London's Narrowest Alley (And Its Hidden Dark Past)

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  • Опубликовано: 25 ноя 2021
  • Brydges Place, which runs along the western edge of Covent Garden, is widely regarded to be London’s narrowest alleyway.
    In this video, I’ll be exploring this strange little route…. and looking into the tragic stories it hides.
    Thank you so much for stopping by to watch this video.
    I was recently named a RUclips ‘Creator on the Rise’ which meant the robslondon channel was placed on the trending page for 24 hours!
    I simply could not have done this without all of you; the support and kind words I’ve received over the past year have been truly heartwarming, and they’ve really spurred me on to keep producing content. So thank you again, to all of you. This achievement is ours to share!
    If you haven’t yet subscribed, I’d appreciate it very much if you could please consider doing so as this will ensure you don’t miss out on any future content, as well as helping the channel to grow. And don’t forget to click the bell icon too to receive a notification whenever I publish a new video!
    If you missed my previous video, which looked at London’s quirkiest railways- including the London Coliseum’s little internal train- then you can watch it here:
    • London's 20 Quirkiest ...
    My Etsy Store (robsonlinedesigns):
    www.etsy.com/uk/shop/robsonli...
    My website:
    www.robslondon.com/
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Other links related to this video:
    St Martin-in-the-Fields Church:
    www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/
    The London Coliseum Theatre:
    londoncoliseum.org/
    The Lemon Tree Pub, Covent Garden:
    www.lemontreecoventgarden.com
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Music used in this video:
    Scary Horror Music (Ross Bugden)
    • ♩♫ Scary Horror Music ...
    Hidden Agent (Kevin MacLeod)
    • Hidden Agenda
    Comfortable Mystery, Part 1 (Kevin MacLeod)
    • Comfortable Mystery Pa...
    Jazz Piano Bar (Doug Maxwell & Media Right Productions)
    • Video
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Illustrations by Robert Lordan.
    Thanks again for watching fiends. Stay well, and please be sure to stay tuned!
  • КиноКино

Комментарии • 543

  • @paulohagan3309
    @paulohagan3309 2 года назад +40

    It always strikes me how ironic it was that my Great-grandparents, living on a small farm in the back of beyond in Ulster, 30-40 years after a terrible famine, actually lived much better lives than many of the residents of the capital of the Empire.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +7

      A good point, thank you for sharing Paul. Stay well sir

  • @vintagevic4593
    @vintagevic4593 2 года назад +62

    A friend of mine lived down there in the early 1990s. He had a flat on an upper floor, the front door came out in Brydges Place next to that green arch. Apparently it was normally rented out to visiting opera singers et cetera who were appearing at Eno opposite. Luckily he was a thin man so was always able to get down the alley. One day he said, oh they’ve opened a piano bar downstairs, which we thought would be rather civilized. It turned out to be an early Pitcher & Piano (horrible bar for shouty after-work types) LOL. After that he would often find his front doorstep used as a toilet, and I’m talking the whole slum-dwelling night-soil Monty 💩🤢. Plus ca change.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +9

      Brilliant comment, thank you Vic!

    • @Tinydotonscreen
      @Tinydotonscreen 2 года назад +5

      @@Robslondon not a brilliant experience though

    • @robbie609
      @robbie609 2 года назад +4

      Very typical london life, I think i once fell asleep in some grabage bags in by the green doors! I had been at the club called Punk near to Poland street and obv got lost and tired!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      @@robbie609 :-D

    • @samsum3738
      @samsum3738 2 года назад

      @@robbie609 Not tired AND emotional , i hope .

  • @SeventhSwell
    @SeventhSwell 2 года назад +71

    I'm always happy to see interesting, well-researched, educational channels do well on RUclips. I don't know about other countries but it sure helps fill a massive void here in the US. Keep up the good work and I hope you find even more success here.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +8

      I really appreciate that, thank you. Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving this year 🥂 Thanks again and stay well.

  • @themadscotsman2159
    @themadscotsman2159 2 года назад +8

    I was in London last week and after watching a few of your videos including this one I went down Brydges place myself, it is indeed a blink and you'll miss it alleyway and very narrow at the St Martins lane end. I love wandering around London and going up and down all these walkways and alleyways just to see where they go, not fussed about the touristy sites, I've seen them but the lesser seen side of London, that is what I like. I went down Lower Roberts street as well after watching another of your videos.
    There really is a while lot to see if one just looks.
    Thanks for the great content and I look forward to exploring more of the places in your videos

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Brilliant comment; that means a lot to me; thank you! Cheers and stay well.

    • @themadscotsman2159
      @themadscotsman2159 2 года назад

      @@Robslondon Your welcome.

  • @johnsharp8632
    @johnsharp8632 Год назад +5

    I worked in Long Acre for a couple of years in the 1980s and discovered this alley. Its the sort of place where you look over your shoulder to see if you are being followed. I well remember the cigarette advert you discuss. It contained the words 'You are never alone with a strand'. Very informative video Rob once again and thanks for highlighting the living conditions and sheer misery of the bulk of the general public at that time. There was never a better time to be an aristocrat.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Год назад

      Nice comment John; much appreciated, thank you.

  • @helenbryant404
    @helenbryant404 2 года назад +10

    It’s shocking to realise the sheer degradation in some areas of our capital, right near centres of pleasure such as theatres. So sad and horrifying.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +3

      Yes, so true Helen.

    • @francessimmonds5784
      @francessimmonds5784 Год назад

      I thought it looked nice. If you wanna see real degradation go BACK in time.

  • @carolinebennett5615
    @carolinebennett5615 2 года назад +14

    I worked in Covent Garden until recently and know all of those streets and alleyways. Covent Garden is truly fascinating if you have time to linger beyond the tourist trap bits. I don’t work in London these days but work from home in Horsham. London is amazing, but there’s plenty of history in this little town too. We are lucky on this island; history is everywhere.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Many thanks for the lovely comment Caroline; couldn't agree more! Thanks again and stay well.

    • @mescko
      @mescko 2 года назад +1

      I have a mate in Croydon (I live on the west coast of the USA) who found it highly amusing that around here 1850 is considered old.

  • @MakeAllThingsBeautiful
    @MakeAllThingsBeautiful 2 года назад +8

    Rob your pitch and pace and sort of friendly smile in your voice works well as you deliver these incredibly researched historic trips down memory lane, and you make us want to visit even more.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +2

      Thank you so much Robert.... I can't express how much your kind words mean to me; very much appreciated. These are the sort of comments that push me to keep making videos. Thanks again mate and stay well.

  • @trevordance5181
    @trevordance5181 2 года назад +29

    The "You're never alone with a Strand" tv cigarette commercial is very memorable and interesting in terms of advertising history, as it was very popular with the public and the actor who played the lonely man became a bit of a celebrity at the time. The 'Lonely Man' theme music used in the ad was also a minor chart hit. However it didn't sell many cigarettes, in fact it had the opposite effect on sales, as the general public associated smoking the brand with being some sort of sad, and lonely loser. As such the brand was withdrawn from sale shortly after.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +4

      Thanks Trevor; that's a really interesting insight, I wasn't aware of that. Thanks again and stay well.

    • @2eleven48
      @2eleven48 2 года назад +4

      Hi, Trevor. Thank you for this really interesting information. Strand was indeed a popular brand - my father smoked it - but there were also others: woodbine, senior service, sobranie and so on, as you will no doubt know. The one that always struck me by its name was Passing Clouds, in an oval shape. Long gone now, but I do find that, amusingly, there is an e-liquid version available on the market.

    • @royksk
      @royksk 2 года назад +2

      They were relaunched as Regal and became the top selling brand.

    • @georgielancaster1356
      @georgielancaster1356 2 года назад +1

      I knew about the advert, I rememberhearing it. It must have been radio. I know it became associated with sad losers, as Alan Davies brought it up on QI, but I had never seen the photo.

    • @georgielancaster1356
      @georgielancaster1356 2 года назад

      @@royksk Did not know that. So Strand became Regal? I have a vague idea Regal might have reached Australia. Otherwise I must have chanced meeting a newly arrived Brit still on the cigarette supplies they brought out.

  • @crazyrobots6565
    @crazyrobots6565 2 года назад +7

    I thought "how in the hell could there be an 11 minute video about a single alley?"
    But I was left wanting even more!
    Love your stuff. You've earned a new subscriber.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Ha ha! :-) Thank you so much Crazy Robots; great comment and lovely to have you along. Stay well.

  • @ianbelsey2167
    @ianbelsey2167 2 года назад +12

    I know this alley well, not only as a cut through, but also from working in the Coliseum and out of the exit doors and straight into The Harp pub. Whether you're watching a show or appearing in it, the brass players from the orchestra always beat you to the bar!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Ha ha! Cheers Ian ;-)

    • @ianbelsey2167
      @ianbelsey2167 2 года назад +2

      @@Robslondon it also has another name in the trade which I'm too polite to disclose!

  • @danielmestriner8526
    @danielmestriner8526 2 года назад +20

    Not far from it is Goodwin's Ct, I often cut through that on my way from covent garden to Trafalgar Square. It really feels like you're stepping 150 years back leaving the noise and the tourists behind. That's one of the things I like the most about Covent Garden area: these twisted streets that tell you stories. Ah! If walls could talk! Well, here they do.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +3

      Nice comment Daniel; thank you!

    • @anitawarburton6087
      @anitawarburton6087 2 года назад +4

      Goodwin's Court is a magical! That was the alley I was going to suggest. Next time we are in London we will have to go round the block using Goodwin's Court and Brydges Lane to connect St. Martin's and Bedfordsbury.

    • @allisonday893
      @allisonday893 2 года назад +1

      @@anitawarburton6087 I went to Goodwins on a walking tour last summer. Literally like walking back in time.

  • @clivefelgate9802
    @clivefelgate9802 2 года назад +6

    Another proof that you can never know enough about your capital city. Londons history is so dense, even at my advanced age can always learn👍👍 keep safe and well.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +2

      Ha ha! Many thanks Clive. Stay well.

  • @peterwhy8032
    @peterwhy8032 5 месяцев назад +3

    I'm in the middle of reading "Wonderful London" (author unknown, published 1878, available on the archive web site). In the chapter titled "Cockney cave-dwellers" (pdf page 379 / text page 354), I read this:- "[Dudley Street] always was given over to vendors of old clothes and boots and shoes, and to a great extent it is now. The living cellars are under the old-clothes shops, and in many cases the wooden trap-door in the common pavement - the one only means of ingress and exit, of light and air - is festooned and overhung by old boots and trousers, much, I imagine, to the inconvenience of the subterranean lodgers."
    I was fascinated to see the 1872 Dore engraving (around 5 minutes in your video) showing Dudley street, complete with shoes on the pavement and trapdoors into the cellars.
    (By the way, in case my post appears twice, I previously posted a note about this a couple of days ago, but it seems to have vanished.)
    Peter

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks Peter! Good comment

  • @mattking241
    @mattking241 2 года назад +3

    Fascinating, Rob. Thanks. I've worked in London for 30 years and I though I knew it pretty well. Until I came across your channel LOL

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      That means a lot to me, thanks so much Matt.

  • @marksquires4836
    @marksquires4836 2 года назад +27

    This a fantastic piece of history, presented for all people around the world to enjoy and marvel at the brilliant architecture and rich history of the greatest city in the World, London! Thank you from Australia, Rob.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +3

      It’s an absolute pleasure Mark. Thanks for the kind words mate; cheers and stay well.

    • @matjust5523
      @matjust5523 2 года назад +6

      I agree mark, your comments are spot on, I enjoyed reading your post

  • @Conan500
    @Conan500 2 года назад +8

    I’ve walked along St Martin’s Lane so many times and have never noticed the passageway next to the Colosseum. Great video! 👍

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Ha ha! Cheers Phil! Stay well.

  • @sharonleong7120
    @sharonleong7120 2 года назад +4

    Thank you for sharing a great and interesting video. I love it. 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +2

      Thank you Sharon! Much appreciated; stay well.

  • @nannyfairy
    @nannyfairy 2 года назад +7

    I'm British, living in California. I've learned more about my own country from videos, than I ever would if I was still in UK.I now have a long Bucket List for places I want to visit should I go home again. Thank you 😊

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +2

      It’s a pleasure Jackie, thank you so much for your lovely comment. Stay well.

    • @nannyfairy
      @nannyfairy 2 года назад

      @@Robslondon 💖

  • @myrtlemount
    @myrtlemount 2 года назад +3

    I've worked at the Coli for over 30yrs and spent many evenings in Brydges place drinking! Lots of interesting stuff to add to my knowledge of the area- so thank you.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      It's a pleasure; thank you so much for the great comment. Stay well.

  • @cherylchapman6163
    @cherylchapman6163 2 года назад +1

    Wonderful yet again Rob. Worked for the ‘Queen’s Bank’ in the 80s and 90s, and the branches ar 440 strand were Adelaide, Buckingham, Chandon and Duncannon with staff branch St Giles. Wow, what history behind those names we took for granted.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Lovely comment Cheryl, thank you :-) Cheers and stay well.

  • @barbaraprest783
    @barbaraprest783 2 года назад +5

    Thank you very much 👏👏

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      You're very welcome Barbara; thank you :-)

  • @RichardWells1
    @RichardWells1 2 года назад +22

    A fascinating catalogue of historical research, bristling with macabre tales of death, and the appalling poverty of Victorian London. Only Rob's London could extract such an interesting compendium of stories from the past. Excellent research. We should be eternally grateful for the detailed journalism from newspapers of yesteryear, from which you gleaned the gruesome details, Rob! Another great video!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +5

      Thank you so much Richard. And yes you’re right; the old newspaper archives are a goldmine. Stay well sir.

    • @thewrecker3140
      @thewrecker3140 2 года назад +5

      An Amazing comment and fantastic appreciation of Robs video. All the best Robs dad.

  • @dlz0811
    @dlz0811 4 месяца назад +1

    Great video once again, Rob. I worked in front of Brydges Place at 114 St. Martins Lane for a number of years and would take this ally regularly as well as witness the things that went on when I sat by the window looking directly at it

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  4 месяца назад

      Lovely comment, and thanks for the kind words!

  • @johnnygiblets4395
    @johnnygiblets4395 2 года назад +3

    Not sure why you don't have more subscribers because you put out some quality content. Maybe it just takes a lot of time. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Really appreciate that Johnny; many thanks. Quite a few more people seem to be finding the channel now, so fingers crossed more will come! It's thanks to good people such as yourself that things are moving; I couldn't do it without your support. Take care mate and thanks again; stay well.

  • @waynedexter3446
    @waynedexter3446 2 года назад +17

    As always erudite, well researched and interesting. I will be sure to look out for it next time I'm passing.
    I was talking to an American friend living quite close to New York. He knew about your channel and was subscribed with a couple of his American friends. You are going international Rob!
    Thanks for your work.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +3

      Thank you so much Wayne; your comment has made my day! 😊 Please send my warmest regards to your American friends. Thanks again for your support and kind words; stay well.

  • @franktuckwell196
    @franktuckwell196 Месяц назад +2

    Down in Whitstable, there is a house built sideways across an alley called "Squeeze Gut Alley", it is so narrow at the thinest point, that there are often abandoned shopping trollies, because they are just too wide to pass through.

  • @samsum3738
    @samsum3738 2 года назад +3

    Very interesting , thank you . I drove a cab in London for nearly 39 years and i must have passed this alley thousands of times .

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +3

      Many thanks Sam... be lucky ;-)

  • @aledjenkins4893
    @aledjenkins4893 2 года назад +3

    I stayed in a hotel opposite the coliseum on the 26/ 27th Of November. Spotted the alley on the Second day . Easy to miss from the street .

  • @James_Innes
    @James_Innes 2 года назад +6

    I hope you had time to pop into the Harp Pub that opens onto that alley. They serve the best Dark Star - Hop Head in the West End. My favourite pub in the area.
    Good to know some more of the local history.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      I didn't on this occasion but have in the past; you're right James it's a great pub. Cheers and stay well.

    • @enjaysee750
      @enjaysee750 2 года назад +1

      I love The Harp - it's almost as narrow as the alley itself! And I can vouch for the Hop Head - delicious!

  • @gordonhowell1264
    @gordonhowell1264 2 года назад +12

    When I worked in London I would occasionally use this alleyway if the surrounding streets were crowded. For the same reason I would use Bourchier Street in Soho to bypass Old Compton Street. Percy Passage in Fitzrovia is also worth knowing about - keen fans of the TV series “Minder” will know about it already!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +3

      Yes! Great bit of knowledge Gordon! 😉

    • @ericpode6095
      @ericpode6095 2 года назад +1

      I often used to cut through Percy Passage on the way to the Fitzroy Tavern on a Sunday but never knew about the link to Minder!

  • @whyyoulidl
    @whyyoulidl 2 года назад +3

    Another blinder Rob; who'd have even known there was an alley there? Now happily on my 'must visit' list.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Ha ha! Thank you so much 😊 Stay well and enjoy your visit!

  • @matthewvp8507
    @matthewvp8507 Год назад +1

    I used to work at the connection at st Martin in the fields so seeing all this footage has brought back so many memories. I used to go up st Martin’s lane many times to get lunch, also we had our team Christmas lunch at the lemon tree (very good food!) and my leaving drinks at the harp!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Год назад

      Lovely comment Matthew, thanks for sharing ☺️

  • @zeldaray5562
    @zeldaray5562 2 года назад +1

    “You’re never alone with a Strand”. I remember that advert well.

  • @michaelkither2620
    @michaelkither2620 2 года назад +3

    Well researched and presented...thanks

  • @PurpleTT99
    @PurpleTT99 2 года назад +8

    Well I'm staying at the Z Hotel directly opposite the Bedfordbury end of Brydges Place on Thursday and so I'll have a stroll down it. I wouldn't have known to look without your vid. And, young Rob, this is the point. You're getting traction on your channel because you're doing interesting, well researched and perfectly enunciated nuggets of local history that we need to know about. Congrats, and keep 'em coming.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +2

      That means a lot to me, thank you so much 😊 Hope you enjoy your wander down there… might want to hold your nose though- it didn’t smell too good when I was filming there! 😉😂 Thanks again for your kind words and support; stay well.

    • @helenbryant404
      @helenbryant404 2 года назад +1

      @@Robslondon I’m pretty sure it couldn’t smell any worse than you described in your video! It must’ve been hideous living there.

  • @wayne5579
    @wayne5579 Месяц назад +2

    On a marathon Robslondon. These are Fascinating, just the best, lost for words. I feel patriotic and I've never been to England. 😢

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Месяц назад +1

      Bless you Wayne! Thanks for watching; good to have you here.

    • @wayne5579
      @wayne5579 Месяц назад +2

      Thanks for having me along. Your pulling out all the stops, and I could could not ask for a better account RL. 👏

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Месяц назад

      @@wayne5579 😀

  • @AngeloBetrulas
    @AngeloBetrulas 2 года назад +2

    Another great and informative video,Rob. Many thanks. I remember this place as my first pub as a manager, was 'The Angel And Crown in St Martins Lane. (Nov called Foggs or something). I used that alleyway many,many times as a shortcut. You brought back some fond memories from 30 years ago! Cracking stuff.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Great comment; thank you so much 😉

  • @GHOST-mi4jh
    @GHOST-mi4jh 2 года назад +4

    Well done Rob, another great video, 😊👍.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thanks Ghost ;-) Much appreciated.

  • @thieskellan9624
    @thieskellan9624 2 года назад +5

    More gruesome but fascinating stories, well researches and sensitively narrated, thanks very much

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Many thanks; really appreciate your kind words. Stay well.

  • @Hiking360
    @Hiking360 2 года назад +2

    Loving these videos. I work in covent garden and walk past Brydges Place every day. Ive always been interested in history, particularly that of london and your films really give london and its streets some great context.Keep it up!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much Paul; that means a lot to me. Cheers and stay well 😉

  • @ultraruna
    @ultraruna 2 года назад +2

    New subscriber based on your fascinating and informative video style. Well done. I'm a Londoner and always marvel at the hidden history of our great city, brought to life by people like yourself. Cracking work.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      I really appreciate your kind words and support; thank you so much. Good to have you here! Cheers and stay well.

  • @simonyip5978
    @simonyip5978 2 года назад +5

    It's interesting that on Booths poverty map, the whole of the surrounding area was coloured just one level below the highest social class, with just a single place was classed as 'vicious and semi criminal'.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +3

      Yes, it’s crazy isn’t it Simon.
      Happens quite a lot on the map too from what I’ve seen of it.

  • @mikereilly5005
    @mikereilly5005 2 года назад +4

    Hi Rob
    Another very informative video, I cannot count the amount of times I have simply walked past

  • @justplainjimmy1481
    @justplainjimmy1481 2 месяца назад +1

    Another great video, Rob! The London Coliseum. I heard that years back, my favorite British comedian, Dave Allen, along with Maggie Smith did a production Of Peter Pan there. Dave played Captain Hook.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 месяца назад +1

      Thank you! Nice comment ;-)

  • @davidpage8223
    @davidpage8223 2 года назад +3

    Thanks for bringing back memories! I used to go to The Festival Club which was in Brydges Place back in the 1960's so I've always known that alleyway was there. The Festival was accessed via a door on the right just down from St Martins Lane. It was just a drinking club and up some stairs as I recall. Ah...good times!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Great comment David, thanks so much for sharing your memories. Stay well.

    • @ninianmacmillan-keith7435
      @ninianmacmillan-keith7435 2 года назад

      I was a member in 1966 to into the 80s

    • @davidpage8223
      @davidpage8223 2 года назад

      @@ninianmacmillan-keith7435 I'm jolly glad that I'm not the only one left! I didn't know that it ran into the 80's...that's interesting. Ted ran it in the short time I was around with his younger 'other half' as I recall.

  • @andrewfrost8866
    @andrewfrost8866 2 года назад +3

    Incredibly interesting, thank you so much!!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      It's a pleasure Andrew; many thanks.

  • @tonycox5625
    @tonycox5625 2 года назад +1

    Just found this channel and subbed and now catching up with all the old vids, great channel Rob! 😊👍

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Much appreciated Tony, thank you!

  • @jared1870
    @jared1870 2 года назад +2

    Congratulations on your accolade! I only recently came across you. I have enjoyed your videos. I had a laugh at myself when this one started because I noticed Christmas decorations and thought how fortuitous to stumble on it when in fact it isn't a month old. Even if you thought the subject of this video a bit grim, I found it refreshing after the narcissist I booted out of my life. I just loved this video.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thanks so much Jared. Stay well.

  • @iainsan
    @iainsan 2 года назад +4

    Another fascinating and well-researched documentary. Well done and thank you for making it!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      It's a pleasure; thank you so much for your kind words. Stay well.

  • @giovannidonega9391
    @giovannidonega9391 2 года назад +3

    Well Sir, I think the algorithm has served you well. Love this video and love London. Ciao from Italy

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      grazie mille amico mio (apologies if my Italian is not good!!) 😉

  • @killgriffinnow
    @killgriffinnow 2 года назад +7

    In the 17th century this area was known as "The Caribee Islands" - a reference to pirates of the Caribbean. (not at that time an actual film). Quite often alleyways were blocked off with walls of oiled paper to make squalid dwelling spaces.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +4

      Incredible comment and info; thanks for sharing.

  • @dabsan
    @dabsan 2 года назад +3

    Thanks Rob for another fascinating video. Looking forward to watching more videos soon.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Much appreciated Darren; thank you.

  • @lorsheijd
    @lorsheijd 2 года назад +2

    Thanks Rob, for another good video. Very interesting! Keep 'em coming!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Bart! Will do my friend; stay well 😉

  • @thewrecker3140
    @thewrecker3140 2 года назад +5

    Very interesting and well researched, well done Rob.

  • @jennywallis65
    @jennywallis65 2 года назад

    Fascinating, glad to have found these, will look out for more.

  • @bonniedrasco8166
    @bonniedrasco8166 2 года назад +2

    Brilliant post thank you

  • @theresabradley4716
    @theresabradley4716 2 года назад

    Thanks for another wonderful, interesting, and informative video, Rob!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thank you so much Theresa. Stay well.

  • @Tom_Bee_
    @Tom_Bee_ 2 года назад +1

    Hope these words overwhelm you with motivation to create more of this excellent work. And if not, just take them as an honest attempt to boost your success within the algorithm! Seriously though, I love your narrations. The accent, the almost asmr tones, the script, the editing. Everything. Perfect. Thanks for making these, I really do appreciate it.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      That means so much to me Tom; many thanks indeed! Very much appreciated; and it is lovely words like yours that do indeed keep me going. Thank you again and stay well :-)

  • @Jade_holloway
    @Jade_holloway 2 года назад +1

    Your videos are great, very informative and your unassuming style of narration is very engaging.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thank you so much Jade, that means a lot to me. Thanks again and stay well.

  • @enjaysee750
    @enjaysee750 2 года назад +3

    As I work around the corner I've spent many a lunchtime and evening drinking in that alleyway as a patron of either The Marquis or The Harp so I just had to watch this video! Really informative, so much I didn't actually know about it.
    Also I just had to sub - a new viewer looking forward to more vids!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thank you so much :-) Great to have you here... got a Christmas pubs special due in the near future! Thanks again and stay well.

  • @garybrockwell2031
    @garybrockwell2031 2 года назад +1

    Another great trip mate🗣️👍Thank you for a great journey of time and place..
    😱🤔💯😭☠️👁️☠️👁️🙏💥

  • @timfranck9976
    @timfranck9976 Год назад +1

    Just caught up with this. Thanks Rob. Must have passed this place dozens of times, without knowing the history.

  • @markwilson4052
    @markwilson4052 2 года назад +3

    Absolutely fascinating and I love these angles to history. Two narrow thoroughfares I enjoy walking through, (when in London )are East of here. They are Botolph Lane and Laurence Pountney Hill. They are fascinating as they are named for church’s lost in the Great Fire.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Hi Mark, thank you. Yes, those are excellent choices... I may do a video on them one day! Cheers and stay well.

  • @SlurpyDave254
    @SlurpyDave254 2 года назад +4

    Outstanding video Rob. That alley way is so tight. I went in the Lemon Tree pub about 5 years ago. Good stuff

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much Dave; really appreciate your kind words and continued support. Stay well sir.

  • @RetroReminiscing
    @RetroReminiscing 2 года назад +2

    Fantastic video, i really enjoyed it...i saw the thumbnail and title and had to click right away! Thanks for making this! Sonique 🤗

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much Sonique; your kind words really mean a lot to me :-) Thanks again and stay well!

    • @RetroReminiscing
      @RetroReminiscing 2 года назад +1

      @@Robslondon Thank you! YOu too, and i actually have your charles dickens upload on my to play next list for this evening as it looks great! I love uploads like that..thank you very much again for taking the time and effort to show us all these interesting videos! Excellent channel! Sonique

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      @@RetroReminiscing Thanks so much :-) Hope you enjoy the Dickens video; have a wonderful Christmas and thank you again for your support; much appreciated.

  • @barrywa39
    @barrywa39 2 года назад

    That was one brilliant video. You obviously put hours of work into producing it Rob with all the historical information that you managed to find. A suggestion for maybe a future video....how about something covering the history of the Albany just off Piccadilly? It always seems to be such a fascinating place, with so much history, including Lord Byron.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much Barry.... and that's a good idea, I'll add it to my list ;-) Cheers and stay well.

  • @sian2337
    @sian2337 2 года назад +10

    I’ve always been fascinated by the rookeries and other slums of London. If I had a time machine, I’d want to see those places. I used to work in Covent Garden, down Long Acre, and the job before that was down Drury lane, near the Fortune theatre. I loved being there, it had a great atmosphere, even if, in summer, the tourists made it hard to rush around for a sandwich at lunch 😆

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Nice comment, thanks 😉

  • @timdaugherty5921
    @timdaugherty5921 2 года назад

    Love these little hidden gems. Great footage!!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thanks so much Tim; really appreciate that :-) Stay well.

  • @billybobhouse9559
    @billybobhouse9559 2 года назад +2

    I'm really enjoying these videos. Keep up the great work.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thank you Billy; much appreciated

  • @adamdavis4346
    @adamdavis4346 2 года назад +1

    Just came across this channel and I had to subscribe. Great, we’ll produced content. I love the beginning music!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thank you so much Adam; it's great to have you here! Stay well.

  • @lddixon2394
    @lddixon2394 2 года назад +2

    Fascinating. Thanks, Rob.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks 😊

    • @lddixon2394
      @lddixon2394 2 года назад +1

      @@Robslondon Really enjoyed your video. Beautifully filmed and well researched.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      @@lddixon2394 That's so kind; thanks again.

  • @Michaelkaydee
    @Michaelkaydee 2 года назад +2

    The intro tune takes me straight childhood 🙂

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thanks KayDee; it does for me too :-)

  • @xians3216
    @xians3216 2 года назад +2

    Love the Thames themed intro, great video!

  • @ampersand.
    @ampersand. 2 года назад +2

    Oh, I wondered if you`d do this one :) Very interesting, thank you, and your research is excellent - great to see such a good quality vid.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much for the kind words :-) Stay well.

  • @dylvasey
    @dylvasey 2 года назад +1

    Excellent as usual Rob.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Many kind thanks Dylan. Stay well.

  • @davidjma7226
    @davidjma7226 2 года назад +3

    'You're never alone with a Strand ...'

  • @squeaksvids5886
    @squeaksvids5886 2 года назад +3

    Wonderful history. Been there a few times over the years and had no idea of it’s past. Thanks for making these films.

    • @thewrecker3140
      @thewrecker3140 2 года назад +2

      Thanks for your lovely comment, have subscribed to your channel. All the best Robs dad.

  • @timsully8958
    @timsully8958 2 года назад +2

    Fantastic stuff mate! We are in that vicinity quite often, usually for a pint in the Chandos, Harp or one of the other pubs, or a visit to the National Gallery, or a bite to eat (and a quick shop with the missus! 🙄), so it’s amazing that we’ve never spotted it, especially as we know the old fire station (what with it being next to the Harp 😜).
    Rally love your little gems of history about real people (albeit they’re often gruesome 🤣) and I am glad more people are starting to appreciate your channel!
    Cheers mate, have a great weekend 👍🍻🍀😎

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thanks so much for the kind words Tim; really appreciate it mate ☺️ Those pubs you mention are great 🍺 Stay well sir and thanks again.

  • @bobkirby2603
    @bobkirby2603 2 года назад +2

    Thank you for the vlog, very interesting. You do go in to the history of the places you go to. I enjoyed it.👍👍🥂

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      I really appreciate that Bob, thank you. Stay well.

  • @patchso
    @patchso 2 года назад +2

    Fascinating video. Thanks for posting.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      You're very welcome and thank you!

  • @pilarperez9553
    @pilarperez9553 2 года назад +2

    Great channel. Thanks Rob!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thank you so much! :-)

  • @butchknapman3939
    @butchknapman3939 2 года назад +2

    Yet again another very interesting and well documented video. I remember well the Strand advert. Have walked about this area myself but without all knowledge it brings it to life . If anyone’s interested the Thai Pot as seen is an excellent Thai restaurant but beware the access to the toilets is a bit like the passage way but goes down stairs

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Butch. I was wondering about the Thai Pot; not been in there. Sounds good. Stay well.

  • @alanchriston6806
    @alanchriston6806 2 года назад +2

    Rob , Another Fab video ,
    Hope to be in your town next week ,barring yet another lock.
    Cheers
    😊

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Cheers Alan, hope you make it- if so, enjoy 😉 Thanks for the kind words and stay well.

  • @osirusgtr
    @osirusgtr 2 года назад +1

    Wow! that was amazing I find London's history absolutely fascinating, reminded me of the book People of the Abyss is a book by Jack London, Keep up the great work.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Many thanks osirusgtr :-) Stay well.

  • @Pufferkusser
    @Pufferkusser 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for a really enjoyable video Rob. I'm subscribed.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thank you so much Pufferkusser; great to have you here ;-) Cheers and stay well.

  • @mikego18753
    @mikego18753 2 года назад +2

    A very entertaining vid Rob.
    Thanks.

  • @margaretdrew2844
    @margaretdrew2844 2 года назад +2

    Thank you so much for the interesting commentary.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      It’s a pleasure; thank you for watching Margaret, I really appreciate it. Stay well.

  • @lillianheron601
    @lillianheron601 2 года назад +1

    Amazing information, keep up the great work.👍

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thank you so much Iillian, stay well.

  • @thinker9115
    @thinker9115 2 года назад

    Excellent work!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thank you so much 😊

  • @KibbleWhite
    @KibbleWhite 2 года назад +2

    I enjoyed the video. Will keep an eye out for more.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Really appreciate that kibblewhite; thank you and stay well.

  • @andyeveritt9003
    @andyeveritt9003 2 года назад +1

    another great video rob , strange how interesting a narrow alley can be
    and next time im out and about near there i can have a look
    all the best rob

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Cheers Andy; thanks for your kind words and support. Stay well mate.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад

      Thank Andy

  • @bobj3251
    @bobj3251 2 года назад +1

    Really good thanks for finding all these quirky interesting places

  • @TheSuperintendant
    @TheSuperintendant 2 года назад +3

    Great videos mate! peace and love from Scotland.

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +2

      Appreciate that mate, thank you so much- I’ve got a lot of love for Scotland, so great to have you here 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Cheers and stay well.

  • @leplum2001
    @leplum2001 2 года назад +2

    That was very interesting, thank you.

  • @vickywitton1008
    @vickywitton1008 Год назад +1

    I love your videos, they are very interesting and an escape from drudgery!

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  Год назад

      Thank you so much Vicky! Glad to be of service ;-)

  • @terryreknaw6152
    @terryreknaw6152 2 года назад +2

    Been down that alley many a time. Had a wee in it last year and there is a good pub at the end

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      You and many others Terry 😉

  • @RamsFan93
    @RamsFan93 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the interesting video, I must have walked passed this a hundred times and never noticed it

  • @elizabethnash7491
    @elizabethnash7491 2 года назад

    Thanks for a great channel ~ Really entertaining!

  • @allisonday893
    @allisonday893 2 года назад

    Great channel! So interesting. Absolutely love London and all its quirks and secrets. New subscriber here! Thank you

    • @Robslondon
      @Robslondon  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much for your kind words Allison; really appreciate it. Great to have you here :-)