Love this! :) I lived In Islington during the 90's - spent a lot of time in Chapel Road Market back in the day - it was a great place to live. Some of my family are still there but it has been very over-developed imo and lost quite a bit of it's previous character, particularly Camden Passage, the Essex Road and also the former film studios on the Regent Canal. Museum of London is also my favourite museum - just tucked out of the way enough to be able to enjoy without hoards of crowds jostling you about. They also have a museum in Docklands, which I also highly recommend visiting if you haven't already done so! As for Whittington, as far as I recall, his cat never spoke but was exceptionally good at killing rats...which played a part in securing Dick Whittington's sucess, I believe :)
Thanks - I have such a deep affection for this area, one of the reasons I keep going back. Yes, it's changing a lot, particularly the pubs I find, all my old favourites have either gone or been ruined but the Chapel still has its character. I've been with the kids on school trips to the Docklands Museum a few times, great place. Thanks for the info about Dick Whittington, lord knows where I got the talking cat from
Excellent work John. I used to live in Amen Court by St Pauls (Dad worked there) and go to school in Dallington Street off the Goswell Road. We'd get a bus to school and walk back via Smithfield market - some mornings we'd walk in via Smithfield and at that time is was still buzzing, remember the knife sharpeners throwing sparks from the back of their vans, meat hanging everywhere and trucks loading up. Lived in most parts of London since, but in Brighton now. When visiting my son, who's in Gallows Reach we do what we call our History Walks were we pick a starting point and walk all day and see where we end up, discussing what we know of the place, as we walk. Thanks for the work you put into these.
Chapel market brought back so many happy childhood memories for me, growing up In Copenhagen street it was a regular shopping haunt for me and my Mum. We often had pie and mash lunch in Manze's. I'll always have a deep fondness for this area.
Do any of the 80 previous comments pick up on a bit of Archway's transport history in this absorbing journey? At 14:27 is the mural of two boys building something. To me it looks like the beginnings of a box kite. Totally overlooked however, are the tram rails set in the cobbles. This used to be the single line tram entrance to Highgate Horse Tram Depot, which occupied the land to the rear of Elthorne Road Job Centre +, which itself has also ceased to be although its modern building is still extant.
Your walks around London are informative & very enjoyable . I lived in Hackney then in Stoke Newington from 1998 - 2002 . The City of London is like a magnet , now I know how Dick Whittington must have felt . I've being to the Odeon on Holloway Rd. several times .
I grew up in Spa Green Estate until 1991. The City University Clock would chime on the hour and quarter, and in the late 70s and early 80s, the rag and bone man would pick uip you metal rubbish, and other things you got rid of... I always used to think he was saying "maaaaade". I used to go Chapel Market most Saturdays with my mum. Took my children Chapel Market couple years back to show them parts of my childhood. We used to buy different veg from different stalls, Old Michael for the potatoes, and the fruit from the stall next to Marks and Spencer. The shops have mostly changed. The knickerbockerglories at the ice cream parlour midway, with Starcross Girls School at the far end, where my older sisters went. And took them Myddelton Square to play on the swings, just like I used to. As a boy, at primary school, we used to go to see the shire horses in stables at the Carrington Brewery, just down towards Moreland Street. My God, this video brings back memories. I salute you sir.
You captured my flat on the Golden Lane Estate. Lot of controversy with that development on the old Police section house. As a comprise Corporation of London and Islington Council are now building a new primary school academy and social housing in the old Richard Cloudsley school. Also Menzies Pie n Mash has gone from Chapel Market.
The alleyway where you spoke about the dairy, there were rails amongst the cobbles. That was the beginning of the tram track that used to go up Highgate Hill.
My neighbourhood. I didn't know they'd moved the market to the Archway Tavern. The whole new traffic solution at Archway has greatly improved the area for pedestrians an d cyclists. IMO. Thanks for the video John.
John,I know you don't know me but I came across your amazing channel a couple of days ago, I don't really know where to begin,you are the food for my soul unfortunately I suffer from a sleep disorder I just start one of your video's and just listen to the amazing backing music and your wonderful narrative, you are balm to soothe all my ills.
really enjoyed that episode..I went to St Johns in Duncan terrace and our local school football pitch was Barnsbury Park where the adventure, out pitch was a cinder pitch, in those days if you fell over you knew about it, , just gravel.. I think Barnsbury had one of the first adventure playgrounds.
I went to school in Islington and it's not there now sadly. I used to regularly go into Chapel market and walk along Upper street. My old classroom in St Johns street was an old pub I used to sit in lessons and watch the trolleybus poles sweep past the window. Many happy memories of the area especially the pie and mash shops. I used the one in Chapel street and the one in Archway great stuff with the eel liquor poured all over.
The walk west from crouch End Alexander Park via Highgate and across to Hampstead Heath was always a huge favourite of mine when I lived in Wood Green. So many different routes possible and can also be done with mountain bike and stopping off at the Woodsman pun in Highgate for a cider
Your walk is my favorite part of London, grew up in Kingcross so it's places I've walked hundreds of times. When I go back now it feels like I left part of me in those streets which I'm rediscovering and I get a strange thrill and sadness at the same time. Brilliant video as always John. Thanks. Note on Chapel market: If you're from the surrounding area you grow up calling it "chap"
Used to visit the Museum of London and the Barbican on a regular basis as I used to mark exams at a building in Aldermanbury which is nearby. Love that area as it is always changing. My favorite London museum is the British Library followed by the Natural history Museum
Very interesting. I used to live near Tufnell Park in the early1990's and at the time regularly walked up to Highgate. The Gatehouse Pub I understand was built in 1791 and was exactly two hundred years old when I moved to North London in December 1991.
Thank you, a very interesting walk. I grew up opposite 'The Albion' in Malvern Terrace in the 40's - 60's. Then moved back there from 1971 - 74. So many wonderful memories of attending Thornhill and Barnsbury schools. All my relatives and friends living in the adjacent streets. Up Chap every Saturday. Would love you to do a longer walk in this area as the history is fantastic. I watched them build the Barnsbury Eastate through its stages too. Thanks again.
Hello John, I have recently started to watch your films on You Tube. I live in Italy and watching your documentaries has been giving me much enjoyment over the lock down. Just to say that I think the mural is depicting an older man assembling a box kite for a boy. Best regards.
Have a look for a video by a band called Unit 4 +2 called Concrete and Clay. This was a huge hit in the mid 60s and for reasons beyond my understanding, they decided to film the video on a building site. That site was to become the Barbican Estate. In the background of it you can see the distinctive buildings of the Golden Lane Estate. And it's a great song.
Thanks for this one John. I read Chapter 8 of “This Other London”, which almost mirrors this walk, only yesterday. The trip down memory lane this film and the chapter provided is great. I used to live on Holloway Road, just across from the Coronet, and used that Laundrette, exactly 20 years ago.
serendipity Michael - it wasn't actually my intention to follow this route and had planned to go via Camden and Kentish Town, but my feet took control and led my along this familiar route
Always wanted to go back to that pub in Barnsbury. Went in there about 25 years ago. Had a lovely smell. Well now I know where it is but I guess I won’t be going. Thanks.
Loved it John, made me very reflective of the time I spent around there visiting a girlfriend while at College back in the 90’s. That area seemed to be full of the Cool Britannia ethos of the time. I had no money but looking back it was so much fun. Thanks for another great upload
Greetings John, I've recently discovered your numerous walk videos and find them hugely insightful. This particular film has a special highlight for me, the iconic view down Holloway Road at 12m 04s, showing the Rocket and Tower Building of the original Northern Polytechnic. In the early 90's, I enjoyed many wonderful nights dancing in the Rocket, which was originally known as the Great Hall and opened in 1897. I used to look up and marvel at the exquisite ornate barrel vault fibrous plaster ceiling. It was a very high ceiling as well, providing wonderful natural reverb and unique acoustics within the venue. Sadly the Rocket was converted into a split level arrangement in the mid 90's, completely losing its original character. Subsequently the Great Hall was fully restored in 2015, but remains well worth a visit, should you get the opportunity. A beautiful piece of late 19th Century architecture, which is hopefully now listed and protected from any possible future demolition. I look forward in anticipation to viewing your future videos.
John _ I love all the hidden aspects, the architecture above the ground floor, the hidden building signs and names plus the urban art - wonderful, thanks
Greetings from Helsinki. maybe it's because I'm a Londoner. I used to live on the Barnsbury Estate, from 1961 to 1971, Amory House, on Carnegie Street. In those days it was mostly people of Irish origin, a few "Irish-Jamaican/Polish" families, Greek and Turkish Cypriots, old Clerkenwell Italian and Maltese, some Spanish from the civil war, and one Trinidadian-Finnish family, mine. Like you said, the new council estates were built on the "bomb ruins" after the area was almost totally Blitzed during the war, when the Luftwaffe bomb aimers were a bit off the mark, trying to hit the Farringdon, Kings Cross, St. Pancras and Euston railway stations. I used to walk through Chapel Market every morning, on the way to the Angel to get the number 19 or number 4 bus to school in Highbury. One day, when I'm in London we could walk around the old neighbourhood and I'll tell you all the old stories about Kings Cross, the "Cali", Barnsbury and down the City Road. Like a Guy Richie movie! Thanks for all the good work you've done.
Hi John I first seen one of your videos of which was about Sutton hoo hoard and it's fair to say that I have binged watched a few more and they are really knowledgeable and thank you 👍
Another very enjoyable video, John, which again brought back some interesting memories. When I was at school in the mid 60's I had a Saturday job (on top of a daily paper round) in a shop in Upper Street - it was called the Curtain and Drapery Store (I think) and was positively Dickensian in appearance. I wonder if anybody remembers it. It specialised in fringes and tassels! In my lunch hour I used to wander round pre-gentrified Islington thinking I was glad I didn't live there! How different it is now - I have some friends who live opposite the so-called Hanging Gardens of Islington in a wonderful early 19th century house - I'd be more than happy to live there now! Your views of the empty city also reminded me of that time - I came up from Upminster to Fenchurch Street and walked through deserted streets to Bank station. Deserted except for the time when I was flashed at by a very respectable looking city gentleman in Lombard Street!
+Douglas Victor Brown more great memories Douglas thanks so much for sharing. When I lived in Islington I met a few people who talked about the post-war years when it was still a place of bombsites and no-one would live there.
Thank you. Last summer I enjoyed your Overground film with Iain Sinclair and Andrew Cotting. I hadn't been back to browse further but will take time in future to watch more of your work. This one in particular was magical. I took roughly that walk (from Golden Lane through Islington and up the Holloway Road to Highbury, where I veered east to Clissold Park) in May 2017. I stopped in The Albion that Saturday; it has a cozy rear terrace but certainly is no longer a "local." I turned and departed. Are you familiar with Battishill Street Gardens, not far from The Albion? It's off Upper Street north of Almeida Street. It contains a splendid Victorian allegorical stone frieze, relocated long ago from the City, tucked away at the south end of the gardens. The solitude and peacefulness of the City (and city) on your late-December walk were lovely, and reminded me of similar walks I took at that time of year in the early '90s. Your gentle, thoughtful commentary taught me several things, and suited today's cool, rainy Sunday afternoon in D.C. as I watched. I miss London and look forward to returning soon. Thanks again for sharing this, and for your blog, which I'll enjoy reading.
thanks for that comment Bill - even though I moved east to Leytonstone a while ago this area will always be special to me. I'll have to take a look at Battishill Street Gardens now
It's lovely, and tucked away where few see it. I'm in your debt for that "Overground" film. Having read some of Iain's books, the footage (e.g., Hackney and Haggerston Park) gave me ideas for future walks when I'm fortunate to be in town on business. For a long while I worked my way through Nairn's London (gobsmacked that nearly all of the gems survive 50+ years later.) Now you and Iain are my guides! Epping Forest, out your way, and a couple of Nairn's churches in Wanstead and Leyton are still on my list. Finally, thanks for the focus on the Art Deco social housing developments. They're robust, aesthetic, and human in, as you note, a manner that most modern housing of such scale in London isn't.
wonderful to hear Bill. I was recently given a tour of St. Mary's Wanstead and it's a real gem, certainly worth a visit followed by a walk through Wanstead Park. I recommend The Red Lion Leytonstone (my local) for after walk drinks
Thanks for another great ramble through London. My family and I have enjoyed getting to know a little bit about London from your videos as well as your book. Cheaper than booking a flight across the world (lol). Happy New Year to you and your family.
I really enjoyed this walk, probably because it is the only one where I actually recognized anything. Have only been to London once (2004) and visited the Barbican Center to see Marianne Faithful. Having said that, I really do love the other walks too; perhaps because they are completely unknown territory for me. They all have an odd, whimsical, slightly melancholic feel - very beautiful.
Paternal ancestors stomping ground! Gt Grandparents lived in Liverpool Road - not had a chance to come up yet and explore so thanks John for a sneak preview!
You are very welcome, i much enjoyed walking the city of London myself when i was there, its nice to relive those memories here again... My favorite part of the day was right about 4:30am , Just before the city wakes up. When i was there in 2001 it was still safe enough in Islington to be out walking, i heard it had gotten bad... I made some great memories there...
The Dick Whittington statue, where he is reputed to have turned back, is actually just before you get to the Whittington Hospital, at the bottom of Highgate Hill on the left hand side going up.
You could do a video on Highgate pubs alone, John. It's one area that seems to have largely kept its boozers - there are around seven here, all worth a visit. Compare this to other areas (St Johns Wood and Friern Barnet come to mind) that seem to have lost almost all of their pubs.
Was the gatehouse in Highgate a 'spoons - I think I had a great roast in there, say whatcha want about spoons but it does mean families can eat a hearty meal without a lotta fuss and that place was cosy as Fock as I remember, venues of note in archway are the Boston arms where the excellent dirty water club was run ( garage rock with a lot of bands from the Medway -see billy childish ) and nambucca which had a lot to do with some mid 2000s bands including The Libertines, I can't remember if you pointed those out in The Other London . Needless to say my fave RUclipsr , oh yeah and puregroove records on 679 Holloway Road that gave birth to Locked On ( The Streets , Mike Skinner ) and 679 records itself , lot of great music from Holloway and of course Joe Meek !
Agree with you about Spoons food, not sure if the Gatehouse has been a Spoons in the past, I went there about 8 years ago with Nick P and it wasn't then. Thanks for those notes on the music heritage - I was going to mention Joe Meek as I walked past his old studio but thought I'd leave it knowing that somebody would mention in the comments - so thanks for adding it plus all the other stuff. Funnily enough my original route would have gone through Tufnell Park and past the Boston Arms - and the only gig I've been to there was indeed Billy Childish and the Buff Medways - must have been 10 or more years ago - maybe you were there too??
Interesting, I lived in Holloway for over 10 years and in my early years there was a record shop just off Camden road (where chambers road splits) where I lived. The record shop was a spitting image of how he described it in the book even though he says it's on seven sisters road (?) I'm convinced that is his inspiration! Sadly it closed because the owner died I think.
This was a good walk John and one that i've done many times having worked in the city for over 25 years and lived at the Archway for many many decades! Although the cleaning up of Archway was long overdue cant say i'm too impressed with the result.....what was the point of the large walkway in front of the Archway Pub?
Amazing that Dick Whittington was a real person. I learned that from a tv documentary I watched about 30 years ago. Time flies! Even more amazing,his money still exists. It's in one of those funds or trusts and has been obviously very judiciously well managed by generations of Trustees. I think some of it goes for charitable things I don't know but I just find it amazing that money can be around hundreds of years later. I like cats so I totally believe Dick Whittington had one.
The gate house pub in high gate was haunted in 1968 l was due to have my wedding reception but the manège had abreadown due to the haunting he signed 3 weddings for the same day john harper
As a child I used to accompany my father to Chapel market what seemed like every week. We lived in New North Road. No trip would complete with my father visiting Manze‘s Pie and Ell shop. When looking at this video I seem to think that the location shown in the video is not the original location in the 1950s. I vividly remember that the shop was on a corner mid way along the market on the left hand side walking away from the Islington Green end. Can anybody enlighten me or has time taken its toll?
it is indeed - I am see a slightly different trend in East London with a tendency towards good beer over food but difficult to find a proper boozer in Islington now
Couple of random questions on my part; do any of the bricks in London have the name Drury embossed in them as they do over here? And do you know Handley Street and any history on the name Handley?
I studied the breakfast menu at the Alpino's, (8:37). This was uploaded Dec of 2017 and nice breakfast would cost you between 5 to 6 pounds (rounding), Can anyone tell me what the cost is today? (april 21st, 2022) Thanks.
An enjoyable stroll through mid-wintered north London. Not forgetting the most bizarre Highgate ghost: www.real-british-ghosts.com/highgate-chicken-ghost.html
I've been watching your channel for a few months now. How do you decide on which walks you are walking? Do you take requests, recommadations or just free will?
Thanks for watching. I make a list that I have on my phone and sometimes decide the night before, other times it can be purely on a whim, but there is usually very little planning other than just a destination or a direction in mind. Always welcome ideas and suggestions
It's a myth fed to us by the media. Like if you go to London you'll get beaten up,mugged and robbed by all the violent nasty people there. So lies. They tell you the same about Paris. Also lies. Be afraid. Never leave your house. Oops,sorry,that's now covid advice. It's scary out there,lol.
@@janebaker966 exactly! i don't let it stop me leaving the house but it's always there a little bit in the back of my mind I've walked around London, Liverpool, Glasgow, New York at all hours of the day and night and nothing ever happened so called Dangerous cities i'm very hand to mouth I've slept rough when i've had to and can look after myself but i meant you never know whats going to happen obviously i'm just weary of it
@@gazriley624 sorry to hear you've been homeless in your time. That's a whole different situation. I hope you've got a nice home you like now. There are more dodgy areas of all big cities and I'm never complacent but always been alright so far. But I wouldn't push my luck either. I live in Bristol where there is one or two right dodgy areas but I can tell you the same sort of thing goes on in pretty Somerset villages as people often find out to their horror and surprise!
Found it North London added a few more to playlist on my channel to get you more views and help me to catch. Dad worked here in 60s and been here myself in 1996 and stayed in Islington hotel I cant rem across from Tesco Express. Did London Eye etc. In July 2006 visited East End for week and went to all parts and stayed in Jurys Inn by docks. Lots of pics on facebook and video here if you want to add me and started playlist on my channel then found yours so plenty to watch. Desperate to go over again once Covid gone and visit New White Hart Lane COYs.
Pity you missed the topiary Whittington's cat which is visible from the street as I remember. And odd you are so vague about Dick Whittington - your education must have been deficient in pantomimes, or has he, I mean they, been forgotten by your time? Can see a bit of both e.g. here lostcityoflondon.co.uk/tag/whittingtons-cat/ Having lived in Islington you surely know that between this and the one that included the Lloyd Baker estate you have covered a third or a quarter of it. Maybe you have done or will do more.
Love this! :) I lived In Islington during the 90's - spent a lot of time in Chapel Road Market back in the day - it was a great place to live. Some of my family are still there but it has been very over-developed imo and lost quite a bit of it's previous character, particularly Camden Passage, the Essex Road and also the former film studios on the Regent Canal. Museum of London is also my favourite museum - just tucked out of the way enough to be able to enjoy without hoards of crowds jostling you about. They also have a museum in Docklands, which I also highly recommend visiting if you haven't already done so! As for Whittington, as far as I recall, his cat never spoke but was exceptionally good at killing rats...which played a part in securing Dick Whittington's sucess, I believe :)
Thanks - I have such a deep affection for this area, one of the reasons I keep going back. Yes, it's changing a lot, particularly the pubs I find, all my old favourites have either gone or been ruined but the Chapel still has its character. I've been with the kids on school trips to the Docklands Museum a few times, great place. Thanks for the info about Dick Whittington, lord knows where I got the talking cat from
I like the Dick Whittington story . Late 90's was a great time to live in London .
I still miss the City after leaving almost 20 years ago .
Excellent work John. I used to live in Amen Court by St Pauls (Dad worked there) and go to school in Dallington Street off the Goswell Road. We'd get a bus to school and walk back via Smithfield market - some mornings we'd walk in via Smithfield and at that time is was still buzzing, remember the knife sharpeners throwing sparks from the back of their vans, meat hanging everywhere and trucks loading up. Lived in most parts of London since, but in Brighton now. When visiting my son, who's in Gallows Reach we do what we call our History Walks were we pick a starting point and walk all day and see where we end up, discussing what we know of the place, as we walk. Thanks for the work you put into these.
Chapel market brought back so many happy childhood memories for me, growing up In Copenhagen street it was a regular shopping haunt for me and my Mum. We often had pie and mash lunch in Manze's. I'll always have a deep fondness for this area.
Do any of the 80 previous comments pick up on a bit of Archway's transport history in this absorbing journey? At 14:27 is the mural of two boys building something. To me it looks like the beginnings of a box kite.
Totally overlooked however, are the tram rails set in the cobbles. This used to be the single line tram entrance to Highgate Horse Tram Depot, which occupied the land to the rear of Elthorne Road Job Centre +, which itself has also ceased to be although its modern building is still extant.
I thought I was the only one to head into town when I can’t walk in the country! Love from north London.
Your walks around London are informative & very enjoyable . I lived in Hackney then in Stoke Newington from 1998 - 2002 .
The City of London is like a magnet , now I know how Dick Whittington must have felt .
I've being to the Odeon on Holloway Rd. several times .
I grew up in Spa Green Estate until 1991. The City University Clock would chime on the hour and quarter, and in the late 70s and early 80s, the rag and bone man would pick uip you metal rubbish, and other things you got rid of... I always used to think he was saying "maaaaade". I used to go Chapel Market most Saturdays with my mum.
Took my children Chapel Market couple years back to show them parts of my childhood. We used to buy different veg from different stalls, Old Michael for the potatoes, and the fruit from the stall next to Marks and Spencer. The shops have mostly changed. The knickerbockerglories at the ice cream parlour midway, with Starcross Girls School at the far end, where my older sisters went.
And took them Myddelton Square to play on the swings, just like I used to.
As a boy, at primary school, we used to go to see the shire horses in stables at the Carrington Brewery, just down towards Moreland Street.
My God, this video brings back memories.
I salute you sir.
You captured my flat on the Golden Lane Estate. Lot of controversy with that development on the old Police section house. As a comprise Corporation of London and Islington Council are now building a new primary school academy and social housing in the old Richard Cloudsley school. Also Menzies Pie n Mash has gone from Chapel Market.
The alleyway where you spoke about the dairy, there were rails amongst the cobbles. That was the beginning of the tram track that used to go up Highgate Hill.
My neighbourhood. I didn't know they'd moved the market to the Archway Tavern. The whole new traffic solution at Archway has greatly improved the area for pedestrians an d cyclists. IMO. Thanks for the video John.
+itssafeinthecity I did think that Archway wasn't the traffic hell of the past - an area with a lot of character
Massively improved....I actually cycle round it now. It was a death trap
John,I know you don't know me but I came across your amazing channel a couple of days ago, I don't really know where to begin,you are the food for my soul unfortunately I suffer from a sleep disorder I just start one of your video's and just listen to the amazing backing music and your wonderful narrative, you are balm to soothe all my ills.
Thanks so much for sharing that Stephen, sorry to hear of your travails, but means a lot to hear that the videos help in some way
You ended your comment the way Jago Hazzard ends many of his videos, Made me crack a smile, Cheers.
really enjoyed that episode..I went to St Johns in Duncan terrace and our local school football pitch was Barnsbury Park where the adventure, out pitch was a cinder pitch, in those days if you fell over you knew about it, , just gravel.. I think Barnsbury had one of the first adventure playgrounds.
I went to school in Islington and it's not there now sadly. I used to regularly go into Chapel market and walk along Upper street. My old classroom in St Johns street was an old pub I used to sit in lessons and watch the trolleybus poles sweep past the window. Many happy memories of the area especially the pie and mash shops. I used the one in Chapel street and the one in Archway great stuff with the eel liquor poured all over.
The walk west from crouch End Alexander Park via Highgate and across to Hampstead Heath was always a huge favourite of mine when I lived in Wood Green. So many different routes possible and can also be done with mountain bike and stopping off at the Woodsman pun in Highgate for a cider
Your walk is my favorite part of London, grew up in Kingcross so it's places I've walked hundreds of times. When I go back now it feels like I left part of me in those streets which I'm rediscovering and I get a strange thrill and sadness at the same time. Brilliant video as always John. Thanks.
Note on Chapel market: If you're from the surrounding area you grow up calling it "chap"
*favoUrite
I ❤️ museum of London too and the whole area around it.
Used to visit the Museum of London and the Barbican on a regular basis as I used to mark exams at a building in Aldermanbury which is nearby. Love that area as it is always changing. My favorite London museum is the British Library followed by the Natural history Museum
You were really in the thick of it on a wintery day! Mesmerizing as always. Thanks.
Very interesting. I used to live near Tufnell Park in the early1990's and at the time regularly walked up to Highgate. The Gatehouse Pub I understand was built in 1791 and was exactly two hundred years old when I moved to North London in December 1991.
gosh. i've never heard of the highgate vampire before - interesting story! and i loved the bit about the london wall, thanks!
Thank you, a very interesting walk. I grew up opposite 'The Albion' in Malvern Terrace in the 40's - 60's. Then moved back there from 1971 - 74. So many wonderful memories of attending Thornhill and Barnsbury schools. All my relatives and friends living in the adjacent streets. Up Chap every Saturday. Would love you to do a longer walk in this area as the history is fantastic. I watched them build the Barnsbury Eastate through its stages too. Thanks again.
Oh, I miss a bit of 'flaning' around the city. Marvellous, thanks John.
It's not often we see that mythical pint of beer at the end of the walks but there it is. Thanks for highlighting Dick Whittingdon and his cat
Hello John, I have recently started to watch your films on You Tube. I live in Italy and watching your documentaries has been giving me much enjoyment over the lock down. Just to say that I think the mural is depicting an older man assembling a box kite for a boy. Best regards.
thanks so much James - I love Italy - many happy memories of my time there
Have a look for a video by a band called Unit 4 +2 called Concrete and Clay. This was a huge hit in the mid 60s and for reasons beyond my understanding, they decided to film the video on a building site. That site was to become the Barbican Estate. In the background of it you can see the distinctive buildings of the Golden Lane Estate. And it's a great song.
Thanks for this one John. I read Chapter 8 of “This Other London”, which almost mirrors this walk, only yesterday. The trip down memory lane this film and the chapter provided is great. I used to live on Holloway Road, just across from the Coronet, and used that Laundrette, exactly 20 years ago.
serendipity Michael - it wasn't actually my intention to follow this route and had planned to go via Camden and Kentish Town, but my feet took control and led my along this familiar route
been away from home for university and missed my area, was lovely watching you walk through it and talk about it. i do miss home!
So nostalgic as I have lived in Tuffnel Park for nine years and pretty much most of my London years spent in those places...
Always wanted to go back to that pub in Barnsbury. Went in there about 25 years ago. Had a lovely smell. Well now I know where it is but I guess I won’t be going. Thanks.
As always great walking ,with you and your very interesting chit chat , commentary, just great.
thanks George - I think another video in this area is due - was back up the Cally the other week
That pint looked good at the end.
I've never been to that part of London. It has some fantastic buildings , especially that Odeon cinema.
+Jag Betty it was indeed Jag. Great music heritage to that area as well - Joe Meek and all that
I like this , because I have been stuck inside since march because of my weak immune system and this is almost as good as going out for a walk.
I love these walks, hopefully I'll be able to walk them soon. I cant buy your book, I've tried.
Loved it John, made me very reflective of the time I spent around there visiting a girlfriend while at College back in the 90’s. That area seemed to be full of the Cool Britannia ethos of the time. I had no money but looking back it was so much fun. Thanks for another great upload
Thanks Garciamrcool - glad to have transported you back in time, it's a very rich territory
Greetings John, I've recently discovered your numerous walk videos and find them hugely insightful. This particular film has a special highlight for me, the iconic view down Holloway Road at 12m 04s, showing the Rocket and Tower Building of the original Northern Polytechnic. In the early 90's, I enjoyed many wonderful nights dancing in the Rocket, which was originally known as the Great Hall and opened in 1897. I used to look up and marvel at the exquisite ornate barrel vault fibrous plaster ceiling. It was a very high ceiling as well, providing wonderful natural reverb and unique acoustics within the venue. Sadly the Rocket was converted into a split level arrangement in the mid 90's, completely losing its original character. Subsequently the Great Hall was fully restored in 2015, but remains well worth a visit, should you get the opportunity. A beautiful piece of late 19th Century architecture, which is hopefully now listed and protected from any possible future demolition. I look forward in anticipation to viewing your future videos.
John _ I love all the hidden aspects, the architecture above the ground floor, the hidden building signs and names plus the urban art - wonderful, thanks
I really loved this walk. Can't pinpoint why. TFS 💖💔🎸🏏
Love your walks John.just relaxes me. Brill mate
Greetings from Helsinki. maybe it's because I'm a Londoner. I used to live on the Barnsbury Estate, from 1961 to 1971, Amory House, on Carnegie Street. In those days it was mostly people of Irish origin, a few "Irish-Jamaican/Polish" families, Greek and Turkish Cypriots, old Clerkenwell Italian and Maltese, some Spanish from the civil war, and one Trinidadian-Finnish family, mine. Like you said, the new council estates were built on the "bomb ruins" after the area was almost totally Blitzed during the war, when the Luftwaffe bomb aimers were a bit off the mark, trying to hit the Farringdon, Kings Cross, St. Pancras and Euston railway stations. I used to walk through Chapel Market every morning, on the way to the Angel to get the number 19 or number 4 bus to school in Highbury. One day, when I'm in London we could walk around the old neighbourhood and I'll tell you all the old stories about Kings Cross, the "Cali", Barnsbury and down the City Road. Like a Guy Richie movie! Thanks for all the good work you've done.
Thanks for that great comment Michael
so Relaxing! I am smoking green tea with cardamom in my Molina English Pipe and watching this lovely upload. Thanks again!
Thanks for painting that wonderful picture Syed
@@JohnRogersWalks merry xmas
Spent many an afternoon in the 1980s in the Odeon on Holloway Road, skiving from my studies at North London Poly.
Hi John I first seen one of your videos of which was about Sutton hoo hoard and it's fair to say that I have binged watched a few more and they are really knowledgeable and thank you 👍
Another very enjoyable video, John, which again brought back some interesting memories. When I was at school in the mid 60's I had a Saturday job (on top of a daily paper round) in a shop in Upper Street - it was called the Curtain and Drapery Store (I think) and was positively Dickensian in appearance. I wonder if anybody remembers it. It specialised in fringes and tassels! In my lunch hour I used to wander round pre-gentrified Islington thinking I was glad I didn't live there! How different it is now - I have some friends who live opposite the so-called Hanging Gardens of Islington in a wonderful early 19th century house - I'd be more than happy to live there now! Your views of the empty city also reminded me of that time - I came up from Upminster to Fenchurch Street and walked through deserted streets to Bank station. Deserted except for the time when I was flashed at by a very respectable looking city gentleman in Lombard Street!
+Douglas Victor Brown more great memories Douglas thanks so much for sharing. When I lived in Islington I met a few people who talked about the post-war years when it was still a place of bombsites and no-one would live there.
Beautiful film, as always. I've spent a lot of time in London, especially during the holidays, so the noise of memories resonates -- thank you.
+Carole Mora thanks Carole
Thank you. Last summer I enjoyed your Overground film with Iain Sinclair and Andrew Cotting. I hadn't been back to browse further but will take time in future to watch more of your work. This one in particular was magical. I took roughly that walk (from Golden Lane through Islington and up the Holloway Road to Highbury, where I veered east to Clissold Park) in May 2017. I stopped in The Albion that Saturday; it has a cozy rear terrace but certainly is no longer a "local." I turned and departed. Are you familiar with Battishill Street Gardens, not far from The Albion? It's off Upper Street north of Almeida Street. It contains a splendid Victorian allegorical stone frieze, relocated long ago from the City, tucked away at the south end of the gardens.
The solitude and peacefulness of the City (and city) on your late-December walk were lovely, and reminded me of similar walks I took at that time of year in the early '90s. Your gentle, thoughtful commentary taught me several things, and suited today's cool, rainy Sunday afternoon in D.C. as I watched. I miss London and look forward to returning soon. Thanks again for sharing this, and for your blog, which I'll enjoy reading.
thanks for that comment Bill - even though I moved east to Leytonstone a while ago this area will always be special to me. I'll have to take a look at Battishill Street Gardens now
It's lovely, and tucked away where few see it. I'm in your debt for that "Overground" film. Having read some of Iain's books, the footage (e.g., Hackney and Haggerston Park) gave me ideas for future walks when I'm fortunate to be in town on business. For a long while I worked my way through Nairn's London (gobsmacked that nearly all of the gems survive 50+ years later.) Now you and Iain are my guides! Epping Forest, out your way, and a couple of Nairn's churches in Wanstead and Leyton are still on my list. Finally, thanks for the focus on the Art Deco social housing developments. They're robust, aesthetic, and human in, as you note, a manner that most modern housing of such scale in London isn't.
wonderful to hear Bill. I was recently given a tour of St. Mary's Wanstead and it's a real gem, certainly worth a visit followed by a walk through Wanstead Park. I recommend The Red Lion Leytonstone (my local) for after walk drinks
Cheers, John. I'll look forward to that.
Thanks for another great ramble through London. My family and I have enjoyed getting to know a little
bit about London from your videos as well as your book. Cheaper than booking a flight across the world (lol). Happy New Year to you and your family.
Many thanks for watching Dawn
And a Happy New Year to you and yours
Excellent video John enjoyed very much
I really enjoyed this walk, probably because it is the only one where I actually recognized anything. Have only been to London once (2004) and visited the Barbican Center to see Marianne Faithful. Having said that, I really do love the other walks too; perhaps because they are completely unknown territory for me. They all have an odd, whimsical, slightly melancholic feel - very beautiful.
thanks Mariana - interesting about the melancolic feel, I don't know where it comes from but as you say it's certainly there
thanks john could watch your work all day
+steven spraggs thanks Steven
truly amazing videos, thanks for posting.
thanks John
I very much enjoy your videos but i do find them very melancholy . Loved this one.
+Simon Templar thanks Simon
Paternal ancestors stomping ground! Gt Grandparents lived in Liverpool Road - not had a chance to come up yet and explore so thanks John for a sneak preview!
my pleasure - it's such a fantastic area full of happy memories for me
Great video John, I'll have to read chapter 8 again, thanks for the journey.
+richardgreen1970 many thanks Richard
Thanks for taking us along John...
thanks for watching UrbCrafter
You are very welcome, i much enjoyed walking the city of London myself when i was there, its nice to relive those memories here again... My favorite part of the day was right about 4:30am , Just before the city wakes up. When i was there in 2001 it was still safe enough in Islington to be out walking, i heard it had gotten bad... I made some great memories there...
Thnx you i enjoy all your videos ❤ 😊
The Dick Whittington statue, where he is reputed to have turned back, is actually just before you get to the Whittington Hospital, at the bottom of Highgate Hill on the left hand side going up.
You could do a video on Highgate pubs alone, John. It's one area that seems to have largely kept its boozers - there are around seven here, all worth a visit. Compare this to other areas (St Johns Wood and Friern Barnet come to mind) that seem to have lost almost all of their pubs.
Happy New Year John.Looking forward to more of your videos in 2018.
+stewart conacher thanks Stewart and a happy new year to you
Was the gatehouse in Highgate a 'spoons - I think I had a great roast in there, say whatcha want about spoons but it does mean families can eat a hearty meal without a lotta fuss and that place was cosy as Fock as I remember, venues of note in archway are the Boston arms where the excellent dirty water club was run ( garage rock with a lot of bands from the Medway -see billy childish ) and nambucca which had a lot to do with some mid 2000s bands including The Libertines, I can't remember if you pointed those out in The Other London . Needless to say my fave RUclipsr , oh yeah and puregroove records on 679 Holloway Road that gave birth to Locked On ( The Streets , Mike Skinner ) and 679 records itself , lot of great music from Holloway and of course Joe Meek !
Agree with you about Spoons food, not sure if the Gatehouse has been a Spoons in the past, I went there about 8 years ago with Nick P and it wasn't then. Thanks for those notes on the music heritage - I was going to mention Joe Meek as I walked past his old studio but thought I'd leave it knowing that somebody would mention in the comments - so thanks for adding it plus all the other stuff. Funnily enough my original route would have gone through Tufnell Park and past the Boston Arms - and the only gig I've been to there was indeed Billy Childish and the Buff Medways - must have been 10 or more years ago - maybe you were there too??
Loved the bits of Chapel Market, a lot of "Only fools and horses" was filmed there
Love archway & highgate,always parked my car in swains lane when visiting London, spooky place when dark,
Interesting, I lived in Holloway for over 10 years and in my early years there was a record shop just off Camden road (where chambers road splits) where I lived. The record shop was a spitting image of how he described it in the book even though he says it's on seven sisters road (?) I'm convinced that is his inspiration! Sadly it closed because the owner died I think.
Regards from Saint John Street EC1. Thanks for posting
This was a good walk John and one that i've done many times having worked in the city for over 25 years and lived at the Archway for many many decades! Although the cleaning up of Archway was long overdue cant say i'm too impressed with the result.....what was the point of the large walkway in front of the Archway Pub?
Amazing that Dick Whittington was a real person. I learned that from a tv documentary I watched about 30 years ago. Time flies! Even more amazing,his money still exists. It's in one of those funds or trusts and has been obviously very judiciously well managed by generations of Trustees. I think some of it goes for charitable things I don't know but I just find it amazing that money can be around hundreds of years later. I like cats so I totally believe Dick Whittington had one.
i lived in the Barnsbury estate in 1990 - 93. i was better treated there than anywhere in my home country of Scotland. says it all rreally
Lived Highgate n crouch end since 1978.. Gatehouse was a spoons then Tim sold it...now 5 quid a pint! Edit 2023 7 quid pint !
another smile on my face
the nostalgia
could you do Mayville Estate next
would highly appreciate🧡
Great suggestion I’ll plot a walk
The gate house pub in high gate was haunted in 1968 l was due to have my wedding reception but the manège had abreadown due to the haunting he signed 3 weddings for the same day john harper
I used to be a postman at St. Paul's sorting office
'tapping' is all over for you then?
the Roman influence indeed! they never left...just hid it. brill vid.
Used to love drinking from pint pots havent seen one here for years and years
Happy new year john
And a Happy New Year to you!
The have plans to tend to abandoned etc graves at Highgate. Just read
My cat and I have conversations, I'm sure that Dick Whittington could have done also.
My home N1 love it
As a child I used to accompany my father to Chapel market what seemed like every week. We lived in New North Road. No trip would complete with my father visiting Manze‘s Pie and Ell shop. When looking at this video I seem to think that the location shown in the video is not the original location in the 1950s. I vividly remember that the shop was on a corner mid way along the market on the left hand side walking away from the Islington Green end. Can anybody enlighten me or has time taken its toll?
So many classic English boozer's have been turned into swanky gastro pubs. Tragedy....
it is indeed - I am see a slightly different trend in East London with a tendency towards good beer over food but difficult to find a proper boozer in Islington now
How spoilt were we in the 60s... Odeon , ABC , Astoria for Saturday morning pictures...!!!
Sack on back? Talking cat? Are you sure you're not thinking of Postman Pat?!
Couple of random questions on my part; do any of the bricks in London have the name Drury embossed in them as they do over here? And do you know Handley Street and any history on the name Handley?
I studied the breakfast menu at the Alpino's, (8:37). This was uploaded Dec of 2017 and nice breakfast would cost you between 5 to 6 pounds (rounding), Can anyone tell me what the cost is today? (april 21st, 2022) Thanks.
Yes John 👌🏾
An enjoyable stroll through mid-wintered north London. Not forgetting the most bizarre Highgate ghost: www.real-british-ghosts.com/highgate-chicken-ghost.html
+Borderlands thanks- great addition to the list of the northern heights uncanny
I've been watching your channel for a few months now. How do you decide on which walks you are walking? Do you take requests, recommadations or just free will?
Thanks for watching. I make a list that I have on my phone and sometimes decide the night before, other times it can be purely on a whim, but there is usually very little planning other than just a destination or a direction in mind. Always welcome ideas and suggestions
John Rogers great! Happy New year, mate! Looking forward to seeing you're walks next year.
I was born in Whittington Hospital.
11:58. Thought I recognised it. My mother and grandparents lived across the road in Crossley St.
Great video; bloody annoying "music".
Two mentions of Iain Sinclair.
make sure you watch the latest video Garry - there's even footage of him this time
i love walking around cities when it's quiet but always a bit wary of running into some random mad man or gangs of teenagers
I know what you mean, but it all my years of doing it very rarely happens, I'm far more afraid of cars on country lanes
It's a myth fed to us by the media. Like if you go to London you'll get beaten up,mugged and robbed by all the violent nasty people there. So lies. They tell you the same about Paris. Also lies. Be afraid. Never leave your house. Oops,sorry,that's now covid advice. It's scary out there,lol.
@@janebaker966 exactly! i don't let it stop me leaving the house but it's always there a little bit in the back of my mind I've walked around London, Liverpool, Glasgow, New York at all hours of the day and night and nothing ever happened so called Dangerous cities i'm very hand to mouth I've slept rough when i've had to and can look after myself but i meant you never know whats going to happen obviously i'm just weary of it
@@gazriley624 sorry to hear you've been homeless in your time. That's a whole different situation. I hope you've got a nice home you like now. There are more dodgy areas of all big cities and I'm never complacent but always been alright so far. But I wouldn't push my luck either. I live in Bristol where there is one or two right dodgy areas but I can tell you the same sort of thing goes on in pretty Somerset villages as people often find out to their horror and surprise!
Found it North London added a few more to playlist on my channel to get you more views and help me to catch. Dad worked here in 60s and been here myself in 1996 and stayed in Islington hotel I cant rem across from Tesco Express. Did London Eye etc. In July 2006 visited East End for week and went to all parts and stayed in Jurys Inn by docks. Lots of pics on facebook and video here if you want to add me and started playlist on my channel then found yours so plenty to watch. Desperate to go over again once Covid gone and visit New White Hart Lane COYs.
Islington is Red dont forget that, !
Pity you missed the topiary Whittington's cat which is visible from the street as I remember. And odd you are so vague about Dick Whittington - your education must have been deficient in pantomimes, or has he, I mean they, been forgotten by your time? Can see a bit of both e.g. here lostcityoflondon.co.uk/tag/whittingtons-cat/
Having lived in Islington you surely know that between this and the one that included the Lloyd Baker estate you have covered a third or a quarter of it. Maybe you have done or will do more.
Good timing Edward I’ve just posted a new video which covers some of the Lloyd Baker Estate