Exploring Lower Robert Street: London's Creepiest Road?

London is home to many strange, little roads; one of the creepiest being ‘Lower Robert Street' in WC2.
In this video, we’ll be looking at the origins of this eerie tunnel which, despite being in central London, is little-known and seldom used. I’ll also be revealing the nickname that London's taxi drivers use when referring to Lower Robert Street, as well as telling you its disturbing ghost story… 👻
Chapters:
00.00 Intro
01.12 Lower Robert Street Revealed
02.55 History behind Lower Robert Street
05.26 The York Watergate
07.28 Lower Robert Street's Ghost Story
08.27 Outro
Thank you so much to all of you who support robslondon!
If you’re not yet a subscriber, I’d appreciate it very much if you could please consider clicking the button to sign up. This will ensure you don’t miss out on any future content, as well as helping the channel to grow.
Likes and shares are also very much appreciated!
If you'd like to know more about secret arches within London, then please be sure to check out my previous video which explores the huge, hidden space beneath Waterloo Station:
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Music used in this video:
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The Dread (Kevin MacLeod)
• The Dread
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Comic Plodding (Kevin MacLeod)
• Comic Plodding
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Juan Sánchez - Blue Nights" is under a Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) license
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Ghost Sound Effect: Lara's Horror Sounds
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Thank you so much again for watching, friends! Stay well, and please be sure to stay tuned!

[@brianartillery]

The creepiest road in London, has to be Swains Lane, which runs between the two Highgate cemeteries. Ignoring all the 1970's furore over the old cemetery, the whole atmosphere of this road feels wrong. It feels grimmer at the top end, though. I've walked down it a couple of times, both times in broad daylight, and didn't much care for either. Leaving it behind instantly made one feel better, as if a weight had been lifted from the shoulders. Very odd, but definitely real. Also, Highgate High Level station, which is long disused, and sits directly above Highgate tube station, in a rather dank cutting, is one of the very creepiest places I've ever been. A horrid feeling of loneliness, and of a kind of timeless watching makes it flesh-crawlingly creepy.

[@Robslondon]

Excellent comment; thank you.

[@adonaiyah2196]

I appreciate your comment but i guarantee you any street in Mitcham Streatham or Tooting is a thousand times more daunting than the most decrepit alley in posh stuck-up highgate

[@brianartillery]

@@adonaiyah2196 - My Auntie Violet lived in Streatham. The streets were not creepy. I had a friend who lived in New Cross for several years, and told me that he'd much rather walk around there at night, than in the small Suffolk town in which I live. And I agreed with him utterly.

[@videowifie]

@@adonaiyah2196 I think you are missing the point of what 'spooky' really is.Both Streatham and Tooting are fine, busy, normal places.

[@butterflymoon6368]

just googled it. you win.

[@gpan62]

Love the Thames Television intro tune. I was expecting World at War or The Benny Hill Show 🤣

[@Robslondon]

😂

[@aviewfromtheinterior]

Dangermouse for me!

[@Robslondon]

@@aviewfromtheinterior Yes!!

[@missredumbrella]

takes ya back don't it?

[@jaywalkercrew4446]

Lol

[@stephenchandler1267]

I was a motorcycle courier from 1991 to 2009 and was well acquainted with this short cut, but had forgotten the name. Was describing this tunnel to a friend the other day, and 'the algorithm' pops up this video. Scary how efficient your microphone spies on your devices are...

[@Robslondon]

Blimey.... that is scary Stephen! The devices have ears.... Thanks for watching though; stay well :-)

[@B0rnles13]

Happens to me a lot, I blame Alexa and should get rid of it as it's always listening, but it's handy for music. I will unplug it though

[@Oshiiiiiiiiiiii]

I even think things that I don't talk about that show up. That concerns me.

[@duveleffe1701]

I worked for 26 years in Robert Street for an organisation that occupied numbers 2 and 3 (where 'Peter Pan' author J.M. Barrie once lived). My main job there was managing the fulfillment of publications orders and the vaults in Lower Robert Street were my stockrooms. The organisation moved out in 2014 and I understand it's apartments now. I've got dozens of photos inside those vaults somewhere...

[@Robslondon]

Oh wow! I’m intrigued now! 😁

[@duveleffe1701]

@@Robslondon The organisation was CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy). They sold the building and moved out Whitechapel way, which really saddened me as I loved that old building - so many happy memories there. (Which even included pushing trolley loads of boxes of books up that little hill every other day)

[@Robslondon]

@@duveleffe1701 Lovely memory; thanks for sharing and stay well 😊

[@Truth77772]

@@duveleffe1701 Do you have any ghost stories?

[@duveleffe1701]

@@Truth77772 Sadly no... lots about rat droppings though.

[@TomtheTaxiDriver]

So glad you covered this Rob, I love driving through the Bat Cave and delighted that it's once again open. I'm sure you know but a nice fact I share with passengers re: how wide the Thames once was. Strand is the German word for beach, as of course it once beached the River Thames.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Tom :-) Yes, it can be difficult to convey just how wide the Thames was; I still can't get my head around it! Thanks and be lucky.

[@mattpotter8725]

@@Robslondon Because it was wider it wasn't as fast flowing (and obviously would have been shallower as well) meaning it was more liable to freezing over in winter, hence why it was possible to have frost fairs on the river itself (as seen in many paintings of such events). After the constraining of the river and the building of Victoria Embankment this didn't happen.

[@Robslondon]

@@mattpotter8725 Correct Matt, yes.

[@thenandnow111]

Me and friend drove down this tunnel the other week. He called it the street with no name. We are always out at night looking for the old parts of London. Has eerier feel at night. Great video.

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that, thank you. Stay well.

[@RR-kp5ps]

Pukka video! I love "gritty", hidden, often overlooked places like this. Please make more videos about London's subterranean, hidden and haunted places, obscure local legends, eccentrics, quirks and oddities, and tragic true stories, as well as any interesting roads, features, buildings, alleyways, courtyards, waterways, green spaces, abandoned and disused sites.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much for the kind words... and these subject ideas! They're all wonderful, and things I myself am very interested in too so yes, I will certainly be covering them as best I can- it's great to know others find them fascinating too and that there's an audience :-) Thanks again and stay well.

[@birdsaloud7590]

@@Robslondon yes please! I would love that! Have just subscribed!

[@Robslondon]

@@birdsaloud7590 Thank you so much, good to have you here 😊

[@butterflymoon6368]

jamie oliver? is that you?

[@f0rzen]

I worked in 80 Strand for years and thought both of these were private entrances to garages, didn't realise the 2 "tunnels" were actually the same public street

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Dimitar; you’ll have to go back for a look! 😉 Stay well.

[@heronsdoor4658]

Gosh, how beautiful the architecture used to be. I didn't realise that the Thames was so much wider than it is now.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, it’s incredible to think what they did to it in the 19th century. Stay well.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I knew the Thames was wider, but not that much. It seems almost double the width. I believe The Strand (is the name for a beach), is also where Thames reached.

[@lozinozz7567]

Very interesting. Our next holiday to the UK is getting longer and longer as I discover new places to check out from KZbinrs and their knowledge of London’s fascinating history.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Loz! Best wishes for your next trip, hope it's due soon?

[@bryan3550]

With you Loz. Don't know where you are, but lockdown here in Melbourne is getting disturbing... Thank goodness for guys like Rob, eh?

[@Robslondon]

@@bryan3550 Glad I can help ;-) Stay well guys.

[@bryan3550]

@@Robslondon Thanks Mate. Things are very ordinary where I live just now... 😟

[@RodCornholio]

Old Bill Sykes probably picked a pocket or two there.

[@christopherfitzgerald774]

In my days of working in London, the late 60's/early 70's I used this as a shortcut from the Embankment to the Strand very often. Swinging a Rolls Royce through there was not easy the first few times but when used to it, it was great and cut off a lot of congestion and delay when going from the City to Mayfair. The first time I did it when my boss was in the car he nearly had a heart attack. 😂

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Great memories Christopher, thanks for sharing!

[@RichardWells1]

Fascinating, Rob! Great research, teleplay and narration. Thoroughly engrossing. And, yes, good old Joseph Bazalgette's revolutionary work would be well-worth a video! Look forward to it!

[@Robslondon]

You’re a gentleman Richard; many thanks!

[@chapatucupcake4620]

London has such a vast history that definitely you will not only find creepy places but also experience paranormal encounters. I have been living in London since 2008 and I had about 3 encounters. The last one was in St James’ Park area 2 years ago. A person size black smoke came towards me in Buckingham Gate Street. It was going towards The Buckingham Palace. It crossed the street and passed right next to me just like a person walking. This was at around midnight when I was going back home. I used to live in Petty France at that time and in my building (Vandon Court) there was also a story of a militar that would appear in one of the flats. Also, on top of my floor we would hear noises all night and nobody was living there. Really, really strange.

[@Robslondon]

That's very eerie!

[@forbiddenrecallskillinguss4012]

Iv gone down this road in both directions and never come face to face with another vehicle. It was a great little cut through…….. until they closed it. This is a part of london I know very well but have learned so much more today. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure; thank you so much for watching and commenting. Stay well.

[@gusprotheroe7045]

That used to be my cut through on my commute home on my motorcycle. I met a van coming up going against the one way signing. He only had the cheek to ask me to reverse back up the hill . I had to point out to him that nearly all motorcycles don’t have reverse, mine didn’t, he then reluctantly reversed down the hill to let me past .

[@Robslondon]

@@gusprotheroe7045 Blimey, close call Gus! Thanks for the comment and stay well.

[@ShadowV]

Swain's Lane in Highgate is probably creepier. It runs through the cemetary. I used to walk/cycle up that road on saturday nights in the early 2000s, it always felt really creepy and I found out about a year ago that there was a whole saga in the 70s about a vampire or some sort of ghost terrorizing people there. It's also probably the steepest road I've been on, that in itself made it feel quite unusual

[@Robslondon]

Definitely very creepy; I often used to drive through there late at night on the way home… and yes, that ghost/vampire story is very unsettling too!

[@birdsaloud7590]

@@Robslondon would you make a video about it for Hallowe’en?

[@helenablanks255]

Went there the other day, the vampire was probably on holiday

[@kendodd8734]

Worked in swains lane aswell yeh creepy

[@oakstrong1]

I lived at the bottom of Swains Lane in the late 1980s and my boyfriend lived in Highgate village, so I used to walk along the road quite often. I thought it was quite lovely, except being so steep! I never forget feeling so resentful for a passerby not offering to help to push my pram with a toddler in it, but how could he have known that I had only given birth (at home) to my second child an hour before, so I had practically no functioning core muscles below the ribcage and my pelvis hadn't returned into its normal position either. I had to join a guided walk to see Dracula's grave, in the old cemetery but Max's grave was in the new one and there were no restrictions that I remember (unless I climbed over the wall. It is quite possible, it was quite low at some places on my housing estate. I walked past both graveyards on regular basis, including late at night but I never saw a ghost, which was a bit of a disappointment.

[@Oliviawww164]

Cheshire street in Bethnal Green is very creepy. Many years ago i was going to walk on this street, But when I turned the corner I had a sudden feeling of fear, There were no cars or people and an oppressive atmosphere hit me. I cannot explain it any clearer than this, I just turned around and walked back the way I came. This happened many years ago and I have never forgotten it.

[@caroletraynor8763]

Maybe it's a warning from your body telling you it's not safe, it's a good thing to have as it keeps us alive. Too many people shrug it off as being silly. Your intuition was right.

[@janebaker966]

I've just put a post of similar experience but in Shoreditch

[@Oliviawww164]

@@janebaker966 please post here. Would love to read it.

[@janebaker966]

@@Oliviawww164 it's in this column of posts. Just scroll through

[@justing1474]

Ha ha I used to live on Cheshire St when I first left home at the age of 17, it was basically a commune, good times 🎉

[@landhopper4296]

Went through it years ago in a black cab, never knew it existed before that - I thought we’d sneaked through someone’s loading bay! Dodged traffic hold-ups, saved time and money but that’s the genius of the Knowledge.

[@Robslondon]

Yep, that’s how I discovered it 😉 Stay well.

[@richrootes]

Used to be one of my favourites - and a proper tip earner. Only to be used in dire emergencies, or solid lockups though, otherwise it’d piss people off

[@Robslondon]

@@richrootes Know what you mean Richard; cheers and be lucky 😉

[@gingerbaker4390]

I use to have a bad feeling about that tunnel, when I walked to and from the embankment... Anyway good video Robbo. Keep em coming.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment and many thanks for the kind words; stay well 😉

[@chriswoodford4331]

At the time of my viewing this fascinating video I notice a thumbs down by single viewer, which brings me to once again question just what it would take to please such a person. Keep up the good work, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Chris; truly appreciate your kind words and support. Stay well sir.

[@christinewright342]

Have to agree with you.

[@uwpartnersUK]

16 idiots so far

[@nelliemelba4967]

Exactly. If I don't like something, I just move on. No need to diss someone's work. Unless its something antagonistic from the MSM, then its fair game!

[@Robslondon]

@@nelliemelba4967 Thanks Nellie :-) Appreciate your support!

[@raye402]

So interesting Rob. In the early 60s we used to walk from the Shell centre into Leake st which was at that time just a way through to the Cut & Lower Marsh on my way home to Lambeth Walk - at that time it was near pitch black save for the light at the end with the smell of whiskey distillery casks - definitely not the bright Graffiti tourist cut through it is today !! Often wondered if it had a history of. A more sinister sort 👍🇬🇧

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Ray, thanks. Leake Street in those days sounds terrifying!

[@tituseast1]

It’s was still pretty scary in the 90s. As a kid growing up in the area my friends and I would dare each other at night to run from one end of Leake Street to the other. Only time we would go down there willingly was at New Year’s Eve on the way down to the river to watch the fireworks - the normally deserted street would suddenly be full of people

[@Robslondon]

@@tituseast1 Yes, it's easy to forget how scary many parts of London were until relatively recently. Cheers Ben; stay well.

[@johndavies9270]

An interesting story - enhanced by that flickering light tube and the wind blown litter, which add immensely to the 'atmosphere'. I used to wonder where the 'Adelphi' theatre got its name from. Birmingham used to have a number of underpasses like these both in the city centre and elsewhere but most have been taken out now, for precisely the reasons that you mention here.

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks John. I was very, very lucky with that wind blown litter! Filmed it as much as I could ;-) I've got a lot of love for Brum; I lived there for a while some years back. I understand it's changed a lot since then, hope to get back for a visit soon. Cheers and stay well.

[@CaboloNero]

Loved going through the bat cave when I had passengers in back of the cab, got some funny looks when going in, punters love it though. I heard it’s back open not checked myself yet though.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Moses. It's open now; I tried to make this video a few months ago and the end was boarded off, but seems ok now. Not sure if you can still use it as a route to Victoria Embankment though. Be lucky ;-)

[@philipmason9537]

I worked as a chauffeur in Central London and this shortcut saved me SO much time !

[@Robslondon]

😉

[@Parseenfroo]

@@Robslondon I worked at the Savoy Garage a few blocks away, the days before Sat-Navs, most people driving to the end of the road couldn`t believe there was a route through there.

[@Robslondon]

@@Parseenfroo Ha ha! :-)

[@nelliemelba4967]

Thank you. I've often wondered about the origins of that street, and kept meaning to look into it, but your little film has now satisfied my curiosity!

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thanks so much Nellie! Stay well.

[@gilliangreen7563]

Wow!! Love your knowledge of London. Just come across your video. Have subscribed 🤘🏻🤘🏻. Stay safe and have a great week ahead ☺️

[@Robslondon]

Oh, thank you so much Gillian- great to have you along! Cheers and stay well :-)

[@heliotropezzz333]

I find the pedestrian underpasses under Elephant & Castle roundbout creepy. Once you get down there it feels a bit like a maze. It's easy to take a wrong turn and you often encounter people unexpectedly as you round a corner. Usually they are homeless or busking, but you feel it would also be a good place for muggers after dark. It feels a bit creepy in the daytime and I would not want to go down after dark. Another road that creeps me out is the road to the sorting office near Tufnell Park. It's a long road for a pedestrian with a fence and railway line on one side and not many dwellings on the other side. You hardly see anyone walking on that road but it would not be easy to get away from someone with ill intentions. Perhaps this is just a woman's perspective and it would not bother guys.

[@Robslondon]

Totally understandable Helen, I can see where you're coming from. I find some of the subways around Waterloo Station can be a bit unsettling too. Stay safe.

[@uingaeoc3905]

These were filled in and replaced by Pelican Crossings at least 6 years ago.

[@heliotropezzz333]

@@uingaeoc3905 Really? That's interesting. I've not been there for about 16 years. At the time there were also crossings above ground but it was quicker to go under because of the number of roads to cross.

[@uingaeoc3905]

@@heliotropezzz333 Also, the 'Island ' roundabout has been integrated into the Shopping Centre (now completely demolished, hole in the ground) side, so fewer crossings overall.

[@heliotropezzz333]

@@uingaeoc3905 Thanks for the info. I must go back and see it, sometime, meanwhile I'll have a look via google or google earth.

[@brianparker663]

I did stop by...and, as usual, did not regret it. Thanks for providing another of those "I never knew that!" moments you do so well. 😃

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Cheers Brian! Stay well ;-)

[@michaelplanchunas3693]

Several years ago, I read a mystery novel set in 19th century London. The private detective in the story, always evaded pursuers by knowing the small alleys, passageways and hidden courtyards with multiple entrances. Can't remember the title. The author obviously did his research on them.

[@Robslondon]

Interesting, thanks Michael.

[@bobkirby2603]

Thank you for showing something we would never have known. I live North of Manchester Liverpool way, so would never see it my son lives outside London. But illness stops me going to visit at the moment. Thanks again. 👍👍🥂

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Bob, that means a lot to me, glad I can help in a small way. Best wishes to you and your family sir 👍

[@simonhadenough2267]

I used Lower Robert st today in my london cab to beat the traffic on the Strand. Passengers love it.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, know what you mean Simon… be lucky 😉

[@andrewhaddon7689]

Cheers,thanks for this.There are so many places we just take for granted and walk straight by without thinking of their origins.Perhaps you'll do do a video on Roman London and what remains are still visible.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Andrew, much appreciated. Roman London is a fantastic topic and I am planning to cover it at some point so please do stay tuned! Thanks again and stay well.

[@steelcity791]

Really interesting, I'm a northerner but love London and it's history , try to visit as often as I can . Now subscribed , keep up the good work 😊

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much; it's great to have you here! I've got a lot of love for the north; wonderful people and incredible scenery. Stay well and thanks again :-)

[@marilynkennedy8236]

I am from the North. Greater Manchester to be exact. I have always been interested in London. The names of the places to me are magic. Spitalfields, St Mary Axe, Shoreditch. And many more.

[@jean-pierresharp8050]

Great video Rob. I am familiar with the arch but had no idea as to its history. Such a pity the Adelphi block was demolished. Anyway, thanks again for sharing your video.

[@Robslondon]

Many kind thanks Jean-Pierre, hope you’re keeping well.

[@pmay222]

i was a central london based motorcycle courier for 10 long years... and i can honestly say ive NEVER been down this little rd.. .. .. .. loads of these quirky places all over central london

[@Robslondon]

Good comment, thanks!

[@patcom1013]

This was a fascinating piece about a large and mysterious city. I wonder how many other areas there are like it.

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks for the kind words; I truly appreciate it. Stay well.

[@lddixon2394]

You are so knowledgeable and make these videos so interesting. Lovely to hear an authentic English / London accent too!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much :-) Really appreciate that.

[@TheAnthonyf1981]

I'm from Liverpool, never been to London, never heard of that road, but you captured my attention and interest. Nice video, well made.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Anthony; really appreciate that. Thanks and stay well.

[@nickycatton7882]

Thank you for this fascinating video, and I had a lovely surprise with the Thames TV tune at the start! Took me back to my childhood.

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Nicky, thank you!

[@23Daves]

Stainer Street beneath London Bridge station always used to horrify me as a kid, to the point of me crying and refusing to go down it. I used it again a few years before it was pedestrianised and redeveloped into its current state, and still felt incredibly uneasy. It was the site of a large number of deaths during a World War II air-raid and while I try to be sceptical about such things, I've often wondered if I was picking up on something.

[@Robslondon]

Hi David; great comment and much agreed. When I was making this video my thoughts did keep drifting towards Stainer Street- it's a very valid contender for London's eeriest. I used to be a cabbie and always felt uneasy driving through there. I may well make a video on it at some point. Cheers and stay well.

[@samsum3738]

I drove a licensed cab in London from 1973 until i retired in 2012 and i can truly say i have never driven through here , and more to the point , have never even heard of it . Thank you for the upload .

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks, Sam. Be lucky ;-)

[@samsum3738]

@@olikane530 Extremely rich . And believe it or not you could also be in the same position . Just go on the knowledge for about 2 years and work very hard driving a cab for about 30 years . It ' s open to everybody . I started driving at 21 and retired at 60 . No big deal .

[@harrysingh6577]

I drove a Hackney cab in Cambridge for 13 years 12 hours a day 7 days a week I did alright too! 🚕🤡

[@Robslondon]

@@harrysingh6577 :-D

[@samsum3738]

@@harrysingh6577 Good for you . The answer as always is to work at the job and the rewards will come . It is not an easy job , but alot of people think we are all millionaires , if that was the case , why aren ' t they driving cabs ?

[@clairbarnard9058]

Thank you for your video, fascinating! Long and tricky day and this is wonderfully diverting; really enjoyed it!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Clair :-) Glad I can help in a small way; hope you have a better day tomorrow. Stay well.

[@jasonpayneuk]

What a great tour - I’ve just subscribed, really enjoyed the bit about the Society of Manufacturing Arts building - a tiny portion of an old street is also at that level in their lecture theatre - you can even make out the old medieval drain running down the centre!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Jason!

[@popazz1]

Instant subscribe from me! First of your videos I've watched and I gotta say it takes some talent to pick an innocuous looking small stretch of street and bring it to life, holding the viewer's attention, so bloody well done on that score. I live just 50 miles north of Londinium but haven't visited in many years, so it's always a real treat to see aspects of this great capital which I'm not familiar with. Looking forward to viewing more of your work. You've got a great voice for narrative too.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much. It's hard to express just how much your kind words mean to me, but needless to say they inspire me to keep making videos! Much appreciated John; thanks again and stay well. It's lovely to have you here sir.

[@popazz1]

@@Robslondon ... I'm just pleased to have found your channel. I'm pretty much housebound now, hence not being into London in an age, so having your channel to dip into will be so beneficial. I'm happy to be on board.

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me; thank you. Glad I'm able to help in some small way. Stay well John.

[@popazz1]

@@Robslondon ... You too, Rob.

[@alrichmond4341]

Fascinating. I worked nearby for years and never knew this was there. You really brought this hidden corner of London history to life.

[@Robslondon]

Glad to be of service Al! Thanks so much for the great comment and stay well.

[@mrfugazi6713]

Thanks for posting this video on KZbin Rob, London is full of mystery and interesting places, I lived in London with my sister back in 1980 and it was such a fascinating place to live as a late teenager but I had some great times, I really enjoyed listening to you talking about this old street the next time I’m in London I’ll visit this street, thanks buddy you have earned yourself another subscriber Rob looking forward to seeing your next video well done. Best wishes from Stevie boy.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Stevie; thank you so much. Really pleased to have you along! Stay well.

[@mrfugazi6713]

@@Robslondon no worries Rob I’m looking forward to watching your next video on KZbin mate until then take care Rob from Stevie boy

[@misfit2022]

Technically not a road but I came back after a party on the isle of dogs through a tunnel and that was definitely a little creepy. It was this old Victorian looking tunnel and I don’t spook easily but I thought I could hear noises even though I was alone. It was also very late and I had had a drink so that may also be an explanation. I used to walk all over London circa 4am especially sarf London and that’s the only time I remember being unnerved.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment, thanks misfit. Was that the Greenwich foot tunnel? I've been down there at night and yes, it is very unsettling...

[@Robslondon]

@@WildRover1964 Couldn't agree more! It's a very odd feeling to think of the Thames lurking above you ;-)

[@herbert9241]

Same here: walked the streets south of the river at any ungodly hour without a care, never unnerved. And I don't say that to big myself up, I think there was something wrong with me, hoho! And I think the local youth club who tried to intimidate me by kerb crawling and cat calling me on the empty streets between Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye (right outside Frankie Fraser's old local, if anyone knows it, I don't remember the name), had a sudden epiphany of discretion-over-valour and drove away when I walked right up to them - I think they thought there was something wrong with me, too. They looked kind of disheartened. I hope they've cheered up now.

[@paulsspangle]

​@@herbert9241 I know that Denmark Hill to the Rye walk well. Did the journey a few times to visit my Nanny and Grandad... or took the 184 when feeling lazy!

[@martinhall60]

Hello Rob, very interesting and informative channel. Looking forward to seeing the next video. Well done .

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Martin; much appreciated.

[@redlightspellsdanger7177]

London’s creepiest road? I thought that accolade went to Downing Street 😒

[@Robslondon]

Oh yes, good point! I've got a lot of words I'd used to describe that place.... ;-)

[@licensedtaximan4271]

As a London taxi driver I did use it on a handful of occasions, but those rare days when I did use it are now well and truly lawst and gawn.

[@Robslondon]

Fun when you get the chance though…. be lucky 😉

[@johnbacon1854]

That was awesome. Never heard of it before and the gate you showed is amazing thinking that was where the original river bank once stood. You just got my sub.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers John; lovely to have you here :-) Stay well.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Lovely Intro - either Thames TV or LWT, can't remember which. I once lived in Colliers Wood and I walked to the station at Haydon's Road every morning to work. On the way was a disused Victorian Waterworks, which was a true wonderland of decrepit brickwork, cracked paving and self-seeded buddleia, sycamores, birches, ivy and other creepers. The early morning fog swirled around the broken walls under a grey sky - I was in my own Harry Potter movie.

[@Robslondon]

Such a lovely comment, thank you! And it's the Thames TV theme ;-) Thanks again and stay well.

[@johnbower7452]

Thanks for this; I love London though to me it's gone a bit downhill; but I still find it very fascinating.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers John 😉

[@katewolfspirit6722]

Hi Rob, I have just found your channel and subbed. I love history, so I know I'm going to enjoy the rest of your videos! You clearly put a lot of effort and hard work into your content, it really shows! Greetings from Hampshire ;-))

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Kate; really appreciate your kind words! Nice to have you here! Stay well.

[@Bridgercdl]

Great video, and such a gentleman with it. Buy you a pint in London if I could. Keep up the great work, cheers

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much... I honestly can't express how much your kind words to me. Wow. I'd be honoured to have a pint with you Bridgercdl; and with support like that, the drinks would be on me. Stay well my friend, and have a wonderful Christmas.

[@angelachouinard4581]

Looking for things to get in the Christmas mood I found your Scrooge's London video. What a lovely present. The closest I've ever gotten to London was a layover at Heathrow. A long stay there is on my bucket list. Since the expletive deleted virus keeps pushing that off I am so grateful to have you to give me these lovely tours. You cover just the things I'm interested in. Now binge watching to catch up. Subscribed of course.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much for the lovely words Angela, glad I can help in some way 😊 Lovely to have you here; stay well.

[@abigailmckernwalkingwithpo4582]

REALLY interesting - thank you! Love seeing London buildings that are no longer there!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Abigail; much appreciated! My next video, which will be published very soon, focuses on two lost London buildings so please do stay tuned 😉 Thanks again and stay well.

[@leedsman54]

How places change over time! It would be fascinating if somehow you could stand in a place and see it’s history unfold before you.

[@Robslondon]

Yes indeed ;-)

[@Flughafenkaiser]

Amazing history and information about these unusual places in London. They say people make places and London has a very high saturation level of previous spirits that is overwhelmingly evident as you walk by or simply pass through the city. Strangely I don't feel I am in actual danger when I walk these places, perhaps blinded by my own naive compass. London is fascinating place and its life continues forward as its historical energy unfolds in real-time. The past speaks to the present in many ways , architecture, streetscapes, people scenes and even through litter and graffiti. Hustle and bustle of London is a blood flow of life past and present. This I find is unique to London. I am never for a moment not fascinated by everything in London. London captures all , history,time travel, activity, extremes of wealth and poverty, safety and danger, joy and sorrow. Posh and vulgar all you can experience in one place. Overall my visits have been positive and good. Maybe past lives are kind to me , my ancestry, my blood and spirit had connections to London and maybe that's why I understand its voice. In fairness to the UK authorities , their conservation , preservation, record keeping is first class in every respect and it never stops impressing . The work in this video is premium standard and has huge service to all who watch it. This is luxury education for which I'm greatly thankful.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much for the kind words and wonderful comment. Stay well and thanks again for your support.

[@Flughafenkaiser]

@@Robslondon Big thanks to you for the public service you provide, you don't realise it's true value and I consider the opportunity to subscribe to this channel more of a privilege than a choice.

[@Robslondon]

@@Flughafenkaiser Thank you so much. It’s kind words and incredible support from good people such as yourself that keep me making these videos. Take care and thanks again; it’s a pleasure to have you here.

[@Mrbobinge]

Your matters of fact presented here so fluidly, bring back a warm glow of living in 'the Smoke' 45 years ago. You explained reasoning for Embankment etc. so that, next visit, I'll feel more compelled to be head-down gazing at Internet rather than the surroundings themselves.

[@Robslondon]

Such a wonderful comment; thank you. Your kind words mean a lot to me; they push me to make more videos for sure. Thanks again and stay well.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

You deserve more subscribers Rob, this is fascinating viewing.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Malcolm :-)

[@christinewright342]

I love these small nuggets of information of places l never knew or will never visit. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Christine. Stay well.

[@kristinajendesen7111]

I don't find it particularly creepy but if I tried walking through as a lone female...I might change my tune 😱 I thought that the ones under Waterloo Station were creepy. Haven't been under for about 20 odd years so they may have been cleaned up by now.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Kristina; yes good points. The area beneath Waterloo is still pretty creepy 😉 Thanks again and stay well

[@malcolmhull2335]

I visited Lower Robert St in.the mid 80s when Cipfa moved in - doesn’t look as though much has changed since!

[@susannahhunt100]

I found your Channel yesterday, love it.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Susannah! Good to have you here 😄

[@belledecaucase]

Love videos like these, please keep them coming!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! And I will 😊

[@belledecaucase]

@@Robslondon Wonderful! You're most welcome 💓

[@theovanstaden5766]

Very nice video Rob! Hi from south africa!

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Theo! Stay well

[@theovanstaden5766]

@@Robslondon thank You for the reply Mate!

[@pjamescowie]

My partner and I paid a spontaneous visit to Lower Robert Street a couple od weeks ago... Even at c. 2:00 pm and broad, sunny daylight, we both felt a distinct presence as we walked down and through to the garage areas. This feeling remained until we exited out on Savoy Gardens. Whether it's the ghost of Poor Jenny, or a reflection of another brooding sadness, I have no difficulty in agreeing with others' description of this odd street as 'haunted'.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you ;-)

[@oakstrong1]

Thanks for this series. I wish I knew more of the history of London and these places when I lived there, and I wish I had more time to explore. But at least I can now do that in the comfort of my own home via these videos. 👍

[@Robslondon]

It's an absolute pleasure; so glad you're enjoying them! Cheers and stay well.

[@trevawgathinny1114]

One of the most interesting things about the original Adelphi development is that the very first owners liked a flutter.The Adam brothers ran into financial problems with the project.They raised the money to finish it by selling raffle tickets,with the prizes being (some of ?) the houses.

[@Robslondon]

Great bit of info!

[@BrokebackBob]

Fascinating! I just subscribed! I hail from Bloomington, Indiana US. Your store looks like a go-to place for Christmas gifts for me! Cheers!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Bob, glad to have you here! Stay well.

[@wendelllanders8439]

Thank you!Enjoyed the video very much!!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@watfordman]

I'm in awe of these videos you make. Surprisingly enough I had a delivery today in Buckingham Street and took a quick stroll through Victoria Embankment gardens, wish I had seen this video beforehand and I would have driven one street over to explore :)

[@Robslondon]

That’s so kind of you to say WatfordMan (great name by the way 😉) Really appreciate your support. Cheers and stay well.

[@watfordman]

@@Robslondon me and my partner have watched about 12 of your videos back to back over the past 3 days. Thankyou for the videos Rob, I did send you a Facebook request but totally understand if you don't accept people you don't know

[@Robslondon]

@@watfordman That means a lot to me, thank you! So glad you're enjoying them. I'm assuming you're Chris? If so, request accepted mate ;-) Stay well.

[@boobootheballbreaker2092]

Hahhaaa your profile pic.. I am from Melbourne and walked past Chopper in Collingwood one day.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Back in 1963 I used to go with my Ma to visit her friend Mrs Campbell who lived in maybe John Adam Street or Savoy Place or somewhere very close by and to this day that area is a familiar mystery to me in terms of how amazingly close the National Gallery is to the river and how The Lyceum once (nearer 1969) felt not unreasonably like the epicentre of everything. Most interesting. Thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment and memories Paul; thanks so much for sharing. Stay well sir.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

@@Robslondon And to you. Thanks :)

[@navelriver]

It is very interesting to read the comments by people who have lived and worked in these places! I have seen so many videos and read many books about the strange and forgotten places of London but because it is so vast (above and below), and with a long history that there are always more stories to be told! I think long into the future even more surprising and unexpected things will be found in the secret corners of London. One of my favorite movies is "Quatermass and the Pit" aka "Five Million Years to Earth"..........very spooky!

[@Robslondon]

Hi Sundog; great comment and very much agreed about Quatermass; a fantastic bit of drama. Stay well 😉

[@barryballinger5912]

Excellent video and narration thank you. Looking forward to more .take care.

[@Robslondon]

I appreciate that very much Barry; thanks and stay well.

[@eddykohlmann471]

The weirdest bit is the fact that it's closed between midnight and 7 am. That is a bit creepy.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, that’s what I’ve always thought too Eddy! 😉 Stay well

[@ampersand.]

Really interesting, thanks. Great research and history. Being new here - have subbed - I wondered if you had covered London`s famous narrowest alleyway?

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks! I think you’re talking about Brydges Place? I have written about that on my old blog some years ago; I am planning to cover it here at some point too 😉

[@WickedFelina]

Do you have any ghost stories about St. John's Wood? My aunt, uncle and cousin lived in Court Close. I believe that was built after the war when St. John's Wood was bombed. Many people were buried underneath the rubble. My aunt told me many stories about her encounters with ghosts. A book was written about St. John's Wood called "The Street That Cried"

[@Robslondon]

Off the top of my head I don’t know, but I’m intrigued by your fascinating comment! Will have to look into it; thanks Wicked Felina

[@kubricksmith]

I was slightly distracted by how much you sound like Richard Ayoade but kept watching as I found this street many years ago while wandering London but I didn't realise it was open to the public and wasn't a dead end. Talking of which, great spooky detail about Poor Jenny.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks, that’s quite a compliment, although sadly I’m nowhere near as successful as Richard Ayoade 😂

[@bryan3550]

How True KS! Your cover is blown, Robert Ayoade! 😄

[@Robslondon]

@@bryan3550 :-D

[@bryan3550]

@@Robslondon I dare you to say "Have you tried turning it off and on again" on one of your vids!!! 🤣

[@Robslondon]

@@bryan3550 😂

[@BostonBobby1961]

Great videos. My wife and I are planning on a trip to London in the next couple of years. Trying to learn as much as we can. You and Jools Guides are both chocked full of great information.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Bobby, glad I’m able to help! Hope you make it to London soon and stay well ☺️

[@waynedexter3446]

As always interesting, informative and amusing. Thank you Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Wayne!

[@Wayner71]

The Thames must have been a colossus in the 18th Century.

[@Robslondon]

That's a great way of describing it.

[@squeaksvids5886]

Wonderful stories, beautifully told. Thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 😊

[@robbie609]

Rob.. you can also visit the newly(ish) opened AIRE Ancient Baths London which must comprise some of the ancient arches.

[@Robslondon]

Hi Rob, many thanks, I wasn't aware they was open! Will take a look; thanks :-)

[@bryan3550]

Brilliant work, Robert! Excellent research. Particularly liked the shots of that bit of plastic drifting around... 😉

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Bryan! I was very lucky with that 😉

[@bryan3550]

@@Robslondon Indeed! I'd love to hear more on Joseph Bazalgette when you can...

[@Plysdyret1]

I love, love, love London! Haven't been there for years now...

[@Robslondon]

Hope you make it back soon 😊

[@hayleyroden7069]

I was once alone in a black taxi which took me through the street which I had no previous knowledge of. I panicked about what felt like being driven into the basement of a building. By the time I’d realised and started to protest, we were out the other side. Scary…

[@Robslondon]

Blimey...

[@TIMG128]

Rob, just a quick question. Your videos are really good and very entertaining. Did you get copyright permissions to use the old 'Thames TV' theme at the start? I tried many years ago but was refused. Would hate for you to come a cropper if anyone were to notice it!

[@Robslondon]

Hi Tim, many thanks. I've tried looking into the copyright but could find nothing, no idea who owns it, especially as it's been defunct for so many years. Appreciate the concern though; I have considered it. Worst case scenario, the old videos will just switch to a silent intro and I'll have to come up with a new jingle! Cheers ;-)

[@yopuivideo]

I worked at a bike shop that was in Lower Robert St in the 80's. Behind those cages on the right the vaults still exist. The workshop was in the one of them and stretched back at least 100m where we would store 100's of bikes. If you turn left at the bottom of the hill and walk to the end there is an old tunnel on the left. l i was told, (at the time) that it pre-dates the Adelphi development and ran to convent Garden". It certainly went much further than I was willing to go with a torch and raised the creepiness to a whole new level. It may all have been lies but I always wondered.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment. I've heard a few people mention the bike shop, would love to see a photo of it, not sure if any exist?

[@yopuivideo]

@@Robslondon No photos but the ones on your video . The first two chambers were like the arches at 7:17 but painted with white paint. Beyond this, it was like the etching at 6:34 on your video with lights! It was low and deeply vaulted .The shop was BIkeUK . It was a busy little road with black cabs and couriers whizzing though all day. It was interesting place to work and people loved it when we took them to the "wheel room" which was the deepest chamber. Thanks for exploring it!

[@Robslondon]

@@yopuivideo Really interesting, thank you!

[@liamkatt6434]

Another wonderful tale Rob, keep them coming.

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Liam, thank you!

[@Torthrodhel]

This little tunnel is so cute! The well-kept indoor bit with the seating is structurally lovely but ruined by all that posh red lighting. I prefer the street tunnel.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Jane; I love your take on it! Stay well.

[@wilbursmith2955]

As a retired London Cab driver this rat run was very useful. Best wishes

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Wilbur-be lucky 😉

[@functionoflightone]

Thank you, this was most informative and interesting.

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure, thank you for the kind words 😊

[@fox39forever]

That's right near where I quite often drink, in the Theodore Bullfrog pub, John Adam Street - well, fancy that!

[@absolutelypositively]

Wondering about the light in the tunnel entrance of Lower Robert Street…clearly it vibrates, as many do in tunnels of sinilar lighting.. I’m curious as George though, does the vibration come with a sound? More like a hum. Hmmmmmmm! My guess is yes, but even little out of the way places like LRS will make my list of places I’ll visit next spring. I want to experience the buzz of that light source. Thanks Rob. Enjoying the too few (so far) but sweet videos you’re producing. But goodness , it’s Friday, the weekend has arrived, but it’s pushing 4:30, and I’m not talking p.m. Time to check the weather and see if I’ll nap later or just hit the sack now. Cheers to ya Londoners!

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! thanks! To be honest, I don't remember the light buzzing... probably wasn't close enough to hear ;-) Enjoy the weekend.

[@thetragicyouth]

Woods Buildings off Whitechapel Road is another good candidate, but unfortunately the gate that opens out onto Whitechapel Road tends to be locked most of the time now, so what was once a long and winding alley is no longer a proper thoroughfare and access is limited. Jack The Ripper scholars suggest that this unlit passageway may have been one of the Ripper's favoured "escape routes", affording the killer distance from more populated streets.

[@Robslondon]

That is creepy.... only for the hardiest of souls!

[@mikego18753]

Hay Rob,what a great (one up from good)little vid.Spot on. Thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Mike; much appreciated

[@rjjcms1]

Driving back through London from visiting someone (now no longer with us) in the Bethnal Green area a number of times,via Old Street on the way to the Archway Road,there's a kinked cut-through called Vestry Street which always seemed surprisingly unlit and all but deserted in spite of the teeming life and bright lights nearby.

[@Robslondon]

Interesting one, thanks Ralph.

[@rjjcms1]

@@Robslondon You're welcome Rob. Really enjoyed the video.

[@butchknapman3939]

Found this channel today and have added it to my subscribed list interesting start

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Butch; great to have you here.