What Remains of the Crystal Palace?

[@andrewbaxter5558]

I rarely comment on any KZbin video, but this was absolutely fascinating. A stunning bit of work, very well done and thank you. The best hour I have spent on KZbin for a very long time.

[@Michaeluk61]

Must of watched this video 30 times. I really like your vids. This is my favourite video . I like the way you inhance the past to the present with illustrations. Very cool.

[@jetsons101]

Darren, there is never a "worst" day for history, every day is a great day for history. I wonder how much broken or melted glass is still in the dirt of the palace site left over from the fire. Darren you are still the King of photo fades, your videos show more quality with each and every one. This was quite the watch from start to finish, so enjoyable and so much history.

[@JemTheWire]

Some folk say that you should never look back. I say nonsense. Oh, how I wish I that I could go back in time and walk around The Crystal Palace. What a feat of engineering it was. Looked stunning. The way you superimposed the original and current site was fantastic. Thank you.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Who says you should never look back?

[@anthonykay6301]

Yeah, me too.

[@lynneleverton8825]

The Royal Parks website has a virtual tour.

[@SteveAttwood]

That was amazing, Having lived adjacent to the park for decades it's lovely to see the crossfades putting it all into context. Its heartbreaking to see what we've lost and how sadly so much of what's left is just rotting away...

[@themeparkreel]

absolutely incredible, i didn’t realise there was so much left of the palace! god bless people like you who capture all the remaining pieces of history!

[@lindakirk698]

Another fantastic trip around. Im a true Londoner & lived through the 60s repurposing of Crystal Palace. Lived within 20 mins & my aunt lived fown the hill so i was very often on that area. I attended the MASSIVE Scouting & Guiding Jamboree that was held there in about 1964/5. Ive walked along the race track. What was left stopped close to the new sports centre. (Dad watched motor racing from there as he was a big petrol head). I even swam in opening demo for the pool, did synchronised swimming demo at the Jamboree in the diving pool. My school even took sport into the 60s by letting us learn squash or badminton there. (entered a South London comp & came 2nd) My Mum & Dad were true Londoners as were 3 out of 4 grandparents. They saw the fire in 36 & Dad was a member of Loxal History grp. He could have told you so much but passed 8yrs ago. Brilliant researching, but I bet theres still more to uncover!!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching

[@pietweety7020]

Absolutely stunning video and presentation mate, you should be on television👍🙏

[@MyCharlie2000]

A great video Darren,as ever, your fade’s just make it so interesting, being able to see the past like that brings it to life. Thanks Darren.

[@michaeljohncooper]

Fantastic video. It’s so sad that nothing has been preserved of the gardens and fountains, let alone the Palace itself. There seems to have been a zealousness in the 1960’s to just annihilate everything. What an act of vandalism. Really enjoyed this though, congrats on a great piece of work.

[@tonyoglesby4070]

Always been fascinated by the palace but only ever seen drawings and a few photos. What an excellent interesting video. Great piece of work.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Tony

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

I'm only 12mins in but I had to stop and comment. This is great. You can't look away for missing the next hidden gem. I can see why you are so evidently happy to have scratched your 20year long exploration itch. Now back to the fun, even though some of it's a revisit, it's still enthralling. Thank you.

[@kerriemills1310]

😊 found your channel to watch again just as you return to Crystal Palace. Which I think 🤔 I also watched last video on too. 😅 Excellent work on all of this, It’s a joy to see all the research and pictures and your voice over work you have done to help us all watch and learn along with you at same time. Fantastic transport and buildings and gardens that they had back then. Amazing 🤩. And sad it’s not there anymore.

[@kirstie_alice]

Another fantastic video. I've been wanting to visit here for a long time and this video is the next best thing, so thank you. I'd love to go exploring with you - I can't seem to find anyone who gets as excited as me over some ruins hidden in some trees, haha!!

[@ArmyofLove]

Brilliant Brilliant video, I have been more aware of the palace history recently but this helps to understand it properly

[@Gez-C]

What a fantastic informative video in the palace and surrounding areas! Was great to watch

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelmiller641]

That was a fascinating video, Darren. Me and a mate explored the crystal palace station site in the sixties, and explored the moorish passageway, which was accessible then, we explored crescent wood tunnel further down the line. our cross country running route took us along part of the line at coxes walk, the old wooden bridge across the railway. I've been to a classical concert in the crystal palace grounds. Seen motor racing nearby. And viewed the remains of the roof being demolished in the early sixties

[@davidnm21]

Nice vlog Darren. My parents were married in the little church corner of Anerley Rd, not the original, in 1959. The Paxton Arms was the venue for the reception. My grandparents lived on Maberley Court just around the corner. The final train ran out of High Level Station on 19th September 1954. A steam engine, No.31576 was used hauling some eleven carriages. A sad end to a fine station.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Amazing. Brilliant filming. Outstanding documentary. Find it hard to imagine how massive this place was. If only the powers that be had maintained it. I think it would be “the in place” to visit from all over the world today. Music choice spot on. Thank you Darin. Have you not got a TV contract yet.? You should have. Thank you.

[@patrickbagnano1561]

Hi Darren, I love these videos. Gretting's from sunny Sarasota, Florida.

[@merseydave1]

Historic Education, Thank You.

[@lynneleverton8825]

I just love this video. I'm obsessed with Crystal Palace. You did an amazing job with all of it!

[@davidnorman7761]

Another superb video Darren superb content superb graphics details spot on .

[@jut20five]

I live 15mins by train to Crystal Palace park and have been there several times plus was aware of the Crystal Palace. However I knew nothing of the scale of this monumental achievement. Thanks for the work you’ve done to highlight this amazing piece of history. Very much appreciated. ….Justin

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching

[@RichardBurrows-j8r]

Stunning video thank you for sharing with us all. Made my day

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@martinmarsola6477]

A superb video today! I remember seeing parts from a earlier released one about a year and half. I will repeat, “a superb” video. Thank you for the opportunity to see its new part and the repeat of the earlier one. Your capabilities at this are breathtaking to say the least, Darren. This one really made my day. Enjoy the upcoming week, and see you on the next. Cheers Darren! ❤🇬🇧🙂🙂🇺🇸

[@lynnrobinson7521]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Full of information. To the point. No waffle. No arty farty video tricks. I thought I knew about CP but I have learnt so much more today. Keep em coming. 👍X

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching!

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Excellent documentary showing some of what remains, if you look, and indicating what might still be restored given the finance and political will. The fire was a tragedy, but so has been the failure to realise the site's poltential in the intervening years. Thank you for a very enjoyable and informative video.

[@joannenash5377]

Just found your channel. My grandparents lived in Penge and practically every weekend in the mid 1960's to 1970's we walked to Crystal Palace Park. There used to be an adventure playground to the right of the Penge gate behind the big Victorian houses. There was also an artifical dry ski slope, which was I think near the Sydenham entrance. We used to sit on top of grassy slope and look down on the athletics track. So much has changed. Can't believe the car parks everywhere. I live in Australia now but have fantastic memories of the park.

[@ianhalsall-fox]

Thanks for reposting Darren, haunting and mesmerising!

[@cherylmason3340]

Truly excellent , this is the best historical vlog of The Crystal Palace !! My daughter's and I love this park for me it's still steeped with history which is a passion of mine 😍 thank you for doing this and all the other vlogs which accompany this series. Fantastic 👍😊

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dianeshepherd7913]

Great video, full of facts and history, and the old photos i love, thanks Darren 😊

[@trishflanagan9474]

Your videos are incredible! The original photos super imposed are amazing. I really appreciate your fascinating insight across all the videos. We’ll done xx❤

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you like them!

[@jasonuk8333]

The sports stadium is on the site of the old Crystal Palace football ground, which held 21 FA Cup Finals, before Wembley became the venue for these. The largest attendance was in 1913 where 120,000 packed in to see Aston Villa beat Sunderland, so it must have occupied a larger site than the current stadium. It also held a few international matches.

[@Michaeluk61]

Interesting 👍

[@mark-wh2qc]

Back in the 60s anything victorian was seen as outdated and planners didn't think twice about demolishing grand buildings, just look at Euston station as an example...

[@susietunisie]

I've re-watched this many times - absolutely superb work - your best yet, in my humble opinion. It'd be interesting to investigate the story of the previous/other glasshouse & estate in Hyde Park too 🤔.

[@Massgraveofsaints]

Great video. Super informative! And the old pictures verses the new landscapes are so incredible to me. So many memories and events held in that place and park, and now most of it is reduced to rubble and lost in landfills or reused. Change is always good z but it's hard to let go of the past

[@angiederrett6100]

One of the most enjoyable videos I've ever seen on KZbin. The doco is outstanding- thank you for creating such quality material. I look forward to seeing your other docos! 😃

[@valerycarpentier852]

I’ve been lucky enough to visit the subway a few years back. A stunning piece of architecture. Can’t wait for it to reopen properly!

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah should be very good once finished

[@brianscales9912]

Another interesting video Darren, thank you for sharing. Living in SE London, I've been to Crystal Palace many, many times. Very interesting seeing it through your trained eyes, saw SO much more this time! Keep up the great work. It IS appreciated!👍🙂

[@anthonykay6301]

Excellent. I particularly liked the old vs. present layovers so you can really picture what it looked like in location and the sheer scale of it. Thanks.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@robertberry5003]

Great video Darren, very interesting indeed.

[@Sharon-marie]

The TV mast is nothing compared to the crystal palace. Thankyou for this lovely video. Very fascinating indeed

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@simonbradshaw3708]

Thank you again for another really enjoyable video, it must take you a lot of time to research everything..I look forward to seeing your next video

[@Nik-8it5p]

Great video editing. I love the before and after shots. Makes us see what we are really missing. Locations such as these could do with LiDAR to really see whats in the undergrowth. Subbed after being away for a while, the quailty in your content has greatly improved. Keep up the good work!! 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Coaster_Crazy]

Such an interesting video mate

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Andy

[@philipcongdon494]

A very well researched and presented video from one as a child was in amazement and explored the remains in the late 1950s when the stations were there but in ruins. Well done.

[@shirleysmith1713]

Absolutely brilliant video Darren. From the beginning to the end really enjoyed this video. Very informative. Thanks for showing 👍🏻😎☀️🇬🇧

[@Thebergskristall]

This could be the best thing I've ever seen !! ❤❤❤

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 😊

[@davewright4380]

Another great piece of work Darren! It's a fascinating site, I visited it a few years ago😊

[@kevinbishop7149]

Fascinating stuff Darren, you never let us down!

[@griswold67]

Fantastic in every respect Darren

[@jackjames3190]

What an excellent video! 👌 love the program structure and the graphics and the historical photos etc. the music in the background when you were narrating was a tad too loud but other than that this was thoroughly enjoyable - bravo 👏👌

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you very much!

[@onceways]

Long time viewer, I live around the corner from the Palace, shame we couldn’t have gone for a pint. - Great work.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Stuart. This was almost two years ago believe it or not.

[@kathygoskey6701]

That was so interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@176MarkW]

Yay! I live about 3 minutes walk from Crystal Palace Park, so couldn't get any more local for me. Great video!

[@AdventureMe]

Hope you enjoyed

[@trevorgibson8563]

Another great show keep em coming

[@telquad1953]

Fine job with the graphics. A lot of work for you.

[@OmarAlohaDude]

Darren, you do such well researched and produced videos!

[@LissaDeeDee]

I’ve recently discovered your channel Darren and I’m absolutely loving it, it is fascinating. This video about the Crystal Palace is particularly interesting. I love history and seeing how things have changed (and in most cases been ruined by modern building ideas!) I find your channel most intriguing and I love your calm presentation on the videos, the fading idea is great too, I love to see the before and after. Your videos have inspired me to get back into my history and I’m currently researching and building up portfolios on areas I have lived in and their history. It’s keeping me intrigued after a long day at work and helps me to relax! The old maps online website is very useful. Please keep up your most excellent work on these videos, I really enjoy them.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks a lot. Appreciate that

[@marybradley7791]

A very good video, so much history it must have taken you ages to research it. I couldnt believe that they still had some original bits like the dinosaur park and the hedge maze. The dinosaur park would be worth a closer look.

[@andybb]

Every time I watch your videos the presentation gets better every time. Do you have photographs before you travel for the transition to marry then and now?

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks. This is almost two years old too. Yes I get the pictures beforehand and take them with me.

[@andybb]

@@AdventureMe Thank you

[@fatlad5090]

Great video big D

[@matthewgriffiths8423]

Love you're now and then pics. If only we had a time machine ayy 😊

[@lynneleverton8825]

Amazing video! Can only imagine how much constructing this park would have cost, which is a stark contrast to how many people were probably living in poverty back then. It would have been an absolutely incredible day out though! The photo fades are incredible!

[@Dave1976.]

Another excellent 2 part series Darren. Your the best. Just 1 thing. Even though it's an urban myst why would you bury a carriage with passengers in, Does any one know ? Love all yr vlogs. You have taken and spent a lot of time at the Crystal Palace full credit to you and every thing you manage to uncover and find. ....

[@terriewheatley-ward729]

I was a member of the Friends of Crystal Palace in the late 80's early 90's. Love the fades...

[@janagzennai1212]

My dad took me there years ago, and told me about the railway carriage buried with dead people, I was fascinated I wanted to get a spade and dig lol

[@gabim4016]

Very interesting Thank you!

[@eddywells5689]

Great vid

[@thatrandomskywalker9928]

Awesome!

[@visionsinblue7093]

Great video, is it much different to the previous series you did a year ago? I recognise some of the tourists in the background 😂

[@richard3004]

Thought I recognised the video from a year ago.

[@Mr_Spliffy]

Awesome bro

[@manou4296]

Loved watching these videos ! As a child I spent many hours there with my brother and my grandparents. Do you recall the adventure park and the zoo ? Don't ever remember the maze though (you mentioned it was refurbished in 1987) I was probaly there before that !

[@AdventureMe]

I don't remember either of those. This was my first ever visit.

[@christelbraune4530]

Thank you Darren!!👍👋ach

[@fhwolthuis]

Excellent video, Darren. Still baffles me how they managed to set fire to these glass and steel structures time and time again 🤔😅

[@geoff3656]

Very well done ..👍 Thanking you for sharing. Any photo of palace looking up from any High streets ..?

[@AdventureMe]

Yes. I have one or two

[@geoff3656]

@@AdventureMe Hi I think there is one looking for from Sydenham high street down from the Gas turrets where the one way system is.. I worked there back in the 80’s ‘Palmers motorcycles ‘ Gee’s that was a long time ago..

[@SteveAttwood]

The Foundation block at 20:28 I believe was part of the bridge that crossed the track from the station to the sports centre when it was ringed by a fence and entry gates like the one at 22.22 all served by stairs like the ones at 23:38

[@MR-hm5hw]

9:15 It's overgrown now but there's an original sign on the north tower about 9/10ft up. If you move the ivy you can probably still see it

[@stephenwarhurst6615]

Millennium Dome has nothing on what a magnitude of a wonder Crystal Palace was

[@Canthatcrazy]

Millennium Dome is just a posh tent

[@SoLongKingBowser]

I don't think that was ever the aim of the Dome. Crystal Palace has nothing on the Taj Mahal. Different meanings behind the buildings.

[@srfurley]

It is still possible to see what parts of the high level station were like. In the late ‘50s Ken Russell made a short film, Amelia and the Angel, parts of which were filmed in the disused station. Extracts from the film, including the station scenes are available on KZbin. There is some heavy ironwork, reminds me of North Eastern Railway.

[@paulboardman01]

great video

[@citled]

Superb video of Crystal Palace. There was a photo in your video of London's Tower Bridge in scale model form. Do you know the date of the photo? I ask because I wonder if it was an Architects model or model of someone's vision of Tower Bridge? Tower Bridge in London is not as old as some think. Tower Bridge was designed in 1884 and constructed between 1886 & 1894, opening in 1894, forty years after Crystal Palace opened at Sydenham Hill.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes I believe this was the Festival of Empire in 1911.

[@jamesbutler_]

I was pondering the concrete block at 20.30 just the other day. I assumed this probably formed part of the foundations for the old bridge that used to cross the race track from the lower level station.

[@Group51]

Omnibus! So good I don’t mind seeing it again.

[@steamboy273]

Hi all I notice the brick work of the crystal palace structure (the old pic.s) are of the same design as allexandra Palace construction

[@paulrobinson373]

Loving this, also view of the flat earth horizon at 51.38. I see your drone does not use a fisheye lens 👍

[@lynnballington8467]

Hello Darren how are you love your vidio I find it very interesting poor stautue without the head it will be vandals thats done it I love my dinosaur jussic park is going to Blackpool soon best wishes take care stay safe xx ❤😊

[@classics144sportscarschannel]

there was also a race track in palace park

[@GrandTheftAidan]

Wow! Imagine the tourism if it was all still there today.

[@anthonyellis987]

I'm getting a case of deva vu. Wasn't this explored by you a year or two ago? I still enjoyed it though.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes. This was the omnibus edition lol

[@christinehodge3608]

So interesting,

[@AshPaddyM]

Lived in and around Crystal Palace for most of my life and had no idea these last remnants of the tower existed. Didn't even know the dinosaurs were part of the original exhibition. Just thought it was a budget attraction.

[@edwardkrarup8816]

I'm not sure if you can still go underneath the tower where the museum is apparently they used to have ladders that went down underneath it. I think it was once a month they used to open it up

[@AdventureMe]

It was all closed when I went

[@edwardkrarup8816]

@@AdventureMe if you go into the museum which used to be the school, they could tell you if it's open or not, I'm not sure but I think health and safety has something to do with a closing it. But underneath it is lots of pipe work from Brunel

[@tuckerdale-g4u]

Excellent job. Very interesting 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Canthatcrazy]

Everytime you visit there it's boiling hot 🔥

[@crossthreading8157]

I’m thinking these crystal palace’s are old world airports and the towers on the sides was docking stations for airships to unload.

[@lewismartin4306]

That’s not the original station wall for high level station. To see the original you have to go to spiney gardens, where the portal and far more beatific original wall in still.

[@kierans1159]

My father say it burn down as a 9 year old boy, I remember him telling me that could clearly see it from Norwood and that it burned all night but sadly he is long gone so I never got to ask him more.

[@circuslife888]

Look at those ruins. Those are similar to what we see on archaelogical ruins from ancient civilizations. We see their walls and staircases -- but we have no idea about the megastructures that used to house them. At least, with the Crystal Palace, we know what it used to look like.