Great video as ever John. There is an old Anglo-Saxon poem called 'The Ruin' - where the poet describes the ruins of a Roman city (probably Bath) - some historians think that these ruined Roman towns/cities were not settled by the Saxons because they were superstitious and were afraid the ruins were inhabited by ghosts.
The Anglo-Saxons were not big on cities with big walls and buildings. Alfred the Great and all the Cerdingas kings preferred the smaller towns in the west like Wantage, Sherburne. They held back the Viking pagan hordes but the Normans overwhelmed the Saxon culture.
These films are glorious. I was born in the East End (now in SW France) and have always felt a sense of awe when I’m in London. With all the troubles around us at this time, Johns walks bring a sense of positivity and joy that we need more of. Thank you
I find immense fascination in observing ancient artifacts, even if they're just simple bricks. The individuals who placed them could never have imagined that nearly 1,900 years later, people would still appreciate and marvel at their craftsmanship.
I watched your videos to prepare for my first trip to London this past summer. They really helped plan my self tours. I admit that I got off the London wall path accidentally somewhere past Ludgate. But I discovered the banking section, and ended up at St. Paul’s. So I still discovered bits of London. Thanks!
I will join all the others here who have thanked John for his amazing videos. They are wonderful and so is he. I've said so in a couple of other comment sections - my favorite time of day, woefully rare, is dusk and even after sunset. When all the streetlights come on and people's lights can be seen in their windows. Even though filmed in the cold, I get a warm feeling, when I picture Londoners cooking dinner with their family or walking in late from work or reading their children a story. Cheers from an American Anglophile.
John you are a star. Revisiting and also newly discovering some of these parts of London is truly a joy. And Brad my feelings precisely about the favorite time of day but not just in London would you not agree? Those twilight hours are magic anywhere, no?
I managed to get up to London on Monday, needed to get my passport to confirm who i was so that i could exist... your vlogs gave me the strength to keep going whilst suffering with an incurable bowel disease... i salute you Sir!!! #PyrateRulz
Beautiful, just beautiful. I'm from the Elephant & Castle (now in Leeds) and remember the Royal Mint north of Tower Bridge. Done all the Roman stuff around London (too much forgotten now) and done the entire Hadrian's Wall and all over England. Done Rome and Pompeii. Simply they were amazing. I love everything Italian now, food, architecture, the accent, wine and of course the women. Err, why does 1 person dislike this video??????
Great vid . 20 years ago me and a friend did the whole Hadrian's Wall walk from coast to coast . Many beautiful memories .It took us about 2 weeks to walk the whole length .
Hi John I used to work in Seething Lane in the early 1970's and saw the wall most days. The City has mostly been rebuilt in the last 40 years and a lot of it is unrecognisable to me these days. It used to have a certain atmosphere, vibrant and full of shipping companies. The East India Arms in Fenchurch Street was where all the clerks went for a drink, though only halves. I used to go The Lamb in Leadenhall Market, for a pint of Young's Bitter and a cheese and onion roll. I believe there was a mens drinking club 'The Mitre Club' near the Boots chemist. The area around Ludgate Hill does seem to have survived the rigours of time. Very good video. Gary
Me too. I worked for a Swiss bank (Credit Suisse) in Austin Friars 1974-1978 just by the stock exchange. fascinating history that made me investigate how areas around London got their names.. I Love London, just can't afford to live there anymore.
In lockdown last summer I asked my neighbour for her walking maps and discovered many beautiful walks on my doorstep including Ermine Street in my local woods. I since have taken my friends, mum and husband on these amazing treks through the forest over the course of the lockdown. I am amazed that Roman soldiers walked along the paths that I have. My son told me about your wonderful walks after stumbling across your RUclips channel and he cannot believe he has worked in Aldgate and never really paid much attention to the Roman history in London and where we live until now. You have inspired me to carry on and follow the trail into London these next few weeks. Thank you John for your superb videos. Keep them coming 👍🏻
Thanks for taking me through memories lane . I lived in London in 70s and visited some of these places while studying in London almost 50 years ago. Though I visit England but don't get time to visit these places . Thanks again taking me back to 70s.
5 december is my Birthday! I lived for 16 years and a half in London, but as my partnair was disabled we were in his car wwhen inside this area. I would be happy to find myself again for some time and not just a weekend, in London and walk there where i have not been before. Thank you for your videos and greetings from Vienna.
I live near Maidstone, this is all I could find. During the Roman period there were five major, industrial scale quarries extracting high quality ragstone for use as a building material in London and the South East. These were at Allington, Boughton Monchelsea, West Farleigh, Teston and the largest at Dean Street. Each of the workings had an associated network of supporting activity including settlements (such as villas), other industry (like iron working) and a highly integrated transport network.
Fascinating and riveting stuff. An enormously powerful empire. My late aunt Penelope was an Archaeologist with the Museum of London. Her main studies were Roman artifacts, particularly leather products.
As a London cabbie i thoroughly enjoyed soaking up those famous London streets and alley ways full of wonderful history. what is it that fascinates our love of history. look forward to more of your videos on LUNDEN.
I love watching your videos. I worked as a cycle courier for about 8 years back in the 90's delivering for a firm of solicitors mostly in and around the city and temple/Lincoln's Inn. Your videos bring back so many wonderful memories, often seeing the streets in a completely different light. Keep up the fantastic work your videos are greatly appreciated
John - I love the way these films unfold and that we "discover" elements along with you... that the edits include your conjectures and then confirmation of facts - a treat after a hard day at work.
Ah, the RUclips algorithm hav blessed John Rogers channel I see. I'm from London and love finding out the history of it the older I get. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos John they are well made and full of juicy info! Subscribed!
I remember walking round there on a Sunday morning as a madical student at the London Hospital Medical College in the early 80's. The deserted City on a Sunday morning was magical...
Lol, I asked you a few weeks ago about Roman walks of London so i could do myself and you did one, I'm definitely going to be following this walk myself, thank you so much John
I worked in the construction of No1 America Square, the wall runs through their basement office space. In surreal fashion about 5 feet in height and complete with window arches at current floor level. Being used as an architectural feature. I really enjoy your films John, if i need to chill. cheers
As always another fascinating video to kick start the week. Aldgate street adjacent to the "Aldgate" was once home to Shakespear At 13 minutes you show a Hebrew inscription in Bevis Marks. This is the entrance to Britain's oldest Synagogue. Bear in mind that this area of London was home to a lot of Jewish people who settled here from the 1700's onwards as they fled persecution mainly in Belgium and Poland Bishopsgate has the honour of being mentioned in The Beatles song called "For the benefit of Mr Kite" (Pub quizzers take note) Moorgate as you said leads out to the Moor or marshy area to the north of the city, this is the area of Moorfields (famous for the eye hospital) Newgate was famous (although not in Roman times) for the prison. Parts of this are still visible in the pub cellar opposite the Old Baily. Apparently there are sections of the original wall in the basement of the Old Baily The Barbican is I believe named in honour of a defensive wall, hence its association with the London Wall Ludgate has a variety of stories relating to its name. One refers to a mythical king of London, known as King Lud of London. The other is that "Lud" maybe a corruption of "Flood" given its proximity to the River Fleet just down the hill
This is most definitely one of your best works John! I love seeing the fragments of the Roman wall surrounded by Medieval, Restoration, Georgian, and 21st century architecture. London often feels like a city where time has no meaning. Great to see the City Museum of London too, one of my all time favorite museums in the world.
Really enjoyed this walk. Being born in London and now living in Cambridgeshire I found it facinating seeing all parts of the old wall being protected amongst the very modern buildings of today. I haven't been back into London sinced the 1960's when myself and my mates used to go to Ronnie Scott's jazz club and also to see show's and movies etc, I must say the City is looking good and I still reckon it is one of the best cities in the world.
This popped up in my feed a couple days before a trip to London, so I walked some of this route after watching your video - I had absolutely no idea the wall was there! Thanks for sharing and making our trip much more interesting.
I went on an architecture tour of the Barbican and you're right in saying that they took inspiration from the history of the site. A lot of the reoccurring shapes used the the architecture (the semi-circles for example) can be found in and are inspired by the archaeological remains that can be found on the site of the Barbican. Really enjoyed your video!
I really enjoy your videos. I was the cycle courier, living in Hackney, and hanging around these walls for 10 years. left London long ago. too long maybe... thank you
Just found your channel and have been watching a few vids. Amazing walks and knowledge, great choice of music to set the mood. As much as we have progressed and rebuilt over the years i still find it quite sad and feel even with the progress we've somehow degraded and lost so much to time. Thanks for the effort and the talks, keep up the good work :)
Wonderful stuff John thanks for sharing. Have often wandered London around particularly looking at sections of the Roman Wall and been fascinated with the city the Romans built. The mediaeval is particularly evocative having worked there for many years and there is so much history to be found. You will discover something every time. Coming from Kent the last time I visited was to walk to the old Watling street that came up from Richborough, which was the Romans first serious settlement on arrival in Britain. No much of it left but there is a small section. I got to walk that every day on the way to work and it also took in Aldersgate and the Roman fort location which is probably the best preserved part of the old wall. Thanks again.
Thank you John. That was so interesting that I watched it twice over. You refer to others and to facts that I'm tempted to go and look them up to find out more. The wisdom of the ages is enshrined in London.
Glad you got your pint in after the walk. so many old sights I remember from my days of working in the City areas of London. Always smile when I see them and also learn something about how it used to be. Appreciate your videos.
Thank you so much ,John. This was wonderful. I used to live opposite Holloway prison on my return from India. My father had Methodist churches in a huge chapel in Camden Town and Plender street in Kings Cross. Later I worked in Holborn at the vast Cable and Wireless in Theobolds road. I adored Leather Lane market.
Absolutely wonderful to see all the parts of the wall you have managed to still see. Big shame that some of the information points have been damaged or left and not been up dated ( maybe the London mayor should get his office to sort them out). Anyway great walk thank you.
Thank you John, fascinating historical walk through the ancient heart of the great city,I used to work around there Inthe early seventies and remember all the fascinating archaeology and finds when they were building the Barbican, indeed so many finds that made the Museum of London collection so rich and interesting,I used to often eat my sandwiches sitting on the bench in the remains of the round tower and walk along the elevated walks in my lunch breaks, very special indeed ! Take care my friend
Alfred also rebuilt parts of London bridge as a bulwark against Viking incursions. Seems possible that old rubble from forum and amphitheatre were reused by later generations. Still waiting to be found beneath our city. I saw you on the flats recently John ,can't miss your blue hat. Keep up these interesting videos.
Many thanks for sharing your walks John, they've been a boon these last few months and this one is a good un. I do believe the St Andrew's you note near the end of your walk is St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, so named for it's proximity to the spot where Edward III stored his cloaks and hats and stuff from 1361 (thanks, Wikipedia). As an aside, there's a connection across time from the old Royal Wardrobe to the present day church which I discovered with an aquaintance. The church houses a charity, or it did a handful of years back, which takes old suits donated by bankers and gives them to people who can't afford a new one so they can impress job interviewers. All very medieval so far, but leaving the politics of peasants and lords aside it was actually a nice experience for my colleague. There were rails upon rails of quality clobber jammed into a room among the church innards and a tailor who measured him up and arranged for him to come back for the selected suit once the alterations were made.
Thankyou, John for another great film. The emperor is pronounced Tray (as in Tea Tray), Jan ( as in January. In Rome there is Trajan's Column, which is covered with carvings from the two Dacian Wars (modern Romania) that Trajan fought and won. In earlier times there was a staircase around the column for people to view the art from close-up.
Great walk John. I used to work on Minories and loved walking that area at lunchtime. If memory serves there’s also a section of wall in an underground car park on London Wall (I think).
Thanks John for taking us on such an exciting and fascinating walk through our wonderful city. We are blessed to have so much history on our doorstep. You really captured the essence of Ancient versus modern . I get goosebumps every time I visit and see the Roman Wall . Wonderful. 😊👍
Brilliant insightful video John, as a Colcestrian we’ve got some amazing Roman history, with the old temple and wall that surrounds the town. One part of the wall is even relevant to the nursery rhyme “humpty dumpty” about a cannon that fell off the wall. I highly suggest a little walk around the town☺️
Lovely to relive the City (I worked in all four corners) on your walk, John. Just finished reading your book, This Other London - Excellent! Highly recommended. I enjoyed "taking a walk" in each of the chapters, before bed!
I just stumbled upon your channel. You really are so informative and SO enthusastic. I have dreamed of visting England for so very long. Once the pandemic retreats, I really do intend to plan a trip. Until then I will watch here. Wonderful.
Wonderful video; thoughtfully done. You passed on so much useful and historical information which would have, otherwise, taken hours of research. I felt I was walking with you. Thanks a million.
Brilliant video! The history of the topography of London during the Roman and Medieval period is one of my abiding passions, so this reportage was an unabashed, unadulterated treat. Loved it!!!
Another great walk John. Probably not your thing but I'd love to see you walk around The Barbican estate, giving history, information, architect information etc etc.
Barbican - "the outer defence of a castle or walled city, especially a double tower above a gate or drawbridge." Modern Barbican definitely influenced by the Roman wall!
While we’ve been in lockdown I’ve really missed visiting London so I’ve been watching loads of videos. I just want to say a massive thank you, John. I was never really into history at school, my teacher wasn’t a nice person. Your videos have inspired me !!! I’m now fascinated by London history !!! Keep up the amazing work !!!
That’s wonderful Kate - many thanks- hope you enjoy the other videos. I’ve just uploaded a walk around some of the City of London churches that may be of interest
Congatulations and thank you for yet another informative and entertaining film, enlivened by your enthusiasm and curiosity. You brought out the mystery and magic of the city of London, and the way it's past haunts it's present.
Fascinating walk with so much history in such a small area. Its so easy living in and around one of the greatest cities in the world to take it for granted with the push and shove of daily life today. Less people around and the low light of a winters day could only have added to the sense of adventure and uncovering the past.
Great stuff John, thank you. As you spoke about Roman London while the camera pointed up at the glass behemoths that exist now it really crystalised how much has changed, and what an alien species we must seem if a person from London's past could see it now. My Dad used to manage buildings projects in central London, seemed every other job they were uncovering some ancient artifact - mosaics, boat moorings etc. The history of this city is hard to comprehend sometimes.
Thank you for uploading this. I live in London, but you have shown me from your videos that there is a lot I don't know about it. Keep up the good work.
Being a fan of Roman Britain myself, I have walked along all of these sections too but have never done a complete walk, so really enjoyed watching this, thank you John. Someone should take photos of all these plaques before they fall into disrepair! Not many people know but there is one more section of the wall hidden just under London Wall, in the underground car park, at No. 52. It's small but impressive!
Wonderful walk John. Full of happy memories for me. I used to go to frequent meetings in Aldermanbury which is just off London wall opposite the Museum of London. Made sure to visit the museum and also walked bits of the Roman wall at lunchtimes.
A similar walk is the Medieval walls of Great Yarmouth, which are surprisingly well preserved but also slightly hidden by modern buildings. Just North of there is Caister, which has a Roman fort!
I studied in C.L.P. from 1972 to 1975 . and at Jewery St also at navigation House.and in Limehouse. Be Blessed. PS.as a 9year old boy I used to walk around the City and Limehouse where I tried to find the Chinese but only a few remained the rest had spread into the UK. Nicely made video helps us old Ex-Pats build our memories to take with us to our eternities.Hopefully Russia does not suck us into entering eternity quite yet. A last mission?
John -- I so love your channel and all of your walks! This one is particularly evocative for me -- when my husband was in London for work, I came with him and several days I was on my own. I walked the part of the wall where you began, coming up out of the tube station, with the statue of Trajan, and followed the in the area near St. Paul's. We also went on several guided walks and saw many of the sites that you have shown. BTW -- there is a wonderful fiction book called "Dark Earth" by Rebecca Stott that tells the story of people who lived in the ruin of Londinium and why they were there, decades after the Romans left -- it's quite good. She was inspired by a brooch that fell between the ruined roof tiles of a villa, found millennia later. We hope to return to London soon -- I don't suppose you take folks around on your walks? You are such an interesting and informative guide! Thank you very much indeed -- from an Anglophile in South Carolina, USA.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Give this man and Alan Partridge a TV series. Go on!
I think 'Scissored Isle' had a bit of that.
I concur bruv the guys knowledge impressive, enjoyed listening
Great video as ever John. There is an old Anglo-Saxon poem called 'The Ruin' - where the poet describes the ruins of a Roman city (probably Bath) - some historians think that these ruined Roman towns/cities were not settled by the Saxons because they were superstitious and were afraid the ruins were inhabited by ghosts.
The Anglo-Saxons were not big on cities with big walls and buildings. Alfred the Great and all the Cerdingas kings preferred the smaller towns in the west like Wantage, Sherburne. They held back the Viking pagan hordes but the Normans overwhelmed the Saxon culture.
These films are glorious. I was born in the East End (now in SW France) and have always felt a sense of awe when I’m in London. With all the troubles around us at this time, Johns walks bring a sense of positivity and joy that we need more of.
Thank you
I find immense fascination in observing ancient artifacts, even if they're just simple bricks. The individuals who placed them could never have imagined that nearly 1,900 years later, people would still appreciate and marvel at their craftsmanship.
I watched your videos to prepare for my first trip to London this past summer. They really helped plan my self tours. I admit that I got off the London wall path accidentally somewhere past Ludgate. But I discovered the banking section, and ended up at St. Paul’s. So I still discovered bits of London. Thanks!
I will join all the others here who have thanked John for his amazing videos. They are wonderful and so is he.
I've said so in a couple of other comment sections - my favorite time of day, woefully rare, is dusk and even after sunset. When all the streetlights come on and people's lights can be seen in their windows. Even though filmed in the cold, I get a warm feeling, when I picture Londoners cooking dinner with their family or walking in late from work or reading their children a story.
Cheers from an American Anglophile.
Thanks so much Brad
John you are a star. Revisiting and also newly discovering some of these parts of London is truly a joy. And Brad my feelings precisely about the favorite time of day but not just in London would you not agree? Those twilight hours are magic anywhere, no?
I managed to get up to London on Monday, needed to get my passport to confirm who i was so that i could exist... your vlogs gave me the strength to keep going whilst suffering with an incurable bowel disease... i salute you Sir!!! #PyrateRulz
Beautiful, just beautiful. I'm from the Elephant & Castle (now in Leeds) and remember the Royal Mint north of Tower Bridge. Done all the Roman stuff around London (too much forgotten now) and done the entire Hadrian's Wall and all over England. Done Rome and Pompeii. Simply they were amazing. I love everything Italian now, food, architecture, the accent, wine and of course the women.
Err, why does 1 person dislike this video??????
There must be a barbarian at the gate.
Great vid .
20 years ago me and a friend did the whole Hadrian's Wall walk from coast to coast .
Many beautiful memories .It took us about 2 weeks to walk the whole length .
Your enthusiasm, knowledge and your sympathetic delivery are second to none, John. Thanks for your commitment to making these videos.
Hi John
I used to work in Seething Lane in the early 1970's and saw the wall most days. The City has mostly been rebuilt in the last 40 years and a lot of it is unrecognisable to me these days. It used to have a certain atmosphere, vibrant and full of shipping companies. The East India Arms in Fenchurch Street was where all the clerks went for a drink, though only halves. I used to go The Lamb in Leadenhall Market, for a pint of Young's Bitter and a cheese and onion roll. I believe there was a mens drinking club 'The Mitre Club' near the Boots chemist. The area around Ludgate Hill does seem to have survived the rigours of time. Very good video. Gary
Thanks for that Gary
Me too. I worked for a Swiss bank (Credit Suisse) in Austin Friars 1974-1978 just by the stock exchange. fascinating history that made me investigate how areas around London got their names.. I Love London, just can't afford to live there anymore.
I remember The Lamb. It was just across from the BCCI building. The landlady could pull the fastest pint of bitter that I've ever seen.
In lockdown last summer I asked my neighbour for her walking maps and discovered many beautiful walks on my doorstep including Ermine Street in my local woods. I since have taken my friends, mum and husband on these amazing treks through the forest over the course of the lockdown. I am amazed that Roman soldiers walked along the paths that I have. My son told me about your wonderful walks after stumbling across your RUclips channel and he cannot believe he has worked in Aldgate and never really paid much attention to the Roman history in London and where we live until now. You have inspired me to carry on and follow the trail into London these next few weeks. Thank you John for your superb videos. Keep them coming 👍🏻
Brilliant film John. What a treat on an chilly Monday morning coffee break!
I love the fact good chunks of the wall are still there, seems to imbue historical energy into the city. Want to do this walk too
Thanks for taking me through memories lane . I lived in London in 70s and visited some of these places while studying in London almost 50 years ago.
Though I visit England but don't get time to visit these places .
Thanks again taking me back to 70s.
5 december is my Birthday! I lived for 16 years and a half in London, but as my partnair was disabled we were in his car wwhen inside this area. I would be happy to find myself again for some time and not just a weekend, in London and walk there where i have not been before. Thank you for your videos and greetings from Vienna.
Tower Hill one of my favourite stations. Really leaned a lot thank you John for showing this.
I live near Maidstone, this is all I could find.
During the Roman period there were five major, industrial scale quarries extracting high quality ragstone for use as a building material in London and the South East. These were at Allington, Boughton Monchelsea, West Farleigh, Teston and the largest at Dean Street. Each of the workings had an associated network of supporting activity including settlements (such as villas), other industry (like iron working) and a highly integrated transport network.
Such an interesting walk well done John love the history well worth waiting 30 years.
That roman walk always intrigued me
Thanks Stephen
There is some of it in the cellar of The Three Tuns pub in Jewry Street also. I remember the pub landlord taking me to see it in the 60s
Fascinating and riveting stuff. An enormously powerful empire. My late aunt Penelope was an Archaeologist with the Museum of London. Her main studies were Roman artifacts, particularly leather products.
Fascinating! We are lucky to have all that old London on our doorstep.
Enjoyed this very much. I'm older and always wanted to visit London. Won't now, but I can live it through you! Thanks so much!
As a London cabbie i thoroughly enjoyed soaking up those famous London streets and alley ways full of wonderful history.
what is it that fascinates our love of history.
look forward to more of your videos on LUNDEN.
I loved exploring the alleyways
Very much enjoyed this walk. I have been fascinated as to why the wall hasn't had more attention. More walks like this, please.
I love the Roman wall. Hope it will be there for another 2000 years. Another wonderful walk.
I love watching your videos. I worked as a cycle courier for about 8 years back in the 90's delivering for a firm of solicitors mostly in and around the city and temple/Lincoln's Inn. Your videos bring back so many wonderful memories, often seeing the streets in a completely different light. Keep up the fantastic work your videos are greatly appreciated
John - I love the way these films unfold and that we "discover" elements along with you... that the edits include your conjectures and then confirmation of facts - a treat after a hard day at work.
so glad you enjoyed it Martin - I love to keep the videos as close to the experience of the walk as possible to share the moments of discovery
Ah, the RUclips algorithm hav blessed John Rogers channel I see. I'm from London and love finding out the history of it the older I get. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos John they are well made and full of juicy info! Subscribed!
Thanks definity
I would absolutely love to see you and jools guides do a colab! What a wealth of historical knowledge that would be!
I worked in Bishopsgate 123 in 2000-2001, thank you, John for bringing up those memories.
I remember walking round there on a Sunday morning as a madical student at the London Hospital Medical College in the early 80's. The deserted City on a Sunday morning was magical...
Lol, I asked you a few weeks ago about Roman walks of London so i could do myself and you did one, I'm definitely going to be following this walk myself, thank you so much John
It’s a great walk Abdul - hope you enjoy it
Looking forward to watching this as soon as the tea steeps. If I had only one day in London, this is what I would be doing with it.
That was something special and we really enjoyed it . Walking Vicariously with John xxx
I worked in the construction of No1 America Square, the wall runs through their basement office space. In surreal fashion about 5 feet in height and complete with window arches at current floor level. Being used as an architectural feature. I really enjoy your films John, if i need to chill. cheers
As always another fascinating video to kick start the week.
Aldgate street adjacent to the "Aldgate" was once home to Shakespear
At 13 minutes you show a Hebrew inscription in Bevis Marks. This is the entrance to Britain's oldest Synagogue. Bear in mind that this area of London was home to a lot of Jewish people who settled here from the 1700's onwards as they fled persecution mainly in Belgium and Poland
Bishopsgate has the honour of being mentioned in The Beatles song called "For the benefit of Mr Kite" (Pub quizzers take note)
Moorgate as you said leads out to the Moor or marshy area to the north of the city, this is the area of Moorfields (famous for the eye hospital)
Newgate was famous (although not in Roman times) for the prison. Parts of this are still visible in the pub cellar opposite the Old Baily. Apparently there are sections of the original wall in the basement of the Old Baily
The Barbican is I believe named in honour of a defensive wall, hence its association with the London Wall
Ludgate has a variety of stories relating to its name. One refers to a mythical king of London, known as King Lud of London. The other is that "Lud" maybe a corruption of "Flood" given its proximity to the River Fleet just down the hill
Absolutely fascinating , 54 lived in London all my life and still learning about our wonderful city ,thanks to your channel, cheers man
Thanks Duncan
Great walk, I do it a few times a year and always find something new.
This is most definitely one of your best works John! I love seeing the fragments of the Roman wall surrounded by Medieval, Restoration, Georgian, and 21st century architecture. London often feels like a city where time has no meaning. Great to see the City Museum of London too, one of my all time favorite museums in the world.
Thanks Ross - you’re right there’s something really exciting about seeing the Roman structure embedded within the modern city
Really enjoyed this walk. Being born in London and now living in Cambridgeshire I found it facinating seeing all parts of the old wall being protected amongst the very modern buildings of today. I haven't been back into London sinced the 1960's when myself and my mates used to go to Ronnie Scott's jazz club and also to see show's and movies etc, I must say the City is looking good and I still reckon it is one of the best cities in the world.
Wonderful walk John, brings home to me the rich history to be seen right on my doorstep, great video
Thanks Raj - glad you enjoyed it
I love my British history and you have made the London History very easy. Glad I have came across your videos, very impressive
This popped up in my feed a couple days before a trip to London, so I walked some of this route after watching your video - I had absolutely no idea the wall was there! Thanks for sharing and making our trip much more interesting.
Being a Londoner these videos are fascinating!. Thanks for the knowledge and your enthusiasm John!!
Really enjoyed that. I’m always amazed that there are so many things to see that we are too busy to notice. Keep up the good work.
I went on an architecture tour of the Barbican and you're right in saying that they took inspiration from the history of the site. A lot of the reoccurring shapes used the the architecture (the semi-circles for example) can be found in and are inspired by the archaeological remains that can be found on the site of the Barbican. Really enjoyed your video!
Been on a lot of London tours and the Barbican one is very good.
I really enjoy your videos. I was the cycle courier, living in Hackney, and hanging around these walls for 10 years. left London long ago. too long maybe... thank you
Just found your channel and have been watching a few vids. Amazing walks and knowledge, great choice of music to set the mood. As much as we have progressed and rebuilt over the years i still find it quite sad and feel even with the progress we've somehow degraded and lost so much to time. Thanks for the effort and the talks, keep up the good work :)
Another excellent video, every time I stsrt watching one of them, I feel a wave of calmness wash over me and afterwards my brain is buzzing.
Wonderful stuff John thanks for sharing. Have often wandered London around particularly looking at sections of the Roman Wall and been fascinated with the city the Romans built.
The mediaeval is particularly evocative having worked there for many years and there is so much history to be found. You will discover something every time.
Coming from Kent the last time I visited was to walk to the old Watling street that came up from Richborough, which was the Romans first serious settlement on arrival in Britain. No much of it left but there is a small section. I got to walk that every day on the way to work and it also took in Aldersgate and the Roman fort location which is probably the best preserved part of the old wall. Thanks again.
Thank you John. That was so interesting that I watched it twice over. You refer to others and to facts that I'm tempted to go and look them up to find out more. The wisdom of the ages is enshrined in London.
Another brilliant video John - Thankyou! London definitely is the best and most interesting city in the world.
Many thanks indeed
Glad you got your pint in after the walk. so many old sights I remember from my days of working in the City areas of London. Always smile when I see them and also learn something about how it used to be. Appreciate your videos.
Thank you so much ,John. This was wonderful. I used to live opposite Holloway prison on my return from India. My father had Methodist churches in a huge chapel in Camden Town and Plender street in Kings Cross. Later I worked in Holborn at the vast Cable and Wireless in Theobolds road. I adored Leather Lane market.
Absolutely wonderful to see all the parts of the wall you have managed to still see. Big shame that some of the information points have been damaged or left and not been up dated ( maybe the London mayor should get his office to sort them out). Anyway great walk thank you.
This walk was so fascinating. Thank you. I'm pleased that old bits of the city are being preserved nowadays.
Thank you John, fascinating historical walk through the ancient heart of the great city,I used to work around there Inthe early seventies and remember all the fascinating archaeology and finds when they were building the Barbican, indeed so many finds that made the Museum of London collection so rich and interesting,I used to often eat my sandwiches sitting on the bench in the remains of the round tower and walk along the elevated walks in my lunch breaks, very special indeed ! Take care my friend
Superb. Thank you so much for taking me back to the City, and all those little pockets that have not been developed. What an absolute joy of a film.
Alfred also rebuilt parts of London bridge as a bulwark against Viking incursions. Seems possible that old rubble from forum and amphitheatre were reused by later generations. Still waiting to be found beneath our city. I saw you on the flats recently John ,can't miss your blue hat. Keep up these interesting videos.
Many thanks for sharing your walks John, they've been a boon these last few months and this one is a good un.
I do believe the St Andrew's you note near the end of your walk is St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, so named for it's proximity to the spot where Edward III stored his cloaks and hats and stuff from 1361 (thanks, Wikipedia).
As an aside, there's a connection across time from the old Royal Wardrobe to the present day church which I discovered with an aquaintance. The church houses a charity, or it did a handful of years back, which takes old suits donated by bankers and gives them to people who can't afford a new one so they can impress job interviewers.
All very medieval so far, but leaving the politics of peasants and lords aside it was actually a nice experience for my colleague. There were rails upon rails of quality clobber jammed into a room among the church innards and a tailor who measured him up and arranged for him to come back for the selected suit once the alterations were made.
that's a great bit of info Alex - many thanks
Another great walk John, thanks. I guess with Roman imagination they probably called the gates I, II, III, IV and V
Ha, yes you're probably right
Thankyou, John for another great film. The emperor is pronounced Tray (as in Tea Tray), Jan ( as in January. In Rome there is Trajan's Column, which is covered with carvings from the two Dacian Wars (modern Romania) that Trajan fought and won. In earlier times there was a staircase around the column for people to view the art from close-up.
Great walk John. I used to work on Minories and loved walking that area at lunchtime. If memory serves there’s also a section of wall in an underground car park on London Wall (I think).
That's right Ian - and apparently a few other sections underground which you can access by appointment
Thanks John for taking us on such an exciting and fascinating walk through our wonderful city. We are blessed to have so much history on our doorstep. You really captured the essence of Ancient versus modern . I get goosebumps every time I visit and see the Roman Wall . Wonderful. 😊👍
Brilliant insightful video John, as a Colcestrian we’ve got some amazing Roman history, with the old temple and wall that surrounds the town. One part of the wall is even relevant to the nursery rhyme “humpty dumpty” about a cannon that fell off the wall. I highly suggest a little walk around the town☺️
Great video John , I’m from the midlands we normally visit london 5 times a year to go exploring , good information thanks
Lovely to relive the City (I worked in all four corners) on your walk, John. Just finished reading your book, This Other London - Excellent! Highly recommended. I enjoyed "taking a walk" in each of the chapters, before bed!
I just stumbled upon your channel. You really are so informative and SO enthusastic. I have dreamed of visting England for so very long. Once the pandemic retreats, I really do intend to plan a trip. Until then I will watch here. Wonderful.
Another beautiful walk. Thank you John!
Wonderful video; thoughtfully done. You passed on so much useful and historical information which would have, otherwise, taken hours of research. I felt I was walking with you. Thanks a million.
I was born and bought up in london and watching your vids it makes me relise I dont even no london . ❤
London is very beautiful.
Brilliant video! The history of the topography of London during the Roman and Medieval period is one of my abiding passions, so this reportage was an unabashed, unadulterated treat. Loved it!!!
You speak well and we appreciate your emotion in your stories. You do hold our interest .Thank you!
Another great walk John. Probably not your thing but I'd love to see you walk around The Barbican estate, giving history, information, architect information etc etc.
Thanks - I'd like to do something along those lines - there is a video from 5 years ago on my channel where I walk through the Barbican
@@JohnRogersWalksthanks, I'll have a look for that one. It would be good to see a revisit.
Barbican - "the outer defence of a castle or walled city, especially a double tower above a gate or drawbridge." Modern Barbican definitely influenced by the Roman wall!
@10:25 When my late father was in his teens there was an unlicensed cider house in a disused ragstone quarry on the south-eastern edge of Maidstone.
Great work once more.
Thank you John.
Cheers Little Acorns
A real gem of a walk. Thanks
While we’ve been in lockdown I’ve really missed visiting London so I’ve been watching loads of videos. I just want to say a massive thank you, John. I was never really into history at school, my teacher wasn’t a nice person.
Your videos have inspired me !!! I’m now fascinated by London history !!! Keep up the amazing work !!!
I cant believe you're channel hasn't been recommended to me all this time
What a find !!!
So Much Appreciate these shows 😎
That’s wonderful Kate - many thanks- hope you enjoy the other videos. I’ve just uploaded a walk around some of the City of London churches that may be of interest
Loved all the extra bits of history I wasn’t expecting!
Congatulations and thank you for yet another informative and entertaining film, enlivened by your enthusiasm and curiosity. You brought out the mystery and magic of the city of London, and the way it's past haunts it's present.
Another wonderful film. Thank-you, John.
Fascinating, great walk, much appreciated John, thank you for your time spent on these videos.
Superb video ...so much history to explore in London
Thanks Mark - there is indeed
I would love to live around that much history you Brits are lucky..I love too explore London. That would be Awesome..
Fascinating walk with so much history in such a small area. Its so easy living in and around one of the greatest cities in the world to take it for granted with the push and shove of daily life today. Less people around and the low light of a winters day could only have added to the sense of adventure and uncovering the past.
Loved it! All the meandering walks and alley ways into places of Wonderment! Fascinating and nostalgic too through City of London
thanks Sophie
Another brilliant video John. I just love watching and sharing your videos.
Great stuff John, thank you. As you spoke about Roman London while the camera pointed up at the glass behemoths that exist now it really crystalised how much has changed, and what an alien species we must seem if a person from London's past could see it now.
My Dad used to manage buildings projects in central London, seemed every other job they were uncovering some ancient artifact - mosaics, boat moorings etc. The history of this city is hard to comprehend sometimes.
Thank you for uploading this. I live in London, but you have shown me from your videos that there is a lot I don't know about it. Keep up the good work.
Many thanks John
One of my favorite walks. I enjoyed every moment of it. Keep up the good work!!! Thank you always.
Being a fan of Roman Britain myself, I have walked along all of these sections too but have never done a complete walk, so really enjoyed watching this, thank you John. Someone should take photos of all these plaques before they fall into disrepair!
Not many people know but there is one more section of the wall hidden just under London Wall, in the underground car park, at No. 52. It's small but impressive!
Wonderful walk John. Full of happy memories for me. I used to go to frequent meetings in Aldermanbury which is just off London wall opposite the Museum of London. Made sure to visit the museum and also walked bits of the Roman wall at lunchtimes.
A similar walk is the Medieval walls of Great Yarmouth, which are surprisingly well preserved but also slightly hidden by modern buildings. Just North of there is Caister, which has a Roman fort!
great tips Steve - I'll have to add that to the list
I studied in C.L.P. from 1972 to 1975 . and at Jewery St also at navigation House.and in Limehouse. Be Blessed. PS.as a 9year old boy I used to walk around the City and Limehouse where I tried to find the Chinese but only a few remained the rest had spread into the UK. Nicely made video helps us old Ex-Pats build our memories to take with us to our eternities.Hopefully Russia does not suck us into entering eternity quite yet. A last mission?
Nice John. I’m watching love it
John -- I so love your channel and all of your walks! This one is particularly evocative for me -- when my husband was in London for work, I came with him and several days I was on my own. I walked the part of the wall where you began, coming up out of the tube station, with the statue of Trajan, and followed the in the area near St. Paul's. We also went on several guided walks and saw many of the sites that you have shown. BTW -- there is a wonderful fiction book called "Dark Earth" by Rebecca Stott that tells the story of people who lived in the ruin of Londinium and why they were there, decades after the Romans left -- it's quite good. She was inspired by a brooch that fell between the ruined roof tiles of a villa, found millennia later. We hope to return to London soon -- I don't suppose you take folks around on your walks? You are such an interesting and informative guide! Thank you very much indeed -- from an Anglophile in South Carolina, USA.
Thank you so much, really enjoyed listening to you and watching your walk.