to commute by train into London and would pass the building every day. Its a shame that the view is now obscured by modern high rise developments. I had hoped that there might have been a museum with historical photos from the past and I was secretly hoping to see a photo of my then young Uncle at work somewhere amongst the 1000 staff employed there. In the gift shop there was nothing much around the history, although the young lady at the till had thought that there might be a book of the history on the building being developed. A great day out, where nostalgia meets the future.
Such a fantastic comment Frances, thank you so much for sharing- I really enjoyed reading this! I agree; there should be a museum at the site! Thanks again and stay well.
G'day Rob , well that bought alot of memories back of my dear old dad . He worked at Batersea Power station in late 50s , he had an accident there wich smashed his right hand . I'm glad it's still there and it looks amazing inside. All the best form down under mate 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Well done to the Malaysian investors. The ingenuity and modern feel reminds me of the super modern malls I have visited in Asia. It’s a fresh and beautiful place that acts as a bubble away from the dirt and grime of everyday London.
Cheers, for this brilliant video essay. An excellent history lesson for this awesome building! Totally enjoyed the level of detail you employed and its execution.
I had the privilege to visit Battersea Power Station around November of 2022 and I was amazed at the enormous scale of the building and how readily it transported me back to the 1900s when things were made out of metal and stone. I loved the huge machines placed throughout that don’t let you forget the hard work being carried out during its previous life.
Growing up in the the '50s and '60s it felt like a straight line for me. Drayton Gdns, Beaufort St and Battersea Bridge though at that time - one of the quirks of living in a city with a very winding river - I couldn't have pointed to Pimlico on the map. Checking back after 60 years I realise that Battersea Bridge, Albert Bridge and Chelsea Bridge have become more or less interchangeable for me. I worked with Bob (R.I.P.) from '71 to '77 and he lived on the Nine Elms Estate and i found myself close a few times when I stayed over to babysit or listen to blues records till 4.00 am or whatever. The last time I saw it regularly was in the '90s when I commuted by train from Victoria to Croydon and/or Bromley for a while. Though I can clearly picture the walk from Victoria via the Mozart statue to Sloane Square, Pimlico is still rather like Narnia to me 🙂
My first view was by train heading into Victoria by train sometime in the mid 70’s. I was fascinated by the coal wharves and boats and a sense that what I was viewing was past its heyday. Over the following years and many trips into London that turned into regular commuting the dereliction grew. Thank you for bringing the story up to date. It’s been many years now since I have taken the train into Victoria.
A brilliant documentary once again, Rob. Even more so as my aunt, who once was a soprano singer in the famous D'Oyly Carte operas of Gilbert & Sullivan spending most of her life on the London stage, became an extra in the crowd scenes of 1984 towards the end of her career. Great to see the clip of 1984 again and all of the other great clips...
@@Robslondon Not in your clip but she does feature in scene with hundreds of other extras. I wonder if The Eurythmics soundtrack video was filmed at Battersea Power Station?
I absolutely adore this colossus and masonry masterpiece. Her resurrection is nothing shy of stupendous and I adore that she is still here with us refreshed and renewed in all her glory. Thank you for this video. It was awesome.
Thanks for this Rob. As a west-country bumpkin when I bought my copy of Pink Floyd's Animals, it took me quite a while to realise it was actually a real building. Fascinating history.
Really enjoyed your video , reminded me of when i worked there for a week or two in the early seventies as an electrical apprentice . The company i worked for had a maintenence contract there back then. So glad it wasnt demolished .
Greetings from South Africa. A very wonderful video, Rob. I left UK in 1974 but usually rode the Victoria / Brighton line into London so the power station was the signal to gather everything ready to leave. I have been in SA for nearly 50 years and never realised how the power station was created and reinvented. Most enjoyable. I've subscribed.
What an incredible 👏😍 post. I can't imagine the amount of work you put into this. Amazing history of Battersea Power Station 🚉. It was nice seeing the Sweeney again. I did read that you didn't get much time to view London from the lift though. Is it fully open now ? I read they were doing parts of it at a time. I thought they built the luxury flats in the building and was a bit 🤔😕 baffled how!!!! Great 👍 experience and looking forward to the next one.
In the Sherlock episode "A Scandal in Belgravia" (2012) Dr. Watson and the femme fatale have a showdown in the Battersea Power Station. I toured the Station with my Father in 1968 when it was in full operation. The dynamos at full speed were incredibly impressive. And note, like Godzilla, the attempt to electrocute Gorgo failed, which was good because Gorgo turns out to be a good monster! A favorite film.
This is a great video thank you. A two chimney BPS appears in the children's film foundation film entitled "Hue and Cry". Made in 1947. Many of the scenes also featured bombed out areas that had yet to be cleared after WW2.
Wonderful comment Fred, thank you so much. I didn’t know about that film, will have to look it up. As you’ll know, the Children’s Film Foundation films are real time capsules! Thanks again and stay well.
@@Robslondon You're welcome and thanks for your show of appreciation. I was raised in the 1970's, love the CFF, and I love researching their filming locations. You keep well too. I am subscribed as of today.
Battersea featured in an episode of the crime dramedy "New Tricks" where the furnaces were used to burn used £5 notes in the 50s, along with secret papers from the American Embassy. Alan Armstrong's character, Brian Lane, delivering a speech outlining the story of the Power Station.
Good morning, Rob again from Thailand. An excellent video you pulled all the stops out on this one. It's a positive point that all our history is so well documented. Some of the points you mentioned I was aware of and it was good to hear them mentioned Again thanks for all the research you do in making your videos
Just when I think that your videos have reached a climax of being amazing Rob, you present us with another masterpiece. I really don't know how you do it, but so much history, and information in a 30 minute video, complete with relevant clips etc. Keep up the amazing work.
@@Robslondon I just realised something tonight. I was watching an early episode of Poirot that I have on DVD, and Battersea Power Station is featured in the art deco opening titles. I'd forgotten all about it.
I wondered at the start of this if you'd do Lift 109. "Free Tours by Foot" showed it off just shortly after opening, and it looks like a pretty neat experience. As always, I've learned something here today..(Darn you, Rob!! LOL) LIKED 👍👍
I started working for BT, out of Nine Elms telephone exchange back in 1987. The power station was on my patch and we still went in there to maintain telephones, as there were people working inside it. I got to see its gradual demise as all the surrounding buildings were knocked down and the roof taken off. I think that the cranes outside should have been kept though.
@@Bobbibouchersmumwasright Ah, the late Keybridge Hse, with its leaky sub basement walls. I worked out of there from the early 90’s. It was used in the last series of Luther for some internal shots, but by then it was empty and awaiting demolition. There have been some RUclips videos saying how it was a top secret place!
@@spitfire1962 you are totally right .. i noticed a few things over those years as we were on lower levels under the building .. also the clue is probably in the name…. key-bridge (take from that what you will) 🧐
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing mate. Yours are the best info videos about London. You always seem to find the most interesting and entertaining 'quirks' of the capitol. 😅👍
Up the road from me is the Port Talbot steel works which was probably on a similar size scale as Battersea. This ic closing down as well. Very interesting video. Thank you
Wonderful documentary Rob. Though aware of how it was an icon of Pop culture, I never realised how often it was used by various different people, films and groups. I absolutely loved the subtlety of the BBC2 presenter acknowledging the power cut of the night before.
Superb video, I remember first seeing this amazing building on a school trip to Oostende in 1981 or thereabouts from the train to Dover. It’s a shame that view has now been blocked, but hey ho, the building has been saved.
What a superb and well researched production. I only just found your site, so it has to be liked and subscribed. That's my viewing for this Easter holiday and beyond sorted.
Brilliant vlog on the life of such a magnificent structure and how such a building like the Power Station can be brought back to life for future generations to hopefully marvel at its splendor - whilst here is Australia we do not have as many buildings with such grandeur we have lost many building in the past that I believe could have been brought back to life in like this one... thanks for sharing cheers Debz from Oz
Brilliant look at this magnificent building. Love your channel. I was a bit surprised you didn't mention the art deco inspired opening to the ITV's 1990s production of Poirot starring David Suchet which features this unmistakable image! Keep up the great work!
Super video thanks. We used to live behind the Battersea town hall and regularly saw projects being initiated and abandoned so it is so cool to see the power station and we can’t wait to get back and see it again
Brill Rob! My fav building in London…I did a painting of it years ago ,which is still hanging my living room today..was waiting for your mention of Richard the 3rd adaptation..Sir Ian McKellan and Annette Bening were brilliant in it , not to mention having a brilliant location..you’ll know thatSir Giles Gilbert Scott’s telephone box design was drawn from Sir John Soane’s family tomb as Scott was. Trustee. Loving your work..thank you ❤️
Hello Rob Great video. Sandra and I visited Battersea power station in September 21 two days before the tube station opened. I missed seeing the James Bond Aston Martin DB5. I saw the backside of the matchbox but failed to walk around to the front. We do the what if game and if we could afford it would you want to live in the power station or in a building that had a view of power station. As of today it is the view of the station. So we are staying at the art'otel. I believe the station was used in a New Tricks episode. We are so looking forward to our visit. Thanks Rob Take Care Chris and Sandra of Canada.
Hiya, Battersea resident here. Prior to the renovation the area was such an eyesore. From the train it was fine, but up close it was just a shithole. They'd tried, a bit. People would hold raves there, or odd industry markets, but on the whole it was just a dreadful thing. For a brief period, early in the Nine Elms construction phase it was glorious. The power station had been finished and looked fantastic, and the wider project wasn't yet begun. The area around it looked even worse, and then the Thais told us that the chimneys were unstable and had to be replaced. We thought they'd never go back up, and for a time it just didn't feel right to look in that direction and not see them - but unlike many developers Wandsworth's had to put up with, they were true to their word in this case. (Let's not discuss the unfulfilled social housing quotas that were supposedly part of the reason they were allowed planning in the first place - oh dear, I did anyway) In all, the area's so overdeveloped now it's ridiculous, and it's heading down my way. Lots of Battersea's going like this - they've torn down the warehouse shops (The B&Q, Homebases, etc) and up go more of these blocks. Out of my window is a forest of cranes that seems to be creeping ever closer. It feels like there's no room for residents any more, only for bought-off-plan, eternally-empty, unaffordable, soulless flats - some with views across London that nobody ever sees.
My memory from visiting London in the summer of 1988 was sitting on the train into Waterloo between Clapham Junction and Vauxhall watching the chimneys appear to rotate.
An excellent production Rob. An iconic building. Battersea Power Station symbolises London as much as the Houses of Parliament, the Routemaster bus or the Tube
This is a great vid for me Rob, I remember the Pink Floyd Pig, the film Up The Junction, which bought back the song Up The Junction by Squeeze, which bought back memories of my missus working with Jools Holland's mum June at Hindwoods Estate Agents in Charlton back in the 80s! Whew! 👍👍
@@Robslondon only ever seen the outside of the power station. On several occasions. Thru the years. I always have admired it. And whatever film or photo it appears in it's a beautiful iconic shape. In my view of your master piece. I'd have them new flats down .?? Ugly ? Dont like wind turbines either. Blot on the land scape. And at sea. So I'll have a look at your other stuff . Only come upon this one by accident . Loved it thank you.
Another electrifying production Rob. In my opinion one of your best yet. It’s a pity that the Lego Land style flats that cluster around Battersea Power Station are so devoid of any merit whatsoever. Monstrous carbuncles to quote a well-known royal personage.
Hi Rob, definitely "Battersea Power Station Station", they were asking for that one. So the signage on the tube station is wrong. I agree with your thoughts on the loss of the view from the rail approaches to Victoria, that's regrettable. The redevelopment is otherwise very sensible, placing the commercial risk not onto one company running an amusement park or whatever, but spread over hundreds of small and medium businesses which will never simultaneously go bankrupt (unless one of those apocalyptic films comes true).
Excellent. I feel my next London trip I'll be much more informed. I spent two weeks walking every day from Tower Bridge to the BFI for work, mostly down the South Bank in the crowds. Squeezing past the Globe. As you get down towards Westminster there are lots of buildings across the river with flags and towers. I have no idea what they are and didn't have time to investigate. Next time! Best wishes and thanks for the excellent vid.
This is FASCINATING! Thank you so much! I went to visit yesterday with family and friends and was utterly gobsmacked but the immensity of the structure. I wanted to see what it was like inside, so searched on YT and have loved watching this video, which covers even more information. This must have taken ages to collate and put together, but is a gem! Have now subscribed to you. Well done for your superb work. 👏👏👏👏
Excellent, wonderful and amazing video! Your videos are fascinating and this is one of the best. I also feel its a sad loss regarding the lost view of the power station while travel on the railway. I now need to watch some of the movies that you mentioned :) Looking forward to seeing your future videos.
Wow Rob - you’ve truly excelled yourself this time! This video is absolutely brilliant! I’ve watched a few vloggers’ visits to the newly opened complex, and had come to realise how little I knew about this amazing landmark - your offering has filled in the gaps, and I love the references to popular culture (especially since you included ‘Up The Junction’, which happens to be one of my all time favourites!). Love it - keep up the good work! 😊😊
I recently paid a visit to Battersea Power Station now that it is a shopping Mall. It’s vast and beautiful inside. We had a drink in the bar which was the control room and had lunch in Turbine B. It’s a great day out and so easy to get to on the underground to Battersea Power Station station!
Smashing Rob 👍 what an interesting video..thank you so much. Didn't you get some fascinating comments...what a lot of information and memories....people enjoying remembering... you are giving us so much pleasure. Well done !
I love this! A highly informative little video, full of interesting facts and cultural references. I went to the then derelict Battersea PS back in 2008 as part of a group, to do some photography, and we went a little way inside to see what was left of the turbine halls. The only resident then was one little fox living inside! Thanks again, Rob!
Brilliant comment Nellie! Thank you so much. I visited the site too when it was derelict, it’s a shame the cranes have been taken away. Oh well… hope the fox had a good life 😉 Thanks and stay well.
A fantastic effort Rob. Your videos are always superb but I particularly liked the way you merged fact and popular culture in this "mini documentary". It won't be long before the BBC come knocking on your door!😀 As for the nearby underground station.....it should definitely be called Battersea Power Station Station 😜. Monty Python would have wanted it that way.
Absolutely brilliant Rob, got to say you are fast becoming the David Attenborough of London infrastructure and history. Deserves so many more views. Um could you do a colab with Jay Foreman I'm sure it would benefit both of you? Thanks again just so comprehensive and interesting.
Thank you so much Paul, that means a lot to me. I doubt Jay Foreman even knows this channel exists though! ;-) I'll keep plugging away; cheers mate, really appreciate your support.
We’ve been there in a very recent tour of London we made with our grandkids,amazing architecture but it’s stuffed with shops of all the super expensive brands, will definitely change to draw the large masses of people
The power stations I once worked in had none of the grandeur of Battersea. The beautiful control room was depicted as a BBC transmitting station during 'The King's Speech' film. However, despite the technicians beavering away at the control panels to broadcast the King, all of the meters & dials are at zero. Oops! An oversight by the film company!
Another great video Rob! Really interesting history of such an iconic building - can’t imagine London without it! Hard to believe it was only in operation for about 50 years. I haven’t been to the new complex yet but would like to check it out. I love how you broke up the video with clips of BPS from films & TV and as usual I’ve learnt a lot! Thanks ❤
Thanks Rob, a very interesting watch. Being a 70s kid I remember watching Blue Peter's John Noakes did one of his daring tasks painting one of the chimneys.
Thanks so much Phil. I had no idea John Noakes did that (I love his Nelson’s Column stunt) will have to see if I can find a clip now! Cheers and stay well.
An excellent video Rob. I visit London very really since I retired and really must pay a visit to the power station and the the new tube station when I next visit the capital. The great pity is that some of the ugliest blocks of flats imaginable have been built close to the power station, ruining the once fantastic views from the surrounding area. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was a great architect, those responsible for the flats are not in the same league.
Thank you John, and yes- very well said. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott knew what he was doing and clearly had a vision for the power station... I dread to think how he'd react today if he could see what's been done to the view.
Brilliant video. I actually visited on a school trip in 1970 when I was 15, It really was awe inspiring. You missed The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus in the references, which usesthe building at possibly it's lowest point
Just visited from the States. Loved the power station. Monumental. Drinks in Control Room A. Highly recommend. Will return in October and show it off to my travel friend.
You mentioned the Southwark and Vauxhall water works which was closed in the early 20th century. I worked for Thames water from 1977 to 1990 and one of my first major jobs was to update drawings of the electrical installations of the various buildings I.e. stores, workshops and pumping plants for the Battersea works site which next door to the Station. I am not sure if there is a shaft connecting the London Water Ring main on the water works site. There is very little info from this period up to the privatisation of Thames Water.
@@Robslondon Thank you for your comments. I mentioned the Water Ring Main. Hampton PS is on that ring main and from the 50-60's a new strategy for pumping water where a Pumping Station or Booster Station was built called Sunnyside PS/BS on the Thames river side of Hampton PS . This new Sunnyside building was never used. If built today would be in the £ millions+. They were literrally throwing money down the drain (no pun intended) even then!
What an excellent record of this iconic building. Well researched and well produced
Thank you!
I visited the decommissioned station in the 1980's soon after it had closed and was horrified at how dirty and black from coal dust etc. the inside was with broken machinery and discarded equipment covering the floor. I spent all day assessing some machinery and after emerging from the dark dirty environment just wanted to get home for a shower. I probably will never forget the majesty of the buildings exterior. Great video Rob , most enjoyable.
Brilliant comment Stephen, thank you. I doubt many people visiting today can even begin to imagine the state you experienced it in back then!
Cheers and stay well 😉
What a relief to have the ultimate source of climate change to blame: one big, belching, beautiful Art Deco power plant, and not the U.S.! 😄
Was Battersea all chain grate stoker boilers? It is my understanding that chain grate stoker boilers will always have more unburned coal particles in the bottom ash than a boiler with pulverizers. A modern (70s) pulverizer boiler is very clean as there are very few places for coal to escape from the process. Plus the bottom ash is largely contained by system that captures it in water and transports it as a slurry for dewatering and disposal. I expect that working on a bottom ash removal crew of an old plant like Battersea had to be absolutely disgusting by our modern standards.
@@curtislowe4577 It would've been yes...
@@curtislowe4577
From memory I think the A station was chain grates, and the B station was pulverised fuel, but it’s a long time since I saw it, just after the A station closed.
Well done. great facts
As a Canadian from Toronto who lived with aussies in a flat on Queenstown rd for a couple of years I remember every night after work walking past this lovely Art Deco piece of art
Fond memories and times in damp rainy London.
I brought my children back to London before they entered Uni. 10 years ago
I have to return to see the old place
Beautiful comment Gordon, thank you. Hope you make it back here soon!
I visited Battersea Power Station with a friend only yesterday. We were very impressed and really overwhelmed with the large scale of the new development. My Uncle had worked at Battersea Power Station when it was operational. I remember as a child being terrified of his extremely loud voice. This developed apparently, due to the deafening sound of the machinery in operation and the men who worked there having to shout to each other to be heard. We had booked for the Lift 109 Experience, which was exciting and futuristic. The views at the top were breath taking. As a very young woman, I used to commute by train into London and would pass the building every day. Its a shame that the view is now obscured by modern high rise developments. I had hoped that there might have been a museum with historical photos from the past and I was secretly hoping to see a photo of my then young Uncle at work somewhere amongst the 1000 staff employed there. In the gift shop there was nothing much around the history, although the young lady at the till had thought that there might be a book of the history on the building being developed. A great day out, where nostalgia meets the future.
Such a fantastic comment Frances, thank you so much for sharing- I really enjoyed reading this! I agree; there should be a museum at the site!
Thanks again and stay well.
G'day Rob , well that bought alot of memories back of my dear old dad . He worked at Batersea Power station in late 50s , he had an accident there wich smashed his right hand . I'm glad it's still there and it looks amazing inside. All the best form down under mate 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Incredible comment Peter, thank you. Hope the injury didn’t affect him too much?
Well done to the Malaysian investors. The ingenuity and modern feel reminds me of the super modern malls I have visited in Asia. It’s a fresh and beautiful place that acts as a bubble away from the dirt and grime of everyday London.
BPS is so expensive, I cannot even afford to look at it from the other side of the river…..
😂
Is it just a huge retail outlet then?😢
@@tomgirldouble3249 Pretty much, yes...
@@Robslondon how disappointing, I thought it was an art gallery or entertainment venue…still at least it’s not been demolished🤔💜💙
Even talking about it costs money. A fiver please 😅
Cheers, for this brilliant video essay. An excellent history lesson for this awesome building! Totally enjoyed the level of detail you employed and its execution.
It’s an absolute pleasure, thank you so much for watching 😊
@@Robslondon Trick or Treat. : ruclips.net/video/jBcXqt9tpIA/видео.html November Rain.
I do love the Art Deco building style, and so glad that it has survived being flattened. Another fine informative video Rob
Thanks Paul!
@@Robslondon ruclips.net/video/p4nLDKgKqqg/видео.html November RAIN!
I love Art Deco architecture. I had the privilege to visit Hoover Dam last year and witness its beautiful art deco designs.
Your videos are so professional Rob.
Much appreciated Mark, thank you
That was a really interesting video. Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! :-)
I had the privilege to visit Battersea Power Station around November of 2022 and I was amazed at the enormous scale of the building and how readily it transported me back to the 1900s when things were made out of metal and stone. I loved the huge machines placed throughout that don’t let you forget the hard work being carried out during its previous life.
Growing up in the the '50s and '60s it felt like a straight line for me. Drayton Gdns, Beaufort St and Battersea Bridge though at that time - one of the quirks of living in a city with a very winding river - I couldn't have pointed to Pimlico on the map.
Checking back after 60 years I realise that Battersea Bridge, Albert Bridge and Chelsea Bridge have become more or less interchangeable for me.
I worked with Bob (R.I.P.) from '71 to '77 and he lived on the Nine Elms Estate and i found myself close a few times when I stayed over to babysit or listen to blues records till 4.00 am or whatever.
The last time I saw it regularly was in the '90s when I commuted by train from Victoria to Croydon and/or Bromley for a while.
Though I can clearly picture the walk from Victoria via the Mozart statue to Sloane Square, Pimlico is still rather like Narnia to me 🙂
What a wonderful comment Paul, thank you so much. I know what you mean about Pimlico, I’ve always found it tricky to navigate! Cheers and stay well.
Hullo from Canada! Just subscribed and looking forward to catching up on all your videos!…I’m loving your voice and your knowledge so far!!!!
Thank you so much Eric, it's lovely to have you here my friend! Really appreciate your kind words; much appreciated 🙂 Stay well and thanks again.
My first view was by train heading into Victoria by train sometime in the mid 70’s. I was fascinated by the coal wharves and boats and a sense that what I was viewing was past its heyday. Over the following years and many trips into London that turned into regular commuting the dereliction grew. Thank you for bringing the story up to date. It’s been many years now since I have taken the train into Victoria.
Beautiful comment Deborah, thank you.
A brilliant documentary once again, Rob. Even more so as my aunt, who once was a soprano singer in the famous D'Oyly Carte operas of Gilbert & Sullivan spending most of her life on the London stage, became an extra in the crowd scenes of 1984 towards the end of her career. Great to see the clip of 1984 again and all of the other great clips...
Thanks Phil, brilliant comment. Can you spot her in the film?
@@Robslondon Not in your clip but she does feature in scene with hundreds of other extras. I wonder if The Eurythmics soundtrack video was filmed at Battersea Power Station?
That's a great memory of your Aunt, and very appropriate to this video.
Oh how I loved Gilbert o'sullivan-Clare!
All gone soon.. ruclips.net/video/uuozlVCXpHQ/видео.html
Such a cool transformation of an iconic building with so much history, incredible design and engineering 🏭🌇🏭🌇
😄
I absolutely adore this colossus and masonry masterpiece. Her resurrection is nothing shy of stupendous and I adore that she is still here with us refreshed and renewed in all her glory. Thank you for this video. It was awesome.
Beautiful comment, and thank you so much for the kind words. Stay well.
Thanks for this Rob. As a west-country bumpkin when I bought my copy of Pink Floyd's Animals, it took me quite a while to realise it was actually a real building. Fascinating history.
Ha ha 😉 Lovely comment t Dave, cheers
after only ever seeing it from a distance and as an empty shell, i really must go and see it up close! fabulous building! another great video, Rob 😅
Thank you Sarah Louise! Yes, be sure to pop down there 😉
Really enjoyed your video , reminded me of when i worked there for a week or two in the early seventies as an electrical apprentice . The company i worked for had a maintenence contract there back then. So glad it wasnt demolished .
Lovely comment Mark, thank you.
Greetings from South Africa. A very wonderful video, Rob. I left UK in 1974 but usually rode the Victoria / Brighton line into London so the power station was the signal to gather everything ready to leave. I have been in SA for nearly 50 years and never realised how the power station was created and reinvented. Most enjoyable. I've subscribed.
Thank you for such a lovely comment, it’s good to have you here! Stay well ☺️
What an incredible 👏😍 post. I can't imagine the amount of work you put into this. Amazing history of Battersea Power Station 🚉. It was nice seeing the Sweeney again. I did read that you didn't get much time to view London from the lift though. Is it fully open now ? I read they were doing parts of it at a time. I thought they built the luxury flats in the building and was a bit 🤔😕 baffled how!!!! Great 👍 experience and looking forward to the next one.
Thank you so much Lesley! The lift experience lasts about 10 minutes.... you'll want to be up there all day though ;-)
Cheers again and stay well.
In the Sherlock episode "A Scandal in Belgravia" (2012) Dr. Watson and the femme fatale have a showdown in the Battersea Power Station. I toured the Station with my Father in 1968 when it was in full operation. The dynamos at full speed were incredibly impressive. And note, like Godzilla, the attempt to electrocute Gorgo failed, which was good because Gorgo turns out to be a good monster! A favorite film.
Great comment, I didn't know about the Sherlock episode. And yes, Gorgo gets to wade off into the Thames ;-)
This is a great video thank you. A two chimney BPS appears in the children's film foundation film entitled "Hue and Cry". Made in 1947. Many of the scenes also featured bombed out areas that had yet to be cleared after WW2.
Wonderful comment Fred, thank you so much.
I didn’t know about that film, will have to look it up. As you’ll know, the Children’s Film Foundation films are real time capsules!
Thanks again and stay well.
@@Robslondon You're welcome and thanks for your show of appreciation. I was raised in the 1970's, love the CFF, and I love researching their filming locations. You keep well too. I am subscribed as of today.
@@fredsmith6725 Thanks again Fred; it's wonderful to have you here. Really appreciate your kind words and support.
As a yank over here in Indiana, US, all I can say is BRAVO 👍💯🇬🇧 This is a wonderfully informative and entertaining episode!
Really appreciate that Bob! Thanks my friend ;-)
Wait I thought a yank was someone from New England?
Battersea featured in an episode of the crime dramedy "New Tricks" where the furnaces were used to burn used £5 notes in the 50s, along with secret papers from the American Embassy.
Alan Armstrong's character, Brian Lane, delivering a speech outlining the story of the Power Station.
Ah, nice one! 😉
What a stunning building. Love the references to all its appearances over the years..
Thank you!
Good morning, Rob again from Thailand.
An excellent video you pulled all the stops out on this one. It's a positive point that all our history is so well documented.
Some of the points you mentioned I was aware of and it was good to hear them mentioned
Again thanks for all the research you do in making your videos
It's a pleasure as always Butch, thank you so much for the kind words and support. Stay well ;-)
All your videos are interesting and good to watch. Thank you Rob
Thank you! Much appreciated ☺️
Just when I think that your videos have reached a climax of being amazing Rob, you present us with another masterpiece. I really don't know how you do it, but so much history, and information in a 30 minute video, complete with relevant clips etc. Keep up the amazing work.
Bless you Barry, thank you so much 😊 I love Battersea Power Station and had to do it justice!
@@Robslondon your passion came through without a doubt.
@@barrywa39 Thank you
@@Robslondon I just realised something tonight. I was watching an early episode of Poirot that I have on DVD, and Battersea Power Station is featured in the art deco opening titles. I'd forgotten all about it.
I wondered at the start of this if you'd do Lift 109. "Free Tours by Foot" showed it off just shortly after opening, and it looks like a pretty neat experience.
As always, I've learned something here today..(Darn you, Rob!! LOL)
LIKED 👍👍
😄
I started working for BT, out of Nine Elms telephone exchange back in 1987. The power station was on my patch and we still went in there to maintain telephones, as there were people working inside it. I got to see its gradual demise as all the surrounding buildings were knocked down and the roof taken off. I think that the cranes outside should have been kept though.
Good comment, thanks. Agree about the cranes, I'm not sure what happened to them... hopefully they've been stashed away somewhere...
I worked on Keybridge House I’m the 90s… we used to collect from the basement… creepy place lol
@@Bobbibouchersmumwasright Ah, the late Keybridge Hse, with its leaky sub basement walls. I worked out of there from the early 90’s. It was used in the last series of Luther for some internal shots, but by then it was empty and awaiting demolition. There have been some RUclips videos saying how it was a top secret place!
@@spitfire1962 you are totally right .. i noticed a few things over those years as we were on lower levels under the building .. also the clue is probably in the name…. key-bridge (take from that what you will) 🧐
Looking forward to another powerhouse of a documentary, Rob ❤
Cheers Phil!
Thank you Rob - the work which went into putting this together isn't lost on me. It's a very comprehensive yet accessible film. 5-stars!
Thank you so much…. Your kind words mean a great deal to me ☺️ Stay well.
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing mate. Yours are the best info videos about London. You always seem to find the most interesting and entertaining 'quirks' of the capitol. 😅👍
Really appreciate that, thank you ;-) Stay well.
It closed on my first birthday 🎈. Another excellent video Rob, once again you've knocked it out of the (Battersea) park!
Ha ha! Cheers Ted ;-)
Thanks Rob That was a very interesting video of Battersea power station and its history. Well done.
Much appreciated Ron, thank you!
Loved this, the music choices were great too 😊
Thank you 🤩
Up the road from me is the Port Talbot steel works which was probably on a similar size scale as Battersea. This ic closing down as well. Very interesting video. Thank you
Thanks Leanne. Yes, I know the steel works you mean, devastating for the community; very sorry to hear.
Wonderful documentary Rob. Though aware of how it was an icon of Pop culture, I never realised how often it was used by various different people, films and groups.
I absolutely loved the subtlety of the BBC2 presenter acknowledging the power cut of the night before.
Thanks Raymonda :-) Yes, it's a wonderful clip isn't it! Lucky it survived.
Amazing Rob. I knew it well when I lived in London and feared it would be torn down. Good to see it survive even with the depleted view.
Thanks so much Liam- yes, I'd rather have it there than not at all, that's for sure! Cheers and stay well.
Agreed, there are no perfect solutions, only trade-offs.
I have always loved Battersea Power Station. I look forward on my pending trip to London to go there to see it close up.
😊
Superb video, I remember first seeing this amazing building on a school trip to Oostende in 1981 or thereabouts from the train to Dover. It’s a shame that view has now been blocked, but hey ho, the building has been saved.
A wonderful comment, thank you 😊
What a superb and well researched production. I only just found your site, so it has to be liked and subscribed. That's my viewing for this Easter holiday and beyond sorted.
Thanks so much Ken, that means a lot to me. It’s lovely to have you here! Cheers and have a great Easter!
Brilliant vlog on the life of such a magnificent structure and how such a building like the Power Station can be brought back to life for future generations to hopefully marvel at its splendor - whilst here is Australia we do not have as many buildings with such grandeur we have lost many building in the past that I believe could have been brought back to life in like this one... thanks for sharing cheers Debz from Oz
Lovely comment Debz, thank you!
Brilliant look at this magnificent building. Love your channel. I was a bit surprised you didn't mention the art deco inspired opening to the ITV's 1990s production of Poirot starring David Suchet which features this unmistakable image! Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much Jim! I didn't think of that; been ages since I saw that series :-) Cheers and stay well.
Brilliant episode! Thank you for posting this!
It’s a pleasure; thank you for watching!
This is such a great video. Thanks for making it. I learnt heaps :)
An absolute pleasure Jamie! Thank you so much for the kind words 😄
Super video thanks. We used to live behind the Battersea town hall and regularly saw projects being initiated and abandoned so it is so cool to see the power station and we can’t wait to get back and see it again
Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words Toris. Stay well.
Brill Rob! My fav building in London…I did a painting of it years ago ,which is still hanging my living room today..was waiting for your mention of Richard the 3rd adaptation..Sir Ian McKellan and Annette Bening were brilliant in it , not to mention having a brilliant location..you’ll know thatSir Giles Gilbert Scott’s telephone box design was drawn from Sir John Soane’s family tomb as Scott was. Trustee. Loving your work..thank you ❤️
Thank you so much Lindi! Lovely comment. Yes, the tomb and Old St Pancras churchyard deserve a video of their own!
@@Robslondon ooh thank you and yes please 👌🏻
Hello Rob
Great video. Sandra and I visited Battersea power station in September 21 two days before the tube station opened. I missed seeing the James Bond Aston Martin DB5. I saw the backside of the matchbox but failed to walk around to the front. We do the what if game and if we could afford it would you want to live in the power station or in a building that had a view of power station. As of today it is the view of the station. So we are staying at the art'otel. I believe the station was used in a New Tricks episode. We are so looking forward to our visit. Thanks Rob Take Care Chris and Sandra of Canada.
A lovely comments as always :-) Thank you so much; truly hope you enjoy your stay!
Hiya, Battersea resident here.
Prior to the renovation the area was such an eyesore. From the train it was fine, but up close it was just a shithole. They'd tried, a bit. People would hold raves there, or odd industry markets, but on the whole it was just a dreadful thing.
For a brief period, early in the Nine Elms construction phase it was glorious. The power station had been finished and looked fantastic, and the wider project wasn't yet begun. The area around it looked even worse, and then the Thais told us that the chimneys were unstable and had to be replaced. We thought they'd never go back up, and for a time it just didn't feel right to look in that direction and not see them - but unlike many developers Wandsworth's had to put up with, they were true to their word in this case. (Let's not discuss the unfulfilled social housing quotas that were supposedly part of the reason they were allowed planning in the first place - oh dear, I did anyway)
In all, the area's so overdeveloped now it's ridiculous, and it's heading down my way. Lots of Battersea's going like this - they've torn down the warehouse shops (The B&Q, Homebases, etc) and up go more of these blocks. Out of my window is a forest of cranes that seems to be creeping ever closer.
It feels like there's no room for residents any more, only for bought-off-plan, eternally-empty, unaffordable, soulless flats - some with views across London that nobody ever sees.
An excellent and very thoughtful insight Jablička; thank you so much for taking the time to share.
Great Sunday evening video.
Thank Paul, enjoy 😉
I used to pass it twice a day monday to friday :-) I still live only up the road at Mitcham Common
Wow! Great content again and had forgotten somethings. Great to reminisce and at the same time to learn something new. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much Gill ☺️
Thanks so much for this marvelous piece.
It’s a pleasure, thank you for watching Phil
We have recently visited Battersea as it is now and we had so many questions! Thanks to you we now have many answers.
Thank you! Glad to help 😉
Wonderfully detailed and complete. Thank you so much!
It’s a pleasure Helene, thank you so much for watching 😊
My memory from visiting London in the summer of 1988 was sitting on the train into Waterloo between Clapham Junction and Vauxhall watching the chimneys appear to rotate.
Yes, exactly how it went past Bill. Nice comment.
An excellent production Rob.
An iconic building. Battersea Power Station symbolises London as much as the Houses of Parliament, the Routemaster bus or the Tube
Thank you Mike! And well said 😉
This is a great vid for me Rob, I remember the Pink Floyd Pig, the film Up The Junction, which bought back the song Up The Junction by Squeeze, which bought back memories of my missus working with Jools Holland's mum June at Hindwoods Estate Agents in Charlton back in the 80s! Whew! 👍👍
Great comment Tony 😉
Dennis Waterman starred in the film up the junction. A very good film.
@@kenh3344 He did, yes ;-)
@@Robslondon only ever seen the outside of the power station. On several occasions. Thru the years. I always have admired it. And whatever film or photo it appears in it's a beautiful iconic shape. In my view of your master piece. I'd have them new flats down .?? Ugly ? Dont like wind turbines either. Blot on the land scape. And at sea. So I'll have a look at your other stuff . Only come upon this one by accident . Loved it thank you.
@@kenh3344 Cheers Ken; much appreciated.
Thanks for a very informative video Rob. I appreciate how much work you do to pack each episode full of fascinating facts. 👍
Much appreciated Roy, thank you so much
Great and interesting content. I love it once again. Thanks Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍
Thanks so much Sharon ☺️
Another electrifying production Rob. In my opinion one of your best yet. It’s a pity that the Lego Land style flats that cluster around Battersea Power Station are so devoid of any merit whatsoever. Monstrous carbuncles to quote a well-known royal personage.
Thanks Mark- and well said 😉
Hi Rob, definitely "Battersea Power Station Station", they were asking for that one. So the signage on the tube station is wrong. I agree with your thoughts on the loss of the view from the rail approaches to Victoria, that's regrettable. The redevelopment is otherwise very sensible, placing the commercial risk not onto one company running an amusement park or whatever, but spread over hundreds of small and medium businesses which will never simultaneously go bankrupt (unless one of those apocalyptic films comes true).
Brilliant thoughts as always 😉 Cheers!
Excellent. I feel my next London trip I'll be much more informed. I spent two weeks walking every day from Tower Bridge to the BFI for work, mostly down the South Bank in the crowds. Squeezing past the Globe. As you get down towards Westminster there are lots of buildings across the river with flags and towers. I have no idea what they are and didn't have time to investigate. Next time! Best wishes and thanks for the excellent vid.
A great comment David, thank you so much. Hope you enjoy your next trip!
This is FASCINATING! Thank you so much! I went to visit yesterday with family and friends and was utterly gobsmacked but the immensity of the structure. I wanted to see what it was like inside, so searched on YT and have loved watching this video, which covers even more information. This must have taken ages to collate and put together, but is a gem! Have now subscribed to you. Well done for your superb work. 👏👏👏👏
Thank you so much Julie! I really appreciate your kind words; it’s good to have you here. Thanks again and stay well.
Excellent work, sir. Thank you.
Thank you so much 😊
Excellent, wonderful and amazing video! Your videos are fascinating and this is one of the best. I also feel its a sad loss regarding the lost view of the power station while travel on the railway. I now need to watch some of the movies that you mentioned :) Looking forward to seeing your future videos.
Such a lovely comment Darren, thank you- that means a lot to me. Cheers and stay well.
All your stuff is good - but this is just stand-out excellent.
That means so much to me Darrien, thank you my friend.
Great video. Really enjoyed learning the history of such an iconic landmark that I knew little about.
Thank you so much :-)
Another great video and lesson.. Wonderful, keep it up and thank you!
Thank you so much :-) Stay well.
Wow Rob - you’ve truly excelled yourself this time! This video is absolutely brilliant! I’ve watched a few vloggers’ visits to the newly opened complex, and had come to realise how little I knew about this amazing landmark - your offering has filled in the gaps, and I love the references to popular culture (especially since you included ‘Up The Junction’, which happens to be one of my all time favourites!). Love it - keep up the good work! 😊😊
Thank you so much Annette, a lovely comment 😊 Stay well
I recently paid a visit to Battersea Power Station now that it is a shopping Mall. It’s vast and beautiful inside. We had a drink in the bar which was the control room and had lunch in Turbine B. It’s a great day out and so easy to get to on the underground to Battersea Power Station station!
Smashing Rob 👍 what an interesting video..thank you so much. Didn't you get some fascinating comments...what a lot of information and memories....people enjoying remembering... you are giving us so much pleasure. Well done !
Thanks so much, Mr John. Yes, I'm lucky enough to have some great commentators ;-)
I love this! A highly informative little video, full of interesting facts and cultural references. I went to the then derelict Battersea PS back in 2008 as part of a group, to do some photography, and we went a little way inside to see what was left of the turbine halls. The only resident then was one little fox living inside! Thanks again, Rob!
Brilliant comment Nellie! Thank you so much. I visited the site too when it was derelict, it’s a shame the cranes have been taken away. Oh well… hope the fox had a good life 😉 Thanks and stay well.
Yes, the cranes! They were stunning up close I have heard they will put them back eventually, but who knows!
@@nelliemelba4967 Yes, I've heard a rumour they are in storage... let's hope it's true!
Brilliant documentary and its a beautiful building visited last week highly recommended
Thank you so much John!
A fantastic effort Rob. Your videos are always superb but I particularly liked the way you merged fact and popular culture in this "mini documentary". It won't be long before the BBC come knocking on your door!😀
As for the nearby underground station.....it should definitely be called Battersea Power Station Station 😜. Monty Python would have wanted it that way.
Ha ha! Lovely, lovely comment Muzza- made my morning :-) Thank you mate; cheers and stay well.
I'm just waiting for a Melbourne, Tina Arena Arena.
Absolutely brilliant Rob, got to say you are fast becoming the David Attenborough of London infrastructure and history.
Deserves so many more views. Um could you do a colab with Jay Foreman I'm sure it would benefit both of you? Thanks again just so comprehensive and interesting.
Thank you so much Paul, that means a lot to me. I doubt Jay Foreman even knows this channel exists though! ;-) I'll keep plugging away; cheers mate, really appreciate your support.
Another wonderful vlog so interesting and expertly researched glad it didn’t get knocked down
Thanks so much David ☺️
Well done with much I did not know about this iconic building. Thank you!
It's a pleasure Timothy, thank you for watching :-)
We’ve been there in a very recent tour of London we made with our grandkids,amazing architecture but it’s stuffed with shops of all the super expensive brands, will definitely change to draw the large masses of people
Best one yet Rob. Loved the in depth details of history throughout its life. Loved the Power Station but didn’t know much about it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much Doug ☺️
The power stations I once worked in had none of the grandeur of Battersea. The beautiful control room was depicted as a BBC transmitting station during 'The King's Speech' film. However, despite the technicians beavering away at the control panels to broadcast the King, all of the meters & dials are at zero. Oops! An oversight by the film company!
Ha ha! Great comment Peter ;-) Cheers.
Excellent work, Rob. A huge undertaking that must have taken you a long time, absolutely fascinating.
Much appreciated Matt, thank you so much for watching!
Blimey, so much interesting stuff in the video.
Great job Rob 😉
I've never been myself.
Thanks so much Basil! Hope you’re keeping well.
Another great video Rob! Really interesting history of such an iconic building - can’t imagine London without it! Hard to believe it was only in operation for about 50 years. I haven’t been to the new complex yet but would like to check it out. I love how you broke up the video with clips of BPS from films & TV and as usual I’ve learnt a lot! Thanks ❤
Thank you so much Louise 😊
Excellent, as usual. Thank you.
Many thanks ☺️
Really appreciate the work you've put into this - THANKS!
I truly appreciate that, thank you so much 😊
Amazing history, thank you.
Thank you ☺️
Brilliant video. Glad it came up on my RUclips suggestions.
Thanks so much William! Good to have you here ;-)
Thanks Rob, a very interesting watch. Being a 70s kid I remember watching Blue Peter's John Noakes did one of his daring tasks painting one of the chimneys.
Thanks so much Phil.
I had no idea John Noakes did that (I love his Nelson’s Column stunt) will have to see if I can find a clip now!
Cheers and stay well.
Brilliant video. So interesting. Well done.
Thanks so much Michael 🙂
An excellent video Rob. I visit London very really since I retired and really must pay a visit to the power station and the the new tube station when I next visit the capital. The great pity is that some of the ugliest blocks of flats imaginable have been built close to the power station, ruining the once fantastic views from the surrounding area. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was a great architect, those responsible for the flats are not in the same league.
Thank you John, and yes- very well said. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott knew what he was doing and clearly had a vision for the power station... I dread to think how he'd react today if he could see what's been done to the view.
You have made an excellent documentary, I leave a few miles away so will visit as a result of your film. Many thanks
Thank you so much Michael ☺️
Very interesting. Excellent documentation and presentation.
Thank you so much John.
Brilliant video. I actually visited on a school trip in 1970 when I was 15, It really was awe inspiring. You missed The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus in the references, which usesthe building at possibly it's lowest point
Thank you Dave 🙂
Just visited from the States. Loved the power station. Monumental. Drinks in Control Room A. Highly recommend. Will return in October and show it off to my travel friend.
Great comment, thank you! We may cross each other over the Atlantic as I'll be in the States in October ;-) Stay well.
You mentioned the Southwark and Vauxhall water works which was closed in the early 20th century. I worked for Thames water from 1977 to 1990 and one of my first major jobs was to update drawings of the electrical installations of the various buildings I.e. stores, workshops and pumping plants for the Battersea works site which next door to the Station. I am not sure if there is a shaft connecting the London Water Ring main on the water works site. There is very little info from this period up to the privatisation of Thames Water.
Really interesting David; thanks for sharing.
@@Robslondon Thank you for your comments. I mentioned the Water Ring Main. Hampton PS is on that ring main and from the 50-60's a new strategy for pumping water where a Pumping Station or Booster Station was built called Sunnyside PS/BS on the Thames river side of Hampton PS . This new Sunnyside building was never used. If built today would be in the £ millions+. They were literrally throwing money down the drain (no pun intended) even then!