about
This is the blog of writer and film-maker John Rogers, author of This Other London – adventures in the overlooked city, and Welcome to New London – journeys and encounters in the post-Olympic City (Oct 2023), The Black Path (2024). He directed the documentaries London Overground (with Iain Sinclair), The London Perambulator, Make Your Own Damn Art – the world of Bob and Roberta Smith , and In the Shadow of the Shard. John co-presented and produced the radio show and podcast Ventures and Adventures in Topography on with Nick Papadimitriou on Resonance fm between 2009-11. He was psychogeographer-in-residence for Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019, and was commissioned to create a project for Brent Biennial in Brent 2020 London Borough of Culture, Kensal Rise Has A Story. He produces a regular series of London walks on YouTube with over 87,000 subscribers.
“John is Elizabethan, a film-poet, writer/walker from a better time. He has a history of alternative stand-up. A history of persistent engagement in the politics of protest, being there, bearing witness. Keeping the record. And posting it. He was good company on a second circuit of London Overground; a series of excursions fitted in between school-delivery and school-collection. It seems that John did most of his own work, writing or editing, at night. He was self-funding, self-starting, a guerilla documentarist in the great tradition: green anorak, ruined left knee, camera in pocket.”
– Iain Sinclair, from The Last London
“He’s the everyman’s psychogeographer, hobbling across the hilltops with only a can of Stella and a dodgy knee for company….
But this down-to-earth, booze-hunting ‘hippy wizard’ is a star in his own right. We’d rather think of him as the Brian Cox of topology, inspiring wonder and curiosity on esoteric subjects (without using complicated words like topology and esoteric).”
“John Rogers has been one of the most prominent psychogeographical writers and filmmakers of the last decade. Fiercely independent and with a strong DIY sensibility towards his creative responses to London, his work is a vital component and documentation of a city still in a phase of hyper-development and gentrification.”
– Adam Scovell, Celluloid Wickerman
“…the walks off the beaten path navigated at the edges of the city navigated by John Rogers in This Other London are rich with surprises. Rogers conjures up magical little worlds that we would otherwise pass by.” Metro
“Rogers is an excellent storyteller surrounded by excellent stories” Los Angeles Review of Books on This Other London
YouTube ‘Creator on the Rise’ – May 2020
Some interviews:
With Arthur Smith on BBC Radio4 Extra
And a longer chat with Neil Denny on Little Atoms
More interviews and talks can be found here
Please have a look at my YouTube channel where I post regular videos
If you’re interested in working with me, be great to talk to you – drop me an email and let’s have a chat: jmrogersit@yahoo.com
[This blog used to be called Islingtongue > Leytonstongue but was relocated here with all the old posts.]
Thanks for dropping by!
I‘ve posted a longer more narrative bio here
I went to the Iain Sinclair talk last night at the TFL museum.
I enjoyed the platform talk and look forward to seeing the film.
I’m going to to work my way through your posts on this site. I live in Loughton and we often cycle (sedately) down the Lea or through Walthamstow and the Marshes and share the same fascination for the area.
Btw, the Signature brew post caught my eye. We usually do the Wild Card so this extends the choice.
Keep up the good work
D
Thanks for your comment Duncan – glad you enjoyed the talk and film extract. I’m always tramping around the Lea and through the forest, frequently passing through Loughton. Signature is definitely worth a visit on a Saturday and also Beavertown up at Tottenham Hale as well – I was given a tour towards the end of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0HyOW6XY8w – I’ll be sure to make a long overdue trip to Wild Card.
LONDON OVERGROUND – Elegiac film John. Poetry.
Many thanks indeed Kev
Hi John,
I’ve made several responses to your videos on You Tube, which I always enjoy.
I wonder whether you might be interested in discussing with me a project that I am currently researching – a new history of Crouch End (where I have lived for 25 years), but with a particular angle on ‘gentrification’ generally. There doesn’t seem to be much substantial written material out there on this topic, that I can find, apart from some Guardian articles, perhaps because it is ‘hidden in plain sight’?
I would hugely appreciate a chat with someone who might provide me with alternative ways of approaching my subject. I admire your work, and the passion that drives it, and would really appreciate any help with further developing my ideas. Particularly, any help with developing new approaches to local history, in these parts, which already seem to the in the process of estate agent-speak appropriation. which always tends to be trammeled by cosy-ness, if you know what I mean. Parochialism is a more old-fashioned, and gentler, term.
If you’re interested, my website, improvmusic.co.uk, will tell you something about me, and my approach to things. I hope you’ll be interested in participating – it’s all about London spaces and their vicissitudes, after all!! I would be great to speak to you.
Best,
Trevor Barre
Hi Trevor – of course I’d be happy to have a chat, sounds like a fascinating project. My email address is on the front page here and via the contact page. Look forward to hearing more
Hi Trevor, notice you said you’ve lived in Crouch End for the past 25 years or so as I noticed you dropped this message about 3 years ago sorry only just came on here but there is some interesting groups on Facebook that you may find interesting that you can subscribe ‘if you haven’t done already’ (North London Born,Bred & Proud). (Hornsey Born,Bred & Proud) (Hornsey Residents) and I’m in the process of setting one up myself (AllyPallySites) about Alexandra Palace.
John.
I came across this webpage, http://www.johnchaple.co.uk/watling.html which I found very interesting. Wonder if this route or part of it might be a good adventure for a walk. I work in a large lab with no outward facing windows all day, so your videos are hugely appreciated by myself and really like the sense of adventure you bring to your films. Regards.
Just read about your work as reading Sinclair’s Last London so came here to find your work. Have just returned to us after yearly visit to uk so look forward to reading more of yours before I plan my next wandering
thanks for dropping by Stig – best of luck with your wandering
I just love your walks. I live in Pennsylvania U.S. and just discovered you. It just thrills me when you come upon an old iron post or stones. Don’t know what it is but it’s nice to have someone else express my feelings! Keep on walking!!!
Thanks so much Chriss – I’ll never stop exploring
Having come across your YouTube channel by accident (the first walk I saw was the Swanscombe Marshes which is near my home patch of Northfleet) I’ve been fascinated ever since. Amazing insights into a London most people take for granted and never bother to stand and stare for a moment. Brilliant work.
Thank you Leslie- much appreciated
Just watched your Shadow of the Shard film, I’m a local too and yeah it breaks your heart a million pieces see what greed and corporations do in the name of Gentrification.
Fool the people some of the time but not all, one thing for sure sooner or later people wise up they got if nothing else degrees in life and those responsible for the upheaval will be held to account even at the ballot box. Times are changing slowly but they are changing and people together are a powerful entity whether they know it round here or not they can win and are making people in power hold the purse strings very very nervous.
Thanks for that comment Karen – I completely agree, I’ve seen what people can achieve when they stick together, and can feel the gradual change of mood
Hi John,
Just recently watched a couple of your videos with my brother of your walks in and around London on YouTube and found them to be informative, stimulating and thoroughly entertaining.
We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing more hopefully in the future.
Hylton Lewis.
Thanks very much for that Hylton
Hi John – I was sent a link to your YouTube videos, a couple of which I watched, and particularly enjoyed the London Loop/Uxbridge-Hayes one: very interesting & entertaining.
Completed the London Countryway last year – circumnavigation of London largely outside M25 – d’you know it? A network of paths/routes/tracks put together in the 1970’s then updated more recently (see Des deMoor.blogspot :: London Countryway for sectioned route descriptions and comprehensive background information).
It’s a great route, full of local interest, and quirky as they come very often. I think you’d love it.
Cheers –
TE
Thanks for this Tim, funnily enough somebody emailed me about the London Countryway with a link to a guidebook which I’ve just bought. Looks like a fantastic trail and will be on my list for next near
just watched your hackney wick ep. When I was 10 in 84 I used to go to eastway/lea valley park and ride the BMX track, that was sure as rain in april a good track. I grew up in stratford then chadwell heath but in 89 family moved to midlands so now I’ve lost the place I love just like my accent. Here’s a fact for you! Did you know that the Beatles video for Penny Lane was actually filmed in angel lane in Stratford. I am not very tech , so don’t know if you’ll get this. Hope you do. Love the videos. C.O.Y.I
That’s an amazing bit of trivia about Angel Lane Robert, many thanks
Left London/Leytonstone two years ago after 40 years and I find your films to be truly excellent. I will be visiting Leytonstone quite regularly this year and look forward following the routes you defined.
Thanks John. I do miss London and your films help.
I am also encouraged to do similar in the county I now live. We have wonderful walks in Staffordshire and bags of history.
I look forward to your next presentations.
graham
Thanks very much Graham – greatly appreciated. Hope you enjoy your trips back to Leytonstone this year
Hi john got to see your videos through DAvid Johns(cruising the cut)love them!.the white hart in hampton wick was my old stomping ground as a teenager in the 70s,my that has changed.i always had an interest in the london area,as my family goes back about 200 years there.keep up the good work.
Thanks Amanda – so glad you’re enjoying the videos
Hello:
I sent a comment via your Lostbyway website but I don’t know if it got through so here it is again:
While on lockdown in Rhode Island, USA, I have discovered your videos. From what I can tell, you reside in Leytonstone. One of the video walks began and ended on Norlington Road. From 10/1/19 to 3/6/20 I lived at 10 Norlington. I believe I have seen you once or twice in the neighborhood. I hope to be back there in September.
The videos are excellent! I hope they keep me occupied till this corona business is finished and I hope you can keep walking and recording the corona-shortened local walks for the next few months.
Rob Goldman
rkgoldman1952@gmail.com
Thanks Rob my original reply was bounced back so just sent one to your gmail
John as ever lovely video of walthamstow .i think one of your best.got me through lockdown.even thou i am in west cornwall and it is lovely and dare i say it errie and quiet.most of us with no jobs me included.i miss london,wiĺl visit again when this is over.
Thanks for that Amanda – great to hear the videos are helping you through lockdown.
Hi John.
Only came across your video’s In February this year ‘Before lockdown’ I think I’ve covered most of them by now but really interesting so please keep them coming 🙂🤗👍👏
Thanks John – I’ll keep making them weekly for as long as I possibly can
Great walk today. Very excited to see the area between Wanstead and Charlie Brown’.s.Also the Church we married in and the old Wanstead hospital .I lived at 81 Forest Rd Leytonstone which i believe is one of the oldest houses in the lane. Now out near Ware so enjoy all the Herts and Essex stuff. Your lockdown walks have been great but it was to be expected given the great stuff you have been doing over the years. I left some more detailed comments. on your fuguer email about the Ware and Hertford area and some references to some pubications that you might possibly have missed. My latest walk was the Beane valley meadows out from Hertford to Waterford and back trough the reclaimed gravel pit. It is a good one but will be even better when a few pubs reopen.
Just watched another excellent film -along the Thames Pathway… and was struck by how London architects along the Thames seem to have been inspired by the original Bladerunner film, and dystopian capitalism. I can barely believe that London in 2020 is the same place I was born in, in 1959. Beyond sad!
Iain Sinclair, reading from his book The Other London in an excerpt in your film The Thames Pathway… also suggested – unless I misheard? – that Blake met or was it married his wife in 1872 which I think must have been a slip of the tongue or a typo in his book as Blake died in 1827.
Bob and Roberta Smith quote from This Other London: ‘Like most socialists [William] Morris was delusional. He thought of himself as a working man whilst employing people to slave for him meticulously hand crafting his rubbishy kitsh(sic). If Pugin and Morris had not lived we would all live in decent accommodation in up to date modern cities like people do in Europe’. I don’t know Bob and Roberta Smith from Adam, and this quote seems more like a playful provocation than a serious comment. However, while the Smiths may have a point about Morris – not sure that I agree with the disparaging comment re: Morris’ aesthetics – but the self-serving pejorative conflation of ‘socialists’ with the example of Morris is a nonsense IMO. A socialist for at least fifty of my sixty years, I’m neither delusional nor taking the piss a la Morris. All the best, Russell.
l love these videos especially during lockdown always something interesting to learn from them and all in the wonderful company of the genial John. Thanks for all the great walks.
Good stuff John. Nice to ‘know’ a kindred spirit. I’ve been meaning to do similar vids myself but the editing side of it scared me off. So I’ve just done some short ones which you can find on my facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/janeslondonwalks/videos/. I really must make some more but I keep getting distracted by sidestreets and other interesting details that need my immediate attention 😉
Hi john..im a great fan of your videos and also been a keen rambler all my life,as i dont drive,always preferred travel by train..as i was born within a stones throw of the very first traintrack laid in stockton on tees,although i left the north at 19 years old having lived in the southeast since 1997..i live in sussex now..but i have covered most of the south coast upto the north norfolk coast via foot. and also id say at least 50per cent of london..so i share the same passion .. although not a londoner,i can see the sense of pride in the culture and just the very history and presence of the greatest city on earth..but the jewels are the hidden gems..from blackheath to wapping basin and so on etc..the only part of london i have been through funny enough is the lea valley,enfield etc as i normally have continued to suffolk,norfolk after leaving stratford etc …if anything i love southwold also i have walked a few times,getting of at darsham,then to dunwich ,walberswick …incidently the church in walberswick is where george orwell saw a ghost of a monk …if for a suggestion,have you covered columbia rd,ezra street in hoxton a bygone era that lives on the famous royal oak pub..its now a wine bar i think…anyway brillant work john..your enthusiam is worth more than words..carry on the great walks…..
kevin
Cheers Kevin – haven’t covered Columbia Road in a video yet so will have to do so at some point. Looking forward to get out to Suffolk in the summer
ps only part i havnt been through in london…
also i live within a mile of bosham,west sussex where our legendary last true saxon king harold was born…as ive been to senlac hill,waltham abbey is a must for me..although not guarenteed his resting place..its probably the nearest to truth we have as william the bastard would not release the body to edith swanneck,so along with the famous godwinson fighting man banner it remains unknown…if you ever get chance ..visit for a day…its old bosham about 20 mins walk from bosham train station…the saxon church ,village and shoreline is worth as good as any a walk
Hi John, I just by chance discovered your walks and have now seen 1 of Leyton/Leytonstone. Although I was born in Hackney in the Women’s Salvation Army hospital post WW II, my mum & dad moved from their apartment in Clapham, to Leyton. We lived there until I was 6 years old and my dad was talked into immigrating to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada by an uncle who’d immigrated there with another brother of his pre-WW I. One was killed in Belgium in the war and the other returned to Vancouver. My dad was a butcher by trade and had a co-op butcher shop in Leyton post WW II. Here in Vancouver he worked for a large family run department store in their meat department. Back to Leyton though, we lived on Palamos Road, I think it was 45 Palamos Road. I’ve just checked house prices there now and discovered 46 Palamos Road on sale for £330,000. Unbelievable to consider when my dad bought post WW II, the price he told me was just £27,000 I believe. I also have found 45 Palamos Road was sold in Sept. 2000 for £116,000. Twenty years and over £200,000 more in sale prices. I attended Sybourne St. School as it had a segment as an Infants School. When I came to attend school in Vancouver, I was far ahead of the other students with English and Math. The latter was due to my having to learn the British Old Sterling money. In my early 20’s, I’d become a Registered Nurse here and after two years working in Pediatrics I returned to London and worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children taking a 6 month course looking after children who had Open Heart Surgery. It gave me 10 months of living in London and also Chingford to immerse myself in the British culture (in the mid 1970’s) and spend time with relatives who then all still lived in Leyton. I’ve been back to the UK many times since returning to Vancouver after 10 months in London and continued to work as a nurse for a total of 34 yr. I am now retired and both my parents have died, along with all my aunts and uncles. There is no one left to ask about old Leyton anymore. I still think of two school friends: Margaret Juniper and Johnny (or maybe now, John) Carpenter. But of course have no idea of what happened to them. Not sure if you are on Twitter or not but I could pass along a few photographs of Leyton for you if you are. I will have to watch more of your videos and will try and find your book too. Thanks for all the effort you have gone to as tonight, I really enjoyed the videos I have now watched. Oh yes, one more thing. My maternal granddad for a few years was the publican (married with his many children at the time) for the Merry Fiddlers Pub in Essex which still is there today. On the wall in the pub are some black and white photographs of him, my nana and my mom with her brothers and sisters – if you ever visit there. Do register your vehicle if you park there to ensure you are not ticketed. Just ask the staff how to do this. My email is soon2010@gmail.com if you’d like to reach me other than through Twitter. All the best for 2021. Wendy
Been watching your stuff on YouTube thank you i grew up in Edmonton and places like Epping Forest were a popular destination for our family.
Now live in Finland would you believe. It’s a long story 🤣
Hi John,
I loved your heroic walk through Clerkenwell despite the rain, hail, dying battery, and eventual darkness. I was a student at the school of printing in Back Hill from 1960 to 1964. The whole area was full of tyesetters, block makers and other ancillary parts of the print, at the moment that letterpress printing had nearly died. That corner of Clerkenwell Road opposite Back Hill had a peculier smell. Which came from the building opposite where old Holborn tobacco was packed. The Italian newspaper was sold in the newsagents, it was called ‘Back Hill,’ but those were the only words in English. We students used to buy Japanese rice paper with embedded grasses from a man in an upstairs room in Bleeding Heart Yard for our design classes. I have worked in the area most of my life and seen the changes, but still love it. Thanks for the walk.
Many thanks for sharing those memories Eve
hi me and my wife watch you regularly .could you tell us what band you used to play in.
We love to watch the walks on you tube cheers Alison 😀
Thanks Alison
John great Q&A session today.so looking forward to your new book.i have always loved pshychogeography.now i can put a name to my interest.silly point looking at your old vlogs and recent ones you seem to be getting younger!.relly must get my walking boots out.
I am reading your book at present and thoroughly enjoying it, having watched so many of your videos, I am able to hear your voice in my head as I read.
I am now constantly on the look out for lost rivers and built over streams, what a rich tapestry
Hi John
Having watched alot of your East London walks during the first lockdown and I have even walked some of them around Waltham Forest. Absolutely love watching your walks and learning about the history of the areas.
Be good to do a live walk with a group of your regulars Youtube followers around East London after lockdown
Keep up the great walks.
Hi John,
Really enjoy your video’s and book. Just wanted to suggest a walk you might like when you’re ready to go a bit further afield. We’ve moved to the Derbyshire Peak District now, but when we lived in Leyton we would often do a walk to Dedham Essex. Fairly easy walk along the River Stour from Manningtree (very atmospheric town -particularly if you know its history) taking in Flatford Mill (famous for Constable’s Haywain painting) and then onto the very pretty village of Dedham. Might be one you appreciate if you don’t already know it!
Best wishes,
Den Cain
Hi Den – that sounds great- thanks for the tip
Hi John
Just came across your video on ” London Loop” .I am currently half way through it, I’m walking it clockwise. You have inspired me to get back on it.My next section is the uxbridge.
Interesting I have never met anyone else doing it?
Anyway I have subscibed now to your walks , which look great.keep up the good work and thank you.
Kevin
Thanks Kevin – hope you enjoy the rest of the Loop
Hi John. Are you still planing to walk the route of the old Surrey canal in South East London?
Hi John.I wonder if you got my query?
Thanks Eddie – just replied
Just discovered your walks. Beautiful and really enjoy the commentary! Wonderful insight and spirit of delight. Looking forward to reading your book, which I just downloaded. Keep up the great work!
Many thanks Dan – hope you enjoy the book
Hi John. I enjoy your walks/channel and have seldom missed an episode since I put you on my ‘lockdown things to do’! My favourite film of the past year was the Lost Hamlet – Snaresbrook. I am biased. I was born on the Hermitage Estate Snaresbrook Road and even though I think you spent all of one minute filming as you walked on past, seeing the estate again just choked me up!
I have often wondered why you did not go to see the Birch Well which is just beyond the Eagle Pond to film it. It is a chalybeate well and once was the only well in the area. Anyway, I have been to that part of Epping Forest and seen the well again for the first time in about forty years. Ditto, I went on an explore of the estate and it brought back many memories. Now I am going to view the archives and write something about my life there. Good luck, John and looking forward to seeing your next film tonight.
Clive Baulch
Thanks Clive. The Birch Well is in a few of the videos and you’ll find it here on the blog as well. Glad you enjoyed seeing the Hermitage Estate again. Thanks for watching the videos
Hi john just watched 2 of your films covering the fillerbrook and Ching rivers. Having lived in Waltham Forest Leytonstone Walthamstow and now chingford I found it so very interesting keep up the good work! May I also say you are a natural behind the camera and that’s what made it that little bit more interesting well done!
Best wishes
Sarah
Chingford x
Many thanks Sarah
Look forward to every new video “Wherever they may be”. Keep up the good work John, your films are endlessly fascinating.
Hi john you mentioned lost pie and mash shops. In one of your videos. My nan had one of the oldest established pie and mash shops in the east end in rathbone market Canning Town. Olleys pie and mash. I’m her grandson I live in Somerset now her shop started in the old rathbone market I have fond memories of the shop used to work there on Saturdays making pies
I’m enjoying your series on London churches and the rest but have a minor beef re: your references – in the Church films and elsewhere – to the role of the ‘great and the good’ in building many of these epic buildings. My point, such as it is, was made far more eloquently by Bertolt Brecht in 1935:
Questions From a Worker Who Reads
Who built Thebes of the 7 gates ?
In the books you will read the names of kings.
Did the kings haul up the lumps of rock ?
And Babylon, many times demolished,
Who raised it up so many times ?
In what houses of gold glittering Lima did its builders live ?
Where, the evening that the Great Wall of China was finished, did the masons go?
Great Rome is full of triumphal arches.
Who erected them ?
Over whom did the Caesars triumph ?
Had Byzantium, much praised in song, only palaces for its inhabitants ?
Even in fabled Atlantis, the night that the ocean engulfed it,
The drowning still cried out for their slaves.
The young Alexander conquered India.
Was he alone ?
Caesar defeated the Gauls.
Did he not even have a cook with him ?
Philip of Spain wept when his armada went down.
Was he the only one to weep ?
Frederick the 2nd won the 7 Years War.
Who else won it ?
Every page a victory.
Who cooked the feast for the victors ?
Every 10 years a great man.
Who paid the bill ?
So many reports.
So many questions.
Hello there John! I’ve just come back on here after following your walks on YouTube after 2 years so I have or have been recently been doing a lot of catching up on your walks on YouTube and it’s nice to see you doing more walks outside London now. I am originally from North London (Hornsey) in fact so it was nice of you to cover the Moselle river in and around Hornsey so just keep up the interesting work and I’m interested in this walk around Alexandra Palace & Park when you do it. Keep me informed please thank you
Regards
John Mc
Thanks John
Another interesting film on Berlin, thanks. Interesting idea that Berlin is a city of ghosts – isn’t every city to some extent? The GDR was IMO only notionally ‘communist’ because it was run by putative communist Government – none of the Soviet era countries ever achieved that beautiful idea with the abolition of private property and the withering away of the State. In that sense, I’m also not sure that it is ever possible to kill an idea?
Thanks for sharing that Russell and I do agree with you – it’s the kind of point that Ollie would discuss all night
Hi John, I recently stumbled upon your youtube videos whilst looking for old film of my hometown Cheshunt. I am afraid that my walking days are over as I have COPD and have developed pollen allergies as well. You have become my surrogate rambler and now I am able to revisit many of the places of my youth. Although I live on the Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire border now I have spent most of my 73 years in and around the Sacred Lea. I learnt to fish in your favourite river as a boy, explored every inch of the towpath between Edmonton and Hertford, I sometimes feel as if the river Lea runs through my veins. As a kid my friends and I would jump on a bus and visit High Beech, have a drink and a pie in the old cafe then play a round on the pitch and putt. Then we would venture into the forest and search for Dick Turpin`s ” Treasure”. Other times we would walk to Waltham Abbey, turn left just before the entrance and follow a stream across a meadow until it disappears into the Powder Mills. The meadow has several large shallow holes, we were told they were used by the monks to keep carp in but somebody else suggested they were the result of a Luftwaffe raid. I heard you comment that you had never visited the mills, if you get a chance I can recommend a visit.
At one time or another I have lived in Enfield Lock, Waltham Cross, Cheshunt, Stanstead Abbotts, Dobbs Weir, Hoddesdon and Ware, I worked in Hertford for over 20 years so I can safely say I know the Lea Valley.
Thanks again for being my legs John I really enjoy re-visiting my old haunts, may you walk many more miles.
Hi John, thankyou for such a fascinating catalogue of walks, my girlfriend Sue and I really enjoy your films and are slowly working through them. I,ve always been fascinated by london and all places where centuries of human activity are somehow engrained in the brickwork and pavements that we can still touch. I came across your channel whilst searching for lost rivers in Norwich, this interest was triggered when I came across a reconstructed map of the medieval city center which clearly shows a stream called the great cockey. In your recent question and answer video you mentioned you may possibly visit Norwich , I think you would find it right up your street as our claim to fame was a church for every sunday and a pub for every day of the year. Would be great to bump into you if you came here. Regards Mike & Sue.
Hello John, Do you have any information on the price of your new book and outlets where it will be sold, especially for international fans? Cheers, Russell
hello John
I have been watching your videos around my old stomping ground of marks gate/chadwell heath.
Its a shame you can’t get to the gun barracks any more. We used to play over there as kids but not very often; it was always very scary/enthralling/exciting and you felt like you were trespassing even before the fences went up. Talk of unexploded bombs makes that fear warranted i suppose. the gun barracks were full of rubbish/graffiti/filth even back then so although you are missing out but its not a place you would hang around for long.
St Chad’s well is (i believe) somewhere in that area between the eastern avenue and billet road near the road that leads to fairlop waters. You can see some little streams in that area if you look on a map.
I see that you are/were involved in resonance fm. The late great frank key used to live in the centre of marks gate but a few years before i did. here is a short piece he wrote about the area:
http://hootingyard.org/archives/8229
i once went to a boozy do in fairlop waters and thought it would be a good idea to take a shortcut by going through the green space (at night) and vaulting haphazardly over the bush on to forest road. I forgot that there was no pavement on the south side of that road and landed in a drunken heap on the tarmac. luckily it was quite late and there were no cars about. All’s well that ends well!
Happy walking
I’ve been watching on YouTube must 18 months and totally love the journeys with your information I live in lytham but I love London and come down a few times a year the museum’s and gallery’s and try and follow in your footsteps on an adventure . Wonderful work and information John 👍
Just watched your latest video and you mentioned a conduit at the start and it reminded me of a book you might enjoy called the mercenary River by nick High ham, keep up the videos they are greatly appreciated
Hi John, thanks for all the films, and loved your book too. I just wanted to bring a chap called Steven Payne to your attention because I think you would be interested in what he does. Currently he’s riding a penny farthing bike down an ancient road wearing saxon armour….yes he’s a bit eccentric, however he loves history too and also tries to help the homeless along the way. Last night he slept in a longbarrow on his route! Please look him up and lend your support…he’s had the usual media giving incorrect information and it’d be great if there was some intelligent comment on what he does…anyway please check out his blog on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/steven.payne.3139
No doubt you were being ironic but I’m not sure that the origin of William Morris’s quasi Marxist politics can be equated with Rossetti cuckolding Morris although who knows?:)
I enjoy watching from Canada each week. I purchased your book because of the Richard II reference having read Glinert’s and several other guided walking tour books. Well done, you!
Many thanks indeed Joy
Hello John, I have just watched your video about Epping Forest. I have found a pamphlet entitled ‘The ramblers’ and riders’ guide to Epping Forest’ compiled by J A Brimble. It contains 10 large scale maps four and a half inches to the mile and 2 supplementary maps plus information about footpaths, main and secondary roads, horse rides and other amenities. It also lists means of transport to get to the forest which include by road, rail, coach and bus. I can’t find a publication date but this small guide was sold for 3 shillings. It was part of a collection of maps and brochures on interesting places that my late father in law had and which we have kept. At the back of the brochure there is an advert for Mr Brimbles’ book entitled ‘London’s Epping Forest’ (I think this is the book you were using in the video) so this may give some indication of when the pamphlet was published. We really enjoy your programmes, we are now living in North Yorkshire having moved up from London a few years ago, so your walks bring back memories. I used to work in the City Of London in the 1970s and 1980s and used to use my lunch hour to walk around the area. I have found your programmes very informative and have learnt much that I hadn’t previously known. Thanks for hours of entertainment, keep up the good work. How about coming up to God’s Own Country to do some videos? York would be an interesting one. Best Wishes Sue & Steve Ellis
Hi John, when oh when is your next book coming out? Is it worth me putting it on my Xmas list?! I enjoyed your first so much two Christmas’s ago it’d be great to have another read and walking inspiration this Xmas break.
Best
Alex K
John Rogers a peerless pure hearted local historian and `genius’ at uncovering the local map of time and always locating a better time with his local knowledge and bluff humour .He truly understands how humanity moulds with events,classical time since the Romans and above all how people shaped our past.The Isle of Dogs is a testament to a land locked Alphaville or `Brave New World’ that is ominous for no human centre of gravity.. It is completely invidious to cite any one of the 40 brilliantly filmed Walks I have seen over one week as I had been remiss and only now found the network of patently researched JR Walks for `The Other London’- that I shall read voraciously and write my own appreciation of the work of a man who epitomises real emotional intelligence insights into all nooks and crannies ,tracks and by -ways in evey Walk. I especially enjoyed all Walks in Epping Forest as my wife and I, visting family and friends worship its existence, that owes so much to the relentless campaign of Edward North Buxton Liberal MP whose redoubtable stand,when it counted most in late Victorian England made it possible to preserve the 600 hectares today, since the Act of Parlaiment passed in 1878 and consolidated in 1882 by Queen Victoria in her visit to High Beech in 1882.Like Edward North Buxton John Rogers is a true believer in the freedom and passion to roam,in forest or dell or along a lost water course like the Fleet or Wandle with the grace of a poet like John Clare and wisdom of John Bejamin (spelling) and showing diligent respect to our past and common herirtage ,without fear or favour, save for the love of Nature and the People.
Hi John,
Having discovered your YouTube channel a couple of months ago l have been working my way through your videos. I watched the one about walk which included reference to THE FRYS confectionery company in West Ham. It prompted me to send a comment at the bottom of that video, but I am not sure that it got to you because I am new to this despite being over 70 years but very young at heart. So this is the question/comment, I am reminded of my childhood going over to Temple Mills (as you know now is the Olympic stadium). It was an area of massive rubbish tip but in the middle there was a company called CLANICO which was a confectionery manufacturer and one of the products was peppermint creams. Do you know any facts about this or the area in general? Did you know that the rubbish tip behind Leyton Orient ground was an allotments site, I had one there in the 1970s.
I will sign off here for now but I hope you receive this message.
Anthony Rose
Clarnico, yes… (Clarke, Nickolls and Coombs) Ooh fruit jellies and soft mints!
I researched this company a while back for one of my walking tours vis some outlets they had in central London.
They were one of the largest manufacturers and employers in the Hackney Wick area. They had their own fire brigade, their own brass band and more. Later to become part of Trebor (mints are a minty bit stronger… etc!)
Looking forward to finding out more…
Thanks Jane,
Childhood memories and the details get lost in time,thank you again for giving me this detail.
Thanks for the update on your new book. Can you please advise if/when the book might be available from online booksellers or from this site. Cheers.
Thanks Russell – it’ll be available from 10th October
Hi John – I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your YouTube videos. They were a real beacon during the dark days of covid and I’m still enjoying them now. It could be that I’m just not finding it – in which case I’m sorry, but I haven’t seen anything on Southwark, which is an area I’ve always really liked.
You could start at the Clink Prison in Clink Street, take in the remains of Winchester Palace before coming to The Golden Hinde. A view across the Thames from the Southwark View Point and then down to the magnificent Southwark Cathedral. From there, it’s a short walk to Borough Market, with its sights, colours and smells and from there, you could find your way through to Redcross Way and take in the Crossbones Graveyard and Garden of Remembrance and then the Red Cross Garden with its fabulous overlooking Arts & Crafts cottages. Just down the road from there is the The Cathedral School of St Saviour & St Mary Overy. At the end of Redcross Way, you’d be at Marshalsea Road. Turn left and you’d come to Borough Tube Station, with the ACAS headquarters opposite as well as the Church of St George the Martyr, where the Charles Dickens character Little Dorrit was married (you could also take in Little Dorrit Court).
I realise the above may not make a full walk, but that area is so rich in history, you could easily add to it if needed.
I really hope you don’t mind this suggestion – and sorry again if you’ve already covered it and I haven’t found it yet!
Keep walking!
Best regards
Paul
Thanks so much for that Paul. I’ve had the notes for a walk for about two years would you believe and your suggestions are very helpful. I’ll aim to do it before Xmas.
Btw you may find the Neckinger video of interest
After your comments about the Ripper you should read they all love Jack by Bruce Robinson the only one worth it’s salt
Thanks Gary
I love following John’s walks because of how interesting he is!
Thanks so much Chris
Hi John. Love your stuff!. I am local to e11 and have a number of old london books which I don’t know if may be of use. Found them all when clearing my folks attic ?
That’s really kind Chris- I’m completely overloaded with books at the moment, literally stepping over them in my study
No prob. I just wondered if you have rambles in epping forest published 1949 by British railways..it’s beautiful with two super pull out maps and lovely illustrations of the prevalent trees and their leaves . A real treasure. Assume you have it unless I hear otherwise
My father was cavalry man in the rifle Brigade. and his father was John Luck Rogers (1839) who married Lucy Johnston(1838.) My dad was one of 11 children raised in Deptford