Along the River Lea from Hackney to the Thames | River Lea Walk (4K)

[@johnharney6548]

Hello John, till about 2 months ago I was in Hospital with this blessed virus and had the sense to take my IPad In with me. Every one in there just sat there starting across the ward, bored rigid, but I had your wonderful films Thanks a million for all that. Kind regards. John. Harney

[@JohnRogersWalks]

So sorry to hear about your illness John but glad my films could bring some entertainment. Good to hear you're on the mend now. Take care. Plenty more walks coming to KZbin

[@johnharney6548]

@@JohnRogersWalks m

[@TheHigherCraft]

@@CS88754 What makes John so special is that he acknowledges his fellow humans need for sanity,. No law against that sweetheart! least not yet!

[@earinsound]

@@CS88754 hello mother, yeah everyone would be on the edgelands and walking obscure places if not for lockdown. Right.

[@TheHigherCraft]

@@CS88754 Nope sorry you're wrong! I am a SUPER FREEk. You may continue saving lives with your opinions now , bye bye.

[@andrewcroft6855]

Fabulous stuff as ever John, please don't change "Wherever that may be", that just signs off superbly

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Andrew - I will say it with added gusto from now on

[@luxford60]

"blue" is probably a reference to a product added into a white wash. you'll have heard "bluey whiteness" in washing powder adverts. My wife grew up in Cumbria and there was a factory on the way which used to make "Reckitts Blue" and when it was still working the whole area around it was blue from the dust. The blue they made in Stratford would have been a rival to that company.

[@Fees-Shed]

Sometimes known as Dolly blue bags that you used in your white washing to make it whiter 👍🏻

[@harrysmith4780]

Lush & Cooke also had a large dye works at Hackney Wick. Their youngest-ever manageress in 1939 was my mum.

[@waterloosunset7784]

@@Fees-Shed Lancaster football club are known as the Dolly Blues

[@petergml]

Reckitts in the 1970s built the tallest chimney in Hull to make synthetic ultramarine in Hull for use in various products including Reckitts Blue laundry whitener, spewing out sulphur dioxide at 463ft. The acid rain resulting from this mainly fell on Scandanavia, doubtless causing forest dieback, and it was only around 2000 that a desulphurisation plant was fitted. Reckits's had sold the plant in 1994 to Yule Catto and it later became part of Holliday Pigments, and then Hunstman, who are still the largest producer of synthetic ultramarine in the world but it now comes from their more modern French plant. The chimney is still standing.

[@amateurknight235]

Was a truck driver from late 80s till mid 2000 delivering London from the Midlands and I cannot believe the change in this time thank you John for another fascinating video keep em coming cheers to you Sir

[@Pur9leRain]

I live in Newham and have worked in Hackney and Tower Hamlets for past 12 years. I’ve walked and cycled these paths and never realised the names of the different locks or waterways or tiny rivers. Of course I’ve seen tremendous changes and never get bored of the this hidden part of north east London

[@jamiemorris5177]

You definitely don’t require a new sign off the one you’ve got is perfect I always say it with you at the end Keep up the great work

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Me too love the sign off😀

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Jamie and Tomgirl

[@thewalkingman777]

Exactly...."wherever that may be"....ahhh, it's like a snug comfort blanket!

[@pauljones5066]

Man, your channel is absolutely phenomenal I am a northerner (not a Londoner) but I love every second. Intelligent commentary and somehow spiritual, so many thanks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much Paul - greatly appreciated

[@margaretgreenwood4243]

As an ex Londoner, now a Loiner, I appreciate John’s work too and your lovely comment

[@julierogers7685]

Just came out of hospital after being in for 10 days with the covid - I Love your videos, they kept me sane and balanced, and I could escape from my situation for a short while x

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hi Julie - so sorry to hear you were in hospital all that time - great to hear that you're out now and pleased the videos could help. More to come over the winter into what I believe will be a glorious Spring

[@earinsound]

@@CS88754 hello mother

[@ianmaddams9577]

@RichardTheThird . I wonder why you have no subscribers 🤔

[@jazzman9042]

I couldn't help but think, as you strolled among those tall new apartment blocks and said how it felt soulless; it's because you are walking into the future. Change always takes us to the future, and I believe it's that that gives us a strange slightly out of body feeling. Another great walk John. AA++

[@darrenrobson5977]

No matter what type of landscape a river flows through there's always something truly magical about it

[@oceana1955]

If I never get to London, I at least have these wonderful walks. I just recently discovered them and they have been fascinating, interesting accompaniment for knee replacement rehab. Thank you so much, John for visiting and sharing all these history steeped places. And if I ever do get to London, it will be wonderful to recreate some of these walks. Also a fan of Rivers of London. Great series.

[@kendonovan6312]

Hello John. This video brought back many, many memories as I grew up knowing many of the areas and streets that you name. It's a pity that over the decades with a little foresight, determination and of course money much of the land on either side of the river could have been developed into park land, gardens and wild life habitat which would have made a wonderful amenities for local people to go during summer evenings.

[@georgerobartes2008]

It was at 3 Mills near Bow Bridge where George Hodgsons had the Bow Brewery that brewed the India Pale Ale that quenched the thirst of the Empire in the late 18th and 19th centuries . Ideally placed near the old road that brought the grain from Essex and Suffolk , and the river down to the moorings and later dock of the East India Company . No link between the Ironbridge Tavern and the Bridgehouse except they were both demolished in the early 80s to make way for new development. The Bridgehouse was more famous than you think being the venue where bands like Iron Maiden and Depeche Mode learned their trade with visits by such greats as Rory Gallagher to jam with bands . You can't leave the Lea Estuary without a shout out to the vast complex of the Tate & Lyle factory , the company that brought forth sweetness to the World. Its wharves once heaved with raw cane from the West Indies .

[@luxford60]

Lee has been in several of the Rivers of London books, including the very first one. She's rarely been a major character, but was there when Peter first meets the Rivers at Mama Thames's house in Wapping. She's the only one of the rivers who is white, and is much older than the others, but defers to Mama Thames because she is only a tributary to the main river.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that Christopher - I shall recover the first book from my son and take a look

[@ttv2951]

Every time a new build goes up something important that cant be measured or quantified is lost Thanks for helping us remember. Looking forward to the next walk "where ever that may be " 👍

[@houzbizness303]

I'm addicted to the content of this channel. I watch way more than I should. Sometimes many hours go past without a single other thought occupying my mind :) I was born and lived in London for the first 30 years of my life. I still miss it and feel instantly at home on those rare occasions that I visit. The big problem I had with living there was the amount of rubbish, waste, destruction of property, and general disregard for nature. Even now when watching these posts whether they are along the Thames, in a city park, or in some suburban woodland, I just feel the need to 'tidy up' everything I see. Probably best that I never move back :)

[@michaelcaine8311]

Hi John, I have enjoyed many of your films, keep it up. As a child I would go fishing in the River Lea where you started the walk. We knew that part of the River as The Gush.

[@juliewilliams9441]

I miss the old place of my birth thanks again for this great memories 😢 ❤️👍

[@edenwalsh1014]

Watching this from the Philippines. Lived in UK for about 30 years. Love your love for walks which I would dread to do in the city here, weather, being the main reasons unless one wakes up regularly just after midnight! May this pandemic end soon and there might be a chance again of the crisp morning walk and a nice cup of tea and and hot cross buns after. 🤩Thank you for this, John🥰x

[@paulusrailton]

Hi John, another wonderful episode. I only have one gripe, they're never long enough. Every week I look forward to watching another walk, and then it's over. Watching your channel is my time of stresslessness. Thank you for that. PS. Don't change anything!

[@brianjrichman]

Absolutely no new sign off needed. What you have now is unique and outstanding. Don't change things without a good reason to, especially as your love for these places and enthusiasm that shines on through.

[@alexthomson7465]

I worked in a firm on Stephenson Street for years and spent many a lunch break over bow creek ecology Park. What a peaceful little oasis it once was. I even managed to spot a kingfisher there once! I agree that city island is completely eerie! Also, that Bridgehouse 2 is run by 2 fellas that used to frequent the original. Quite a cool little place. Nice vid John. Thanks

[@alisontuffnell5250]

Another fab video! My dad and I love watching your videos every week John. He is a Radical Rambler and I got him a river Lea mug and eastern avenue bag for his birthday this year, and your book for Christmas. For someone who was born and raised in London but now lives up north and misses it terribly it has really been a life saver since the pandemic for him to be able to binge your videos and visit London with you as he hasn’t been able to go himself. So thank you! And don’t change your sign off - we both love it! :)

[@richardpalmer6061]

Another brilliant walk, John. My Dad was a welder at a now defunct firm called Gray and Connolly in the 1960s and early 70. We lived on Abbott Road, Poplar behind the second set of gas ometers on Leven Road. We used to walk over Canning Town Bridge to go to Rathbone Market and Caters the supermarket. The old Canning Town Station was on the north side of the main road and was fairly decrepit and served by the occasional clapped out diesel then electric trains that ran from Stratford to North Woolwich.

[@annoyingbstard9407]

Thanks John. Some memories for me…my first job was at Tidal Basin Dock on the other bank from Trinity Wharf, which was a steel dock unloading mainly rebar from S. Africa. My job was collecting all the railway sleepers the bars were stacked on and I remember building a little log cabin in the middle of the huge stack that all the blokes could hide in.

[@IrrationalRecreation]

When I first walked the river many years ago, I was surprised to walk past the closed Lesney factory (now demolished) but an instant connection was made as memories of Matchbox cars came flooding back. BTW Much of the Euston Arch was known to be in the Lea since Dan Cruickshank found chunks of it in 1994, well before the Olympic developments.

[@shauntodd7123]

Absolutely love the Lower Lee and Trinity Buoy wharf as i love Islands. All the fantastic sites and hidden gems.

[@jainee4507]

This series of videos will be fascinating to viewers decades from now.

[@bernardjakob8959]

Watching your regular jaunts on the river Lea I’ve been hoping you’d confirm what I’d heard about the hemp industry during Tudor times, i.e. that it was mandatory for farmers to grow a certain amount of hemp to supply the canvas (canvas = cannabis = hemp) to provide sails for the navy. Hertfordshire was the heart of the hemp producing area (e.g. Hemel Hempstead = Hemel’s Hemp farm). The river Lea was the main route from the Hertfordshire Hemp farms to the London based sailmakers… Sounds feasible to me!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That's really interesting Bernard and I have to say I haven't come across that bit of info in my reading on the Lea Valley but sounds perfectly plausible

[@annejohnson8374]

Brilliant seeing ice when we have 40+ in South Australia. Most refreshing video.

[@phillthomas5211]

aLWAYS BRINGS BACK MY CHILDHOOD, THIS ONE PARTICIULARLY.........KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK JOHN, KEEP WELL KEEP SAFE

[@rubbberrobbie]

✨ Perfect John! This is my patch of the Lea - it's been some time since I've been down as far as the confluence with the Thames. That will be the walk for this weekend. The stretch between Hackney Wick and Bow Locks is very special. I just hope it's not all taken by developers. We need little affordable workshops and spaces to retain the community and soul. ✨Rob

[@markszawlowski867]

Reassuring to know that even you occasionally talk Bow Locks, like the rest of us :) Lovely video - cheers

[@diogenesagogo]

I belonged to a fishing club when I was about 15 & there was a guy on coach trips who would occasionally chirp up with "why don't we go to Bow Locks" Funny at first hearing but lost its charm after the umpteemth repetition.

[@bryan3550]

Lovely stuff, John. By chance, I've just finished reading "Afloat" by Danie Couchman. In it, she recounts her time on a narrowboat, principly on the Lea Navigation... A fascinating read. 😎

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

What a treat, lots of info and stunning edgelands imagery to enjoy and digest, thanks so much John. I love the sign off, I always say it along with you, and reading the comments, it seems like I'm not the only one!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Lois glad you enjoyed it - yes classic edgelands environments and a great artistic community around Trinity Bouy Wharf you'd enjoy

[@Xscone]

Just came across your channel, provokes many fond memories. I came to work at BOC (British Oxygen Company) on Eastway in January 1980. This is where we produced Acetylene and latterly dry ice and filled many industrial gas cylinders. My 4 years working there were my first ‘proper’ job. I met many wonderful people and characters. Sadly, haven’t been back for many years.

[@ghtyn]

My wife and i love watching your videos and we both join in with your sign off. So we are voting to keep it. Cheers John.

[@merendapurplelady8390]

Wow what a amazing walk I always enjoy your walk and all the history a long the way

[@zennor_man]

Hi John..a welcome post. Re the "Blue works" It was common for Reckitts blue bags to be added as a whitener to laundry. My dear late mum used it no doubt along with millions of other houseproud mothers. Dad worked in Marshgate Lane for Messrs Pickfords in the 1960s & 70s & I can assure you the smell in the area was overpowering. In the 1980s I bought a property alongside the Lea in Wheathampstead....Happy days.......sorry to ramble on!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that great info - the Lea at Wheathampstead is a glorious spot, wonderful place to live

[@Mudhooks]

Blueing helped counteract any yellowness to washed whites that would give the impression of clothes not being entirely clean. The clothes didn’t come out blue, of course but just a cooler shade of white that gave the impression of them being very clean. Once liquid bleach was widely available, blueing sort of fell out of favour.

[@SteigerSteigerfoto]

Always loved this area ever since I moved to Hackney. Before the development of the Olympic park, the Carpenters Road hinterland was a mysterious wonderland full of history that was is forever lost now. Stephen Gill (photographer) did some great tours of the area back in 2005/6. Worth checking his books.

[@colinpearce5856]

Hi John another interesting & informative walk and video. When I think of the river Lea I cannot help but think of all the volume of gunpowder in the 1700’s & later in early 20th century the cordite transported down it from the gunpowder works in Waltham Abbey to the Arsenal in Woolwich that manufactured ammunition that built the empire & protected this country in times of war or crisis. First it was the only way & later the best/safest. The other more current thought is in the 1970’s when it was its polluted worst people nicknamed it the “Rainbow” river. So many combinations of chemicals & waste mixing up to create a technicolour river. Thank goodness it has been cleaned up. Keep up the great videos.

[@stevenspraggs4953]

proper old east end goose bumps love the old buildings never seen three mills that close up only from the tube on the distrect line god bless yer guvnor loved that one more old east ends one please john steve

[@Buscolin]

I lived near Hackney central and used to cycle along the river from Hackney marches to Bow . so peaceful in the middle of London

[@jenniferlevine5406]

No way - please don't change your sign off! This is a great walk and I really enjoyed it. I love seeing these kind of places where old meets new or those small forgotten areas just waiting for their turn to experience change. You make some good points about the current phase of redevelopment. The same has happened or is currently occurring in so many places. As you say, in 100 years or more things inevitably will change again. All the best!

[@paulfish5074]

Really enjoyed the video John as I have many of your others. I am 100 miles an hour in life. But I find watching your videos a great stress reliever. You have a very gentle nature and your use of words is magical. Find my heartrate and BP dropping and the minutes just ease away. Thanks for making the effort to produce these wonderful videos and long may they continue. Best wishes.

[@thekentishpilgrim]

You speak of City Island having no soul but is it possible for the soul of a place to be ripped out of it? East London is being ruined by developers and politicians. How many tiny, ugly, unaffordable flats does one place need? What a mess.

[@louistracy6964]

A grand little film.

[@Backs4more]

I fished the Lea as a kiddie and loved the place. Mostly around Waltham Abbey, but also lower down. I now live 700 miles north in Northern Scotland and these videos bring back such fond memories. Thank you.

[@garymehigan5004]

Just getting round to watching this episode, what a wonderful video John. Can't wait for more in 2024 💪

[@lesgoody3141]

Nostalgia! Much of my childhood spent along the Lea, I don't recognize much of it now. All the smells around Hackney Wick helped you to find your way home in a Peasouper! Thanks John.

[@JTTW1455]

I didn’t realize London was such a watery world. Makes sense for such a wet climate .. such a grey day. Loved Three Mills Island. Very interesting thanks.

[@Hope-bn9xz]

Being a East Londerner myself ,love your video content. I'm your new subscriber 👍

[@mungmungie]

I liked the passing mention of Clarnico. One of my ancestors was a manager of the company, and my great great grandmother was the girl whose face appeared on some of their cookie tins--some of the earliest use of photography and decoration on commercial prodiucts.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

that's brilliant Peter - I was reading about them a bit in the summer - what a wonderful bit of family history

[@mungmungie]

@@JohnRogersWalks, interestingly, the girl on the biscuit tins was not from the English (patrilineal) side of my family, but from the Scottish (matrilineal). Margaret Mathieson (1835-1899) was the niece of a manager at Clarnico. I often wondered if the photo was the real thing, because it was not uncommon for families to frame such images and even adopt them as "Aunt So-And-So." However, a photo of Margaret was found by members of the Stephen family (the family she maried into) taken shortly before her death, and there can be no doubt that it's the same person.

[@nickjung7394]

I believe the tins were made by the Metal Box Company.

[@nickjung7394]

@@mungmungie The Metal Box Company employed Lithographic Artists who retouched and edited pictures by hand. Very talented individuals who would have been capable of producing full colour images from photographs that showed a person's best characteristics.

[@terryflynn1956]

Another magical river walk John the ever changing landscapes with the fascinating narrative made this one extra special. Enjoying your book at the moment and no you can’t ever change your sign off it’s become legendary. 😊👍

[@xqqqme]

John, your minute of reflection from 32:44 to 33:44 is EXACTLY the point I've struggled to make. And it's true for ANY city, not just London. It's only today that I've watched this video so that's why I'm late in coming to understand that you have this valuable insight...and balance. There are young children in that area right now whose adolescences and early adulthoods will be shaped by those places and, in them, the experiences they will together create and share. And as they move through their lives and the area changes again (as it certainly will), doubtless there will be many among them who will, with both affection and great certainty, claim *that* as something of a pinnacle in London's history and mourn its loss.

[@paularnold4440]

Used to go to the original Bridgehouse early seventies mostly on Sundays. It was adjacent to Canning Town BR station. Some top bands there including Tull and U2. Split level pub always heaving with people. Used to walk to and from West Ham underground to get there. Very dark and desolate at nightime. Great video . Thanks

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

You took us through places I never knew existed. The information you supplied was second to none, in fact it was your knowledge which really made the whole film interesting. So many small rivers around the area. And the names of the buildings and streets. Very olde world amongst modern structures.

[@FreeLancerLondon]

My grandparents with my Dad and Aunt lived in Beechy Road in 30s and 40s. I still had relatives there in the 1960s. We always referred to the area as the island. Brings back a lot of memories 👍

[@ashleysgaze]

Bravura John, bravura! ⼮🚶‍♂️

[@diannereeks1150]

Wonderful walk as always. Worth the wait. Please don’t change sign off

[@4thEyeVision]

I loved this this walk :) keep the old sign off thanks John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers 4thEye

[@overnightparking]

I spent so many days between 2007-15 wandering these areas with my camera shooting the other worldly industrial edge landscapes before the chain of development starting with the Olympic Park led to the changes we see today. There’s no reason other than nostalgia to wish the area hadn’t changed, its now a vital part of London but the industrial wasteland had a certain beauty to it. What a joy to take this walk with you! And please don’t change your sign off!!

[@markcoombs5887]

Hello John A bit late to reply to this film, I have already watched this weeks one, great as always!! Please don't change your sign off!!! When you say, ' Join me on the next walk, wherever that may be', I always get bit choked up!! Keep walking, all the best, Mark

[@RajSinghKhalsa]

Great walk John, as I started to watch the music playing reminded me of a Sergio Leone spaghetti western movie, all you need is a cowboy hat and a poncho and we have our very own Clint Eastwood 😊, look forward to the next walk

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I know what to wear on my next walk Raj - thanks

[@michelinman666]

Great video as usual. Where you turned from Stephenson St into Bidder St you may not have realised the building in the background of your shot is actually a very good nightclub called Fold, based on the clubs in Berlin and operates very long opening hours. It doesn't give anything away from the outside! Like you say, at some point they will also likely get forced out by the march of development. Echoes of the pre-olympics Lea Valley of the St Etienne film.

[@GreyGhost.]

Excellent ... the deprivation holds it's own beauty.

[@grassamupson]

Wish I had thought of that line when I flogged my house!!!

[@welshcake8086]

Great video. I did this walk myself in the summer, but got lost around Three Mills and ended up using public transport to get me back on track, so will now use your video as a guide. I love Trinity Wharf area.

[@LADmob]

The LEGEND posted another video, yaaaaaay .

[@forecast_hinderer]

I walked through the Olympic Park yesterday (Thursday 14th) and the Lea had totally burst its banks, part covering the benches by the side paths and flooding into the nature reserve area, almost up to that half telephone box.

[@IanPhillipsWildlife]

Great stuff John, I always particularly like your River Lea and Marshes videos. I went for a quick walk round the filter beds and Hackney Marsh this afternoon, couldn't believe how high the river was running.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Ian - today was good weather for the marshes - I got cut off by flood water last time I was down there and had to go in a big loop

[@suginami123]

It’s a fabulous area. Great birding. Fullers pubs. Nice cafes. Walthamstow marshes etc. family lived at St.James Street.

[@thefishingone.7520]

Really enjoyed this one and it was lovely to meet you when you were filming this whilst I was out for my run. Thank you for documenting a fast disappearing history of where I live for posterity.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great to meet you too Dennis and thanks again for the recommendation of the Flitch Way, on the list for the summer

[@bernaldelcastillo1768]

A beautiful lecture. Wonderful description of the river Lea, past and present. Thank you Mr.Rodgers

[@roll-in-peace231]

Wow I'm back to my childhood again thank you for the amazing experience I used to fish under that bridge . Loving all your video's

[@robbojax2025]

Five star walk. I rarely went to that part of East London when I was younger because it was all industrial. Now I am prompted to walk along that part of the Lea as it is so well developed. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure Robert - glad you enjoyed the walk

[@welshcake8086]

We used to go down Hackney Wick pre Olympics for car parts. I loved it. So enjoyed the part of the video where you discovered that industrial area that has yet to be managed out of existence and it reminded me of the days hunting for parts for the Triumph Dolomite.

[@robbojax2025]

@@welshcake8086 Searching for Dolomite parts would have been a full time job! Sadly most of the East London car breakers have disappeared.

[@peckinpahlady]

"...most importantly, Clarnico's Peppermint Creams", absolutely !! lol.

[@peckinpahlady]

also, I think 'Blue Works' might refer to the making of Dolly Blue sachets which were used to whiten cotton sheets etc.

[@harrysmith4780]

That was a massive factory, they had their own cricket team!

[@peckinpahlady]

@@harrysmith4780 They certainly did and my dad used to belong to it!

[@harrysmith4780]

@@peckinpahlady Oh wow. Blimey. My mum worked at the dye works in 1939, commuted from Buckhurst Hill.

[@peckinpahlady]

@@harrysmith4780 That must have been quite a long commute in those days.

[@robryan9841]

Can't wait for the book 🎉

[@1966babysnakes]

Thank you so much again John for taking the time to do this. Stay safe.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks 1966babysnakes

[@michaelmcdonald6072]

I am fan of your tour videos. At about 3 years ago, near your video I was walking for these place. I walk from East India Basin to Olympic Park.

[@colinlovett6367]

Hi John,love your walks,i wonder if you would consider doing a south London walk along the historical river Wandle? i think you would find it very interesting. thanks.

[@michaelwood3099]

I cycle that route about twice a week, never tire of it.

[@cliveellis3328]

Imagine this Covid world 20 years ago. No KZbin. So many good people bringing wonderful content. John Roger's. Patrick Dickinson. Geoff Marshall. Vicky explores.Gareth and Zoe.Just a few amongst many.

[@sclarke1221]

Thanks for sharing John why change a great sign off any other wouldn't be the same

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks- I agree

[@johnbanks3054]

I didn’t live that that far away from where you went John, those we’re the days my friend!

[@sallyhinkley1177]

Amazing where my eldest daughter lives - she will love this walk - thank you from a Norfolk lady who misses London

[@JohnRogersWalks]

so glad you enjoyed it Sally

[@sallyhinkley1177]

@@JohnRogersWalks My daughter over the moon to watch and know about your walk and will follow it this coming weekend - fascinated to learn about Three Mills Island - best wishes Sally

[@mertonhartshorn2055]

I enjoyed this so much! Although a local lad I never Wandled southwards or knew its source. In the mid 1970s the Wandle was a brown foamed seething reek south of the Morris print works when I looked at urban blight there for a school project. The Wandle Bank park was sandwiched behind the bus depot between the cardboard mills and the Connolly Hide works, and the water treatment works treated sewage with that odour wafting across Plough Lane to the football and greyhound stadiums. All these long gone. Emma Hamilton and Nelson bought land nearby and called it paradise. So much improvement has been made replacing industrial decay that the upper reaches must be like they were before the dissolution of Merton Abbey whose remains were somewhere under the pylon you filmed. The Ram brewery had its own odours and foam to add (now exiled oop noorth), but the Wandle smelt and smells different to the Thames. A good walk in company always takes longer than planned, but a walk without stopping, seeing and discussing is simply a march. Thank you for inviting us along.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks for sharing those notes and memories. Quite agree with your wise words at the end on walking

[@marting652]

Just wanted to say thanks for this wonderful channel. I found you around 2 weeks ago, and cannot get enough of your fantastic walks John. I lost my Soulmate in 2019 and I've lost 4 other relatives recently, the latest an uncle 5 days ago. These really do help as living on my own now, help me lessen the dark nights. Thanks again, love em!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

so sorry to hear of your loss Martin. Good that the videos help bring solace - I'll keep going out there walking and bringing these videos on a regular basis. Take care - brighter days ahead

[@marting652]

@@JohnRogersWalks thank you John, so much history around the rivers and lost rivers,and so many wondrous places I've never heard of. One day I shall visit the London I've never seen. Thanks again .

[@Pur9leRain]

My heart stopped @29:04 because I thought it was me (spoiler alert, it isn’t). I wear a red coat and ride a sit up and beg bike as well, and this is part of my daily commute. I really appreciate the historical tidbits and fun facts sprinkled in this video, so pleased KZbin recommended you. The River Lea seems to go through Hackney then Newham then Tower Hamlets then Newham again. I think this is the best river. All these years using the towpath and I just referred to it as “the canal”. New found respect

[@susanspash6455]

Hi John, my husband and I did that walk many years ago and the area has changed dramatically with all those flats. We always ask ourselves where do all these people come from. We visited City Island 3.5 years ago when it was starting to be built, oh boy has that changed. Keep up the good work, we always feel we are walking with you. Regards from NZ

[@BASHER601]

Hi Basher601. Another video, which is a joy to watch and listen to. Thanks.

[@MrJonno85]

Three Mills was a bonded warehouse in the late 80s - I occasionally worked there in 1989.

[@davidperrett6056]

Found you on KZbin a week ago, purely by accident and haven't stopped watching you since then! Your channel is by far and away the best thing on the television. We have noticed that you've been to Ware a few times and we wondered if you've been to Scotts Grotto. If not it might be worth a look but check for the opening times first. Great show, please keep going.

[@leefitzpeter4287]

Fantastic video John. One of your best.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Lee

[@rospomalefico2]

Nice walking with you mate. Cheers

[@stevenspraggs4953]

someone needs to get you on board for a tv series about your walks

[@LyonMaid]

The City Island development was built on site of a large Pura Vegetable Oils factory. When passing there in early 2000s i never envisage what would replace it.

[@Geffo555]

You started close to Eastway I believe. The area between the Cut and the Lea was called Bully Fen when I was a kid. It was an army training ground with pillboxes and shell houses. We used to jump over the fence and look round. Then the area was redeveloped in the late 70s and the Eastway cycle track laid out. Now that has gone also. Making way for the Olympic Park.

[@chrismccartney8668]

Great Video so much change and remnants of old industries, many now forgotten.. For Example Undersea Cable Manufacture.

[@petergml]

The place for cables is on the south bank of the Thames, including Enderby's Wharf at Greenwich. But mainly flats along there now.

[@Pierlover]

Really interesting walk! The flats seem a bit soulless because you don't see many people about. Probably nice to live there though. I do remember back in the early 50's the Thames had a very strong characteristic smell. You knew when you were getting near it!

[@reddevil310]

Hello, I've been following you since a couple of months, I live up in Shropshire, lakes and canals. I find you videos really good, a great view of London and surrounding areas, a great insight, really good historical background. Very informative, I really like the calmness of everything, getting me through lockdown and cancer! Keep it up it's fantastic being able to see what it's like down there, thanks John.

[@nickcooper1260]

Interesting video, John showing the relentless, continual change of society. The 'Blue' factory probably refers to 'Dolly Blue', a product that used to be added to washing, certainly up to the 1960's.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that Nick