Exploring the17th Century Roads of England - Jack Hargreaves

[@mainstay.]

I know Jack Hargreaves is extolling the quality of life from a 'bygone' age, the old English Countryside of the 17th century but I watch his shows to reminisce of the bygone days of England in the 1970's and 1980's !.

[@davebloke829]

Me too! It's heart breaking really!

[@TheGreatest1974]

So true. 👍🇬🇧

[@rahawa774]

Same… I watch old Crimewatch episodes for the same reason.

[@keithrose6931]

​@rahawa774 A much whiter and less diverse line up in those days.

[@damoog5985]

Chasing our youth

[@alcatraz3539]

The good old days when Britain was a lovely country to be raised and live in. Brings back great memories of great times.

[@bobroberts6155]

I love watching these wonderful programmes but the sense of nostalgia they evoke is so powerful as to be almost painful. I wondered why for a while before I identified the feeling as grief. Where did my country go?

[@Mark-zi4jb]

So very well put. The pain you describe is absolutely real

[@pteppicsmith1631]

Thank you Dave Knowles , for keeping Jack Hargreaves alive in the 21st century along with his brilliant storytelling and reminiscences i was born in the 60’s and grew up watching Jack on Sunday mornings , even in the 70’s and 80’s the world was a much nicer more gentle place to live , again thank you Dave and Jack

[@rogerspencer9698]

my grandad passed in 1986 - watching these makes me feel like he is with me again - he loved Out of Town and Old Country

[@keithadams1538]

These films are priceless. After watching I always ask the question where the hell have we ended up

[@พอลเรย์มอนด์]

I live in Thailand at the moment it's hot sweaty and dusty. When I see Jack and the beautiful English countryside I get so homesick. Jack reminds me of my Grandad who I loved so much. Thank you so much for posting this it's very special to me

[@mark-shane]

yes me also.. I will visit my home area Somerset and Dorset in April

[@hdoddema]

I love these. It always sounds like Mr Hargreaves lived all this history himself, and I would totally believe he did.

[@rachelway2509]

I love these programmes. But it makes me feel sad for times gone by and a gentler pace of life. Shame there isn’t any tv like this today.

[@CelticSaint]

The vast majority of people these days wouldn't know how to appreciate it.

[@spmoran4703]

There is Countryfile 😅😅😅😅

[@nigellee9824]

Of course they don’t make programs like this, we can’t show hunting and fishing…

[@Musrusticus-]

I remember watching Jack as a child and remember that world he’s in very well. Gosh, but I miss it…

[@mattwillis9173]

Something I wanted to share was the origin of the term ‘pot hole’ in a road. From medieval times the passage of carts on the old roads would expose pockets of decent quality clay. The local pottery would dig this clay out leaving a large hole. So having filled with water another traveller could smash down into this hole possibly breaking the axle and gave birth to the expression of having hit a pot hole in the road. Sorry - enthusiastic .

[@tillybinkieking7258]

How very interesting. Living on the higher terraces of River Thames. Somewhat clay, there was a place on the Wimbledon Common called Brickfield, (near Caesar's Well). Also visited Brownsea Island, Poole. Interesting story about clay there. People hoped to make a fortune by making good quality wares but unfortunately, the clay was only good for underground pipework.

[@lesallison9047]

Interesting, thank you.

[@nomore6939]

Never has anyone filled this man's shoes and never will they

[@Calaburn]

Thank you for posting this. A fascinating and relaxing journey into the past. These programs are a soothing balm in todays world.

[@stevehall9333]

Brings tears to my eyes to see what we've lost. Makes me happy to know I grew up during these times. What we've become is tragic.

[@Robert-f1g4i]

I love the respect he showed the gypsies. 'and here's a family who have stopped for a rest' no need to preface it with 'gypsey' or 'traveller' they were just a family. What a gentleman.

[@Packyboy]

Jack saw people not labels.👏👏

[@markhartfield8186]

I didn't realise at the time how privileged I was to watch these programs growing up in Britain

[@david_v2.1]

Only 40 years ago but seems like a different world. Great to see these programmes again

[@lesallison9047]

Thank you 😊 A short escape from the pandemonium of modern times. I'm so glad I was born in the 60s. ✌♥️ 🇬🇧

[@emeliaclaytonclayton525]

I turn 62 in a few months time. I lived my first 40 years in Dorset where Out of Town was filmed at times. I now live in Africa and as I watch the peaceful simple recollections of Jack I wonder how the UK ever became such as it is today. His comment on sane men and technology rang true even more so when you consider the havoc of social media today. I'm showing my kids 11 and 6 ( late starter) the simplicity and purity of Jack's adventures in a hope that the lasting impressions of the original episodes remain with them as it did for me. I'm truly grateful for the sharing of this wonderful time in rural England. Many thanks indeed.

[@maxflight777]

I’m the same age, I retired to Portugal where is calm and safe. Perhaps a similar climate to your Africa.

[@clairenoon4070]

The 'havoc of social media' that's allowed you to watch these programmes again.

[@mark-shane]

What a wonderful way to spend the evening on the hill as the horse grazes watching the sun go down, Remember it well.

[@mikew55555]

6,30 of a Friday evening Jack was on the TV, always watched it as a kid, we'll never see his like again. Thank you Jack.

[@billguyan1913]

Jack Hargreaves' knowledge of rural life was amazing. I used to look forward to "Out Of Town" when I got home from school.

[@straighttalkingguy7366]

Reminds me of when I was a boy. Wild and free roaming the country side. Oh how I miss it

[@paul-nx8fl]

Much appreciated uploads, always watched jack with my dad ,happy memories. Just hitting 60 ,seems like yesterday

[@ronseymour4976]

Jack Hargreaves made a big impact on me in my youth. There is something in his unrehearsed delivery that evokes a feeling of sanity and contentment in me. He has the ability to lead me into a world free of the entrapment that most of us feel today.

[@Jack-pu4rf]

Jack Hargreaves has a voice and a way of telling things that I find intoxicating and could listen to his knowledgeable commentary without getting distracted or bored, my grandfather and I would watch his show, RIP Jack Hargreaves 🌹

[@CyberSlammer2024]

Watching this makes you want to time travel back

[@syncrosimon]

We have lost so much, very sad😢😢

[@cliveadams7629]

Used to love Jack Hargreaves, watched him on the telly after school. They don't make 'em like that anymore.

[@kimholland9316]

A great broadcaster. So much knowledge delivered in such an interesting manner. Jack was one of a kind.

[@Nnnuuk]

Some of the finest TV ever made.

[@alisonjoy6325]

Thank you Dave for these films. I well remember my late partner religiously watching these every week. I didn’t really appreciate them then but I certainly do now!

[@petercarney56]

i love these videos i was born next to liverpool docks and at age 6 yrs [back in 1962] we moved to the outskirts amongst farms and stretches of countryside wow i was reborn again looked foreword to the school holidays when me and my mates would set out at 7-8 am to spend the day in the woods climbing trees lighting a camp fire and not get home until it was getting dark. i recently purchased the video set of out of town would recommend

[@ontheroids]

Lovely program, thanks for sharing. My dad loved this show and when I was a kid I never understood why. I do now.

[@danielernest973]

I remember my grandad watching it, and feeling the same way at the time :)

[@Redhackle]

I always find the theme music so sad. But it warms my heart. I have no connection to this Alice and Wonderland World we find ourselves in. All the best 🇨🇦

[@ABW5662]

It's as if time took it's time to enjoy the beauty.

[@porkstack]

The Best of the best. Almost forgotten history. Thanks Jack and to all those who make it possible for us to view it today.

[@Crusty_Camper]

These TV programmes are wonderful. They remind me so much of my Dad who was a countryman just like Jack and the days we spent together in the woods and fields. It was a time that has now passed, so much of what Jack shows has stopped for one reason or another - often because people who lived those different lifestyles are not tolerated anymore. I have Romany ancestors and my family knew Dave Rawlings and his family. He wasn't actually a Romany but his wife was. When they married in the early 60s, it caused quite a fuss in the community as that kind of out-marriage was frowned upon. My great grandmother faced the same challenges. Dave's wife, Eileen was later titled Queen of the Gypsies and they spent more than 50 years travelling the lanes. She died in 2020 leaving 4 children, more than a dozen grandchildren and 6 or 8 great grandchildren.

[@apacherider7110]

Great to Jack's old TV series. These need to be kept in the UK archives or this history will be lost and today's and future generations will have nothing to learn from.

[@Daytona2]

It's archived on KZbin 😊 ...and yes, governmets need to be ready to step in if KZbin ever closes.

[@junkyardmagic]

Jack really was one of the true greats. Thank you

[@TerryC69]

Hi Dave! Was not old Jack an amazing man? Such a romantic and natural teacher. Thank you for sharing these wonderful efforts!

[@MrNaKillshots]

I put this on to soothe my mind.

[@ruskinyruskiny1611]

Try scrumpy

[@paulking8055]

The music alone reminds me of my childhood, being grumpy at having to watch Out of Town with the old man but almost always finding the program interesting. I bought the whole series on DVD to watch during covid. Hard to believe how politicians have steered this country so far down the wrong road.

[@Solar-Kid]

30 years since JH passed away now….. loved this series always will

[@deborah85728]

I didn’t want it to end , it was so relaxing to watch , thank you for sharing these .

[@garymilburn4511]

30 years almost since you left us Jack still miss the great days of the seventies ,I wonder what you would think of England if you were to come back now ,bless you Jack miss your great tv

[@WhammyBamber-wn2jv]

Every time I hear that tune....brings back childhood memories on life was simple but beautiful

[@gavinstrachan1373]

Theme tune haven't heard it since childhood lovely to hear it again brings back lovely memories times gone past with family.😊

[@General813]

Very nice series that you can watch again and again... better times than today.

[@jester5ify]

Out of Town, used to watch that every week as a child..

[@SmallWonda]

So grateful you are preserving this poignant History of an England they would have us deny. Happy New Year - keep safe Everyone!

[@letranger-4306]

Who is 'they'? What are 'they' denying?

[@szde]

Don't you know there is an all-powerful cabal who control world governments who are suppressing all knowledge of British nature and history documentaries from the 70s and 80s?!?@@letranger-4306

[@londongirl1733]

@@letranger-4306 muppet

[@Kit-vb5rm]

Although I grew up watching and listening to Jack, I find it painful and sad now to look at the world in which he lived and described so faithfully. His learning and gained knowledge and his willingness to share and encourage by that sharing. I am now not that much older than Jack at the time of this recording and the momentous changes I see around me make me quite willing to go when my time comes, with any kind of luck I might meet Jack and maybe I will be able to tell him how my Great Grandmother would sell her fresh eggs to Joe Sainsbury to sell from his stall, or perhaps he had his first shop by then. Whatever God there is, may he bless you Jack.

[@lesallison9047]

I feel the same way, there is not much left except to reminisce with people of your own age. There are though, lots of old films on utube, which make me happier while watching them. Regards and Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄

[@stevegarrod4764]

You can trust a man with a pipe! Thanks for loading this- I do remember watching these when I stayed with my dad. Happy days.

[@m.brizzy5407]

Thank you David for posting this amazing footage by Jake. A most beloved filmmaker. I grew up watching Jack and he enthused me for the things of the countryside. I still live in the countryside, but in Germany.

[@shaunomercy3376]

The early series was "country boy". This series was an extension of Jack's country life. What a beautiful country we have!,what an uncomplicated life we had!. We were fortunate to have lived through these times, such a short while ago. We had courtesy, decency, fairness and innocence in our children. The last 50 years have seen massive changes in our country. We lived them times and were gifted the pleasure of such times and anyone who remembers them should cherish the memories. My heart bleeds for my grandchildren and the country they will see. Surely some of the politicians of today witnessed these times as well. Where are their memories?, its not just nostalgia, they were better times , a better life we lived.... so frustrating. End of rant. It is lovely to reminisce along with Jack.

[@shogun884]

As always a great pleasure to watch these films, such depth of knowledge and wisdom, we couldn't be any farther away from such simple unhurried times if we tried . To watch this is to soothe the soul.

[@montyf2165]

A lovely filmed document illustrating the Britain rapidly diminishing today. Lovely to see genuine English travellers whose name is sullied by the so called travellers we see today. Historians of the future will not view our era well.

[@dungbetel]

A time when programmes on television took the trouble to explain things about life, the environment, countryside etc, without gimmicks, just an old boy who knew what he was talking about and could get it over to the audience in calm and spellbinding manner. Obviously, the attention span of people in those days was a lot greater than today. Good memories.

[@garypointing5825]

What a great film. The gypsys trying to live their traditional life. Sadly they have been stopped. Droves in my valley are now often overgrown and if it wasn't for horse riders would be lost

[@peterfawcett9969]

Yes it the same in Yorkshire where many of the drove roads I recall of 40 years ago are now reduced to a foot path, due to vegetation encroachment.

[@johnwelbourn3811]

What an astonishing video, so relaxing to watch, straight out of a Thomas Hardy novel.

[@sherman4970]

Now this takes me right back. I watched when I was very young with my dad. Many years later I bought him the dvd box set. He has gone now but the memories are always with me!

[@General813]

Just slow down and learn something and feel like you've been transported back to the 80s. Jack Hargreave is just great😊👍

[@turbosnail159]

I would love to have had a beer with Jack and Fred dibnah 🍻🍻

[@NeilofTamarind]

How delightful to be transported back to my early days, as well as the 17th century. What an irony that this is made possible by 21st century technology! I do miss the gentler pace of the 60s/70s, a time when we weren't bombarded with information from all angles.

[@goddam9925]

Always brings a tear too my eye thanks again for posting !!

[@martinwarner1178]

Every Dave I have ever met, has proved his worth. Thanks Dave for putting together these episodes. Peace and contentment is what it gives me.

[@vickyingramnymann8543]

This is pure escapism.

[@skadiwarrior2053]

The fact so many people look for an escape says something about the modern world though.

[@paulleonard1862]

The wonderful soundtrack of my youth.

[@mattwillis9173]

I lived many years on the A40 east of High Wycombe in a village called Loudwater. Historically getting its name from the speed of the river Wye powering dozens of mills. There is also a 1760 distance marker showing exactly half way between Oxford and Uxbridge. There was of course an old inn there called The Halfway House. The pub I knew it as was mostly built into the old stable, which was absolutely vast.

[@tillybinkieking7258]

Thank you. It is always fun to learn!

[@billbarton9046]

I was born just up the road in Wycombe Marsh back in the 60s.In my teenage years I drank in the Halfway house pub.It was a bit of a hike, taking my then girl friend,back up to her house in Flackwell heath via Treadaway hill, after the pub.😅

[@marcusnz232]

Country Life was my absolute favourite program as a child in the 70’s. Because of him, I became a lifelong country life aficionado, being the first in my family to move from city life to working in the rural world. Marvellous stuff and shows us how the world has changed for the worse.

[@flashcracker1]

Thank you so much for posting this. I do however find it very sad with the realisation of how many wonderful things, people, events and customs we have lost in such a short space of time and , sadly, replaced with antisocial behaviour, litter, congestion and general lack of appreciation of the environment. Jack Hargreaves was a true ambassador.

[@onionsyes]

The main source of antisocial behaviour that ruins these places is... cars!

[@londongirl1733]

Yeah that and half the third world

[@pauljane3323]

Many thanks for your efforts in resurrecting Jack's fabulous programmes. Thoroughly enjoyable and could watch it for hour's.

[@MarkWilliams-en9fv]

Thank you Dave and Steve for yet another great insight into ancient country life! I know the old turnpike road very well,as a child in the sixties my parents would take my sister and I to studland beach near corfe castle,then on the way home we would stop at the cashmoor inn for a bag of cheese and onion,and a cherryade! Wonderful childhood memories! I'm in my 60's now and live in Australia,and your unique films bring home to me just how much I miss the beautiful South england countryside,and the people like Jack who loved it too!

[@terryteed1903]

Went passed the Cashmoor inn this morning. Gone. All boarded up. What a shame.

[@everready_mtb]

Do you know why it's shut?

[@terryteed1903]

@@everready_mtb I'd guess lack of trade and extortionate beer prices🤷‍♂️

[@everready_mtb]

@terryteed1903 I guess, but it looks like it was a decent pub stop 😕

[@terryteed1903]

@everready_mtb It was a lovely pub, but it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere, a lot of the country pubs are struggling, it's another downfall of the second home market. That and folk just don't drink in them as often.

[@andrewjohnson388]

That was heart warming ...remember this as a kid, something warm and hearty of yonder.

[@alanwann9318]

An interesting subject Britains old roads

[@keitcutmore497]

I love and remember these what a wonderful man.

[@pingpong5000]

Jack the gift that just keeps giving, I have watched Jack on TV since the days of How, always entertaining and producing in me the joy of learning, but now always with a little tear in my eye, not just from the loss of Jack but also the loss of our history as he shows due to the passage of time and the disrespect by people of what came before. What a little gem that Here and Herod comment was, every day that I learn something new is a good day, cheers Jack. Thanks for sharing this though I have many of his out-of-town series I do not remember seeing this one before.

[@scottallan1441]

Marvellous ! Takes me back to watching this as a child. Thanks for uploading .

[@ragwortrattle8798]

This is a great review of the history we were taught - in the old days! It's lovely to see these preserved programmes of Jack's to keep the knowledge available.

[@webrarian]

People have always been nostalgic for the things of their childhood. We were children then, and adults dealt with the worrying things of life, just as they have always done. I have very strong memories of watching 'Out of Town' at my grandparents' bungalow in Ramsgate. They'd already lived through two World Wars, separation, loss, growing up in the back streets of Lambeth, ill-health. I knew nothing of that, or of my grandfather beating his sons with his leather belt. All of that came with adulthood.

[@muckle8]

Spare the rod - spoil the child! - they need to bring that back. Especially in Lambeth HNY to you

[@birdance]

Oh Dave 🎉 your generosity has done it...this is in my opinion the greatest Jack Hargreaves episode, The Kings Highway! And yet there are still more greats on the DVD. As Jack said, it's a milestone 🎉 Blue and Jack among the magnificence of the old highway. It's time travel. And we are invited to join them. Thank you very much

[@charlesfulcrum3170]

Thanks Dave, wonderful video. I’ve trodden the path that Jack follows in the latter part many times. It took me a while to spot it, but it’s ‘The Old Shaftesbury Drove’, that runs from the A30 east of Shaftesbury in the direction of Salisbury. I think he settles down for the night above Fovant Badges. Magical place. For those who are interested, he starts on the A354 from Salisbury heading towards Blandford Forum and passes the Cashmoor Inn (closed at time of writing). At 5.50 he’s driving on the same road, but in the opposite direction and passes the junction to Farnham, Tollard Royal and Shaftesbury. Finally, as mentioned above, he’s on the A30 heading east from Shaftesbury. He turns right up the gravel track about a mile or so after the sign for Berwick St John. Note. Don’t be fooled by the Google or Wiki entries for ‘White Sheet Hill’. There are several, including this one.

[@DaveKnowlesFilmmaker]

I am so pleased you enjoyed the programme Charles. It is one of my favourites.

[@jke360]

I really enjoyed this too.

[@jke360]

Thanks l have spent 2 hours trying to work out the route he took looking on Google earth and thought I was going mad!. Thanks l finally found the route .

[@brindle2009]

As ever a absolute pleasure to spend time with Jack once more and get an education in a quiet and gentle way sadly missed and thank you sir for keeping this alive in your wonderful videos

[@davidmiller3709]

I can still sing the theme tune from ‘Out of Town’ sixty years later. I’m sure watching Jack Hargreaves in 1962/3 on Southern up in the Naval Estate on Portsdown Hill surrounded by countryside impressed on my imagination as a nine year-old. As was said in the obituary of Watkins-Pitchford, the author ‘BB’, “A lost voice in a lost world.”

[@londonbabe2467]

Loved Jack. Glad to see KZbin has him on the channel.

[@michaelroyames]

Indescribable gratitude for this video, Jack. Absolute gold.

[@kj-759]

I think this one is my favourite of all time, I’d loved to have spent time with that family and horses dog and goat 🥰

[@peterfawcett9969]

I've waited for years for this, since I first watched it in the 1980s on TV. A wonderful record.

[@chrisst8922]

This is what I think of when I'm trying to get home on a Friday afternoon. Because of all the roadworks, accidents and traffic on the motorways, I have to explore the 17th Century roads of England.

[@nigelbarrett3602]

Thanks as always Dave i was having a crap day watched this video of the great man himself was one of his best. Thanks for making my day a whole lot better wish i could go back to this time he is so missed but thanks to you Dave he still seems to be with us.

[@snowdog9954]

Thank you for sharing. Jack is a mine of information, so much of it lost.

[@richleonard55]

What an absolute pleasure to watch. Thanks for posting!

[@harrytd]

Wonderful. I've learned more of interest and relevance to my country and it's history in 20 minutes than in 30 years of watching Country File where I am being lectured that the weather is my fault and that I am racist.

[@MargaretUK]

Top comment 👌 👍

[@paulbutterworthbillericay]

Blue what a loverly natured horse

[@tillybinkieking7258]

What a lovely mare was Blue.

[@jaymacgee_A_Bawbag_Blethering]

Dave , I rate these programmes as “ a treat “ and tend to not want to binge watch them and only watch once in a while to enjoy as a stand alone experience. Jack was and is a national treasure and these programmes you both caused to be made are a timeless resource which I thoroughly enjoy . Thank you both for these half hour mental health salves ✊ 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@atmywitsend1984]

I know what you mean,it is like opening a box of chocolates to find it is full of all your favourites.

[@jaymacgee_A_Bawbag_Blethering]

@ the Purple one in Quality Street 😄… by the time you’ve had 3 your fed up up already - I like out of Town every now n then , it’s relaxing , interesting, just a different pace that from time to time is just what the Doc ordered . It’s like Cadburys Cream eggs , you look forward to Feb,March all year and your expectations are met , same with auld Jack here 👌 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@hircenedaelen]

These videos REALLY help me when i'm struggling with stress, thank you so much

[@satchice9102]

In the early 1980s I loved watching Jack Hargreaves' programmes about country life in the past, because they were so gently informative. I find this kind of history, about the practicalities of everyday life in the past, much more interesting than the history of Kings & Queens and battles. This kind of history is much more about humanity.

[@colourconscious]

Great to see more of this series. Thank you

[@angelafoxmusic7265]

How fascinating, and such a gentle style of documentation. Also, that Blue is a very handsome horse. Thankyou for posting this.