Walking Wapping Waterfront | Thames Path East End Walk (4K)

[@jackpayne4658]

I remember an unforgettable walk around Wapping circa 1975. The docks were closed, but the redevelopment had yet to begin. The streets were almost empty, with the wooden doors of warehouses flapping in the wind. It was like nowhere else I had ever seen - with an uncanny, dreamlike atmosphere.

[@friendlier]

I watch Nicola White's mudlarking videos, and have been up and down Wapping High Street in Street View, and down to the foreshore between those two. So watching this, I felt like you were in my old stomping grounds. Funny thing is, I live in Oregon and have never actually been there.

[@LisaStuart-u5h]

I absolutely loved this trip along that area of the Thames. My grandfather was a river policeman (1935-1964 … yes, through the blitz 😱) and my father ( b. 1937) grew up playing “on the beaches” of the Thames. The draw of the water is strong for me 🌊❤

[@nickname1812]

Wonderful video.Thank you. Aware of the changes afoot, around 1981, I photographed Wapping one lunchtime. This has triggered memories of that day! Very relevant that estate agents' offices randomly appear in the background during this film.

[@sallyhuggett9915]

Omg !!! You are bringing back so many memories of me and my 2 younger brothers running around there My mum had jobs there a barmaid when she wasnt on duty as a bus conductress We had a couple of uncles 🤣who came in and worked at the docks Stayed overnight ..then went ..we got to name them ..limpy ron and drunk dave What days ..thanks again for bringing these memories bacj ..thoroughly loving this Dont stop.. you are a true historian xxxsal

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

11pm, double malt whiskey, bag o crisps and a walk with you. Nothing better. Excellent presentation John. thank you

[@MikeJF355]

John, you deserve an awful lot more views than are shown. This was a really well put together and informative feature with great music and excellent commentary. I will be watching your other listings as well. Many thanks and a Happy New Year to you and your viewers.

[@cheekyllamacreations]

Love this. I followed your journey on Google Earth on my ipad as I was watching this video on my phone. Fascinating stuff 👍

[@benjamindenton]

'Mudlarking With Johnnie Vaughan' sounds like an Alan Partridge idea.

[@MeTheRob]

😂😀😎

[@williamgannaway8183]

Youth Hostelling with Chris Eubank.

[@lankriverfront8360]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4Omoamdp8SXkNE

[@keynshamkeynsham1]

Mud wrestling with Chris Whitty

[@magicknight8412]

Went to the prospect of whitby few months before lockdown, wonderful pub inside.

[@mattruff4408]

just what I needed for making feel a bit better John sitting here all day feeling rubbish. Stay safe

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Glad you're feeling a bit better Matt - brighter days ahead

[@angusmeigh5141]

London docks have moved 18 miles east to Tilbury now. You should do a video about the working Tilbury docks which are really huge. By the way there used to be docks as far west as Brentford for smaller boats. Chelsea harbour used to be a commercial dock as well for small working boats.

[@aleksk4151]

@@angusmeigh5141 i hope you are well

[@michaeldillon3113]

When I do my own London walks I find this Wapping area palpably full of historic atmosphere. The past and present mix freely .

[@MarkNisbetMusic]

Thank you for another Really enjoyable video, they always bring back a pile of memories. I went on several explorations of this area in the early 80s when I lived in a hard to let council flat on West Ferry road. My favourite walk on a Sunday afternoon was down West Ferry road to the foot tunnel, across to Greenwich, through the park and up to Shooters Hill, used to feel like escaping to the countryside even though I was still fully surrounded by urban London. The other walk I used to do was on weekdays up the Grand Union canal to Mile End road as I was studying at Queen Mary College. There were no trains this side of Mile end in those days, the Island Line was being constructed as I moved away. After leaving college I spent a year living in Pixley Street in Limehouse and was involved with a music Co-op based around the Swimming Baths at Poplar. We put on a week of music at the Half Moon Theatre in Stepney Green. I eventually had to move back to the south (where my parents lived) searching for employment in Thatcher’s Britain, ended up working for Friends of the Earth in Portsmouth. London was a return to my roots, my Dad was born in Ilford, my Mum in Barking and my Grandparents on my mum’s side were from Bethnal Green and Spitalfields. Before getting married my Grandmother was a nippy, working in one of the Lyon’s Tea Shops.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for sharing those memories Mark - that's a great slice of social history there

[@benjamindenton]

If you want to see Wapping High Street in 1980, it's in The Elephant Man where Anthony Hopkins can be seen walking along it on his way to see John Merrick.

[@bakerloobadboy]

I'm sure it's also in The Long Good Friday with a scene that involves a car blowing up

[@davesnelling3812]

@@bakerloobadboy In the film they blew up a fictional pub called the Unicorn I believe ? the site is long gone but it was on Wapping High street directly opposite a rd called Scandrett street, in the movie it shows them pulling up in Scandrett st and looking at the pub dead opposite,

[@bakerloobadboy]

@@davesnelling3812 that scene is in the official trailer. It can be seen here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGqTq4GwrqueY9k

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that Dave - I think we briefly see Scandrett Street on the other side of St. John's Churchyard, didn't know about the scene from Long Good Friday

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Where ever that may be. Thanks John.

[@mattydsmith]

A wonderful bit of the world. Will never forget I was walking near the Captain Kidd when I overheard an old guy telling a mate that wharf stood for warehouse along river front, previously I’d assumed it was a word with its own meaning. Lovely video, as always.

[@Mathemagical55]

Don't take etymological advice from old men in pubs.... wharf: Middle English (noun); Old English hwearf embankment; cognate with Middle Low German warf; akin to German Werf (pier)

[@jackpayne4658]

That's called a 'backronym' - inventing a series of words to supposedly explain a pre-existing word.

[@susiewickham9990]

Another fine video. Used to attend playgroups with my young children before fleeing London for an easier school life. Walked all of these docklands routes many times over. Love them all. Thank you and merry Xmas.

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Really enjoyed rewatching this video. I am amazed at how much character the waterfront has retained. What a delightful walk!

[@StephenGrew]

When I lived in St.Annes by the Ribble, I had a small boat. And one day at low tide out in the estuary, some 250 miles from the Thames in Lancashire, I spotted a Thames barge, grounded....I went to investigate and the barge was owned by Bells Whiskey company. It was a fascinating sight and I rowed out to the ship and the crew invited me on board!

[@neilgilbert3587]

This is such a nice and informative video

[@ickledotco]

Thank you. One of your best. Happy Christmas!

[@lesliegprice6652]

Yes Brunel's Tunnel ,extensively refurbished, has been utilised for the East London Overground Line from Highbury & Islington to New Cross and Clapham junction

[@alltheteam69]

Magnificent John. Was reading about the steps in The Way to the Sea. Love London and Estuary. Thank you for brightening the days up.

[@stevenspraggs4953]

simply brilliant right up my street that one john my favourite one you have done please go back and show us the inside of the pubs bet a few are haunted keep up the great work you do with these pity no one gets you to do a few episodes for the tv you could do it along side ian sinclare would make great viewing looking forward to more east end ones in 2021 have a great christmas and a peaceful 2021 steve karen and the boy's

[@adamj6113]

I used to work in Wapping and loved walking around during lunch.

[@samsungw200]

Great film thanks John I love the historical info

[@mikemorris9636]

my Dad was a thames waterman and lighterman, spent his life on the thames and worked on the barrier, loved the vlog ,thank you

[@chucky2316]

Did youre family do it through generations mike.

[@nicensleazy1892]

we did the walk recently from tower bridge along the Thames path to Greenwich. We then took the Greenwich pipe to the south side and walked back. I was around 15 miles in total , but what extends the walk is the constant navigation around buildings to then get back to the Thames walk. It was lovely, had a beer in each of the pubs along the way , made a day of it :-)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Sounds like a great day

[@yarrik8580]

Love this video, living at the Isle of Dogs I was always fascinated with the local history. In fact I was walking around Wapping today, such a fascinating place.

[@adrianw609]

Thank you for this video i did same walk last month Wapping Station itself is very interesting a Brunel structure i think

[@martinlawrence8427]

Can’t believe I never visited those amazing pubs when I lived in London. Note to self: day trip from the fens, post COVID!

[@minijames2777]

Thanks John for a marvellous walk of wapping. Merry Christmas John and I will see you on the next one where ever that maybe.

[@myfavsongbyNB13]

Fascinating video - I love anything to do with, well I suppose "old" London, or parts of London as they were years ago. Thanks for this one its great!

[@kernowpete339]

Fantastic video, thanks so much 🙂

[@davidspencer9846]

Hi Mr, as I work all around this area for the last 28 yrs, its interesting all the history you've enlightened me with, I will now look into these locations with a totally new interest, and yes no matter what time of year I walk around wrapping you do still get that feel that the history is still there, thanks again.

[@angelagay7829]

Another great walk taking me back to my London days the three year journeying from the Angel Islington to the Metropolitan Warp - we were little@ printshop there before Murdock & co

[@derekpyne]

Hi John Another brilliant video special to me as its around my area in the late 50s to late 60s before moving to Bow. The bridge beside Shadwell basin I used to watch the ships coming in and as you look at the dock behind you is Shadwell park where used to play quite a lot. Went back there a couple of years ago changed so much. Back then the warehouses were being used and very busy streets and the area very seedy 😀. Just one more thing you talked about building sandcastles, my mum used to take me to tower beach right in front of the Tower of London and good view of the bridge from down beside the river. Think I was about 4 or 5. They closed it after that due to the river being dirty. Thanks again for this video. Have a peaceful Christmas👍

[@ruthweinberg4283]

I really enjoyed this film around Wapping. I worked at The Prospect of Whitby in 1968. I lived in Fairlop Road and used to get the tube from Leytonstone. It was a bit scary walking back to the tube station late at night after work as not resedential then and few people about.

[@LarryBees]

top stuff as per usual John 😁

[@angelenoof206]

So lovely and evocative. I can feel the vibrations of the river god all the way from Puerto Escondido

[@adamj6113]

I'm starting to get behind on my own creative endeavours because I cannot stop watching your videos 😂. Great stuff again.

[@trailingarm63]

When you were speaking of great journeys which began and ended on the Thames near Wapping you could have added those of one of my writing heroes, Joseph Conrad. He frequented the place for 20 years as a merchant seaman before becoming a full-time writer. He mentioned the area frequently (Heart of Darkness et al). One of his observations read: "The ships in the centre of the city looked like a flock of swans kept in the flooded backyard of grim tenement houses." I came down to London from North Wales in 1979: I might as well have relocated to the Moon. I bumped into an old teacher of mine and he took me on a drinking tour of the Wapping & Limehouse pubs. They were so atmospheric I started to feel like some kind of ancient mariner and still do when I go down there. Another great walk and narration John. Cheers!

[@johnplynch4866]

Fantastic as usual John. I always like the opening shot of "Frenzy" which pans along the Thames.

[@peckinpahlady]

Nice to see a part of the East End riverside that has retained its character and historical soul. Great video.

[@mattruff4408]

I forgot to say was walking the path Richmond to Teddington lock 2 weeks ago to see a seal bobbing it's head out of the water and my son found mitten crabs along the muddy river bank

[@janispope4295]

A rewatch, got to be a top 3 John walk for me. I hope to do it someday remembering to take care on the stairs.

[@philburdett]

Great stuff, sir! I'm currently writing & recording an album of songs about the 'Essex diaspora' from the East of London down to the estuary mouth & this video is now added to many others I'm using to set the mood & inspire. The docks have always held a fascination for me & (whilst no mudlark) I've pottered about that area many times hunting down stories & fables...thanks for retracing it for me so engagingly...

[@jackmcmenamin3360]

Thank you John for another memorable walk. Back in the early eighties I brought my young children to watch Tower bridge open for a ship to pass. We watched from British and Foreign wharf, a working drinks warehouse, where my Father in Law worked for his entire life. I well remember him pointing to a jetty where 'part of The Long Good Friday' with Bob Hoskins was filmed. That's done it..the iconic Francis Monkman score won't leave my brain now..See you on the next one.."wherever that may be.."

[@sw_909]

Thanks so much for these videos, John. As someone who lives overseas, this was a great walk down memory lane and made me yearn for home. I used to drink in The Town Of Ramsgate when I was very young, just out of school really, because I used to play football across the road from there.

[@teeandcakes2707]

Love all your videos. Whenever I feel homesick since moving from forest gate to Switzerland. I watch your videos and makes me feel much better.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s wonderful to hear- thanks Abdul

[@stevejones3635]

The Captain Kidd pub is a relatively new pub, established in the late 80s. Quite a contrast to the Town of Ramsgate and Prospect of Whitby. Locally it was recognised that the Prospect was the oldest riverside inn and the Ramsgate was the oldest riverside pub.

[@jerrymccarthy2744]

Great video. I work in wapping, and actually skipper of the fuel barge you see running past, to where we moor at hermitage wharf. Turners old star I s a lovely pub for a pint after work, and it's also where they filmed the fight scene in tom hardy's film about The Krays called legend. Thanks again for another intresting walk.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wonderful stuff Jerry - fantastic to hear from an actual skipper working on the Thames, must be a great job

[@chucky2316]

Generations of my family were lightermen I did my family tree and you are lucky if you have them because they were trades that were family affairs, my grandfather was born in wapping. Its funny as im still near the water but just in Devon. I've always had a pull within me for rivers and sea. Rip grandad passed away in his 85th year in 1991. Proud of my heritage

[@karlx19]

You should come up to Whitby - I'm sure you'd love a meander through the historic streets

[@ashleysgaze]

Hugely enjoyable, John. Many thanks for revealing many aspects of this deep topography. Merry Christmas!

[@rambling_rob7035]

Merry Christmas to you and your's, John.

[@jamesharris9029]

Fantastic John, always one of my favourite parts of London.

[@anomalousoddity]

I've been down here a few times a week for the last year or so since I discovered it - this is a bloody great video - I love Wapping Beaches

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Sam

[@caroledrury1411]

It was well worth the wapping walkabout! What a walk. Waiting for the wherever that may be!

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Brilliant walk - adding this to my list next time I'm in London. Thank you for these walkabout videos.

[@paularnold4440]

Thanks John. Very interesting video. You have been a bright spot every week in this awful year. Stay safe.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Paul - 2021 is not far away now

[@StephenGrew]

Yes High Wycombe, I remember when I was an apprentice upholsterer at 16 years of age we received furniture from said place.

[@imranzazai7404]

Very nice.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Really fantastic walk, so exciting to see the shorelines and hear about the history, so many great panoramas. Now where did I put my paintbrushes? ;-) Thanks so much and Season's Greetings to you and your family

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Lois - and thanks so much for your wonderful painting

[@priscillarampazzo4359]

Even having lived in London for 17 years, there is always something to explore in the big smoke!

[@grahamroberts5361]

I really enjoyed this video and the history of this part of the Thames. Thank you.

[@TheNgandrew]

Wonderful video. Fascinating stuff, and I have to say I do love those old steps down to the river. It must be said that at the beginning of the video, there was a total treat what with that chap descending the stairs whilst wearing the most amazing pair of trousers.

[@nwlondontimemachine9484]

Absolutely cracking video John!!

[@JTTW1455]

Fascinating and evocative thank you

[@papabear90]

Love these vids. Even tho the history of London is not ancient like the Egyptians, its so relatable having lived there and to try imagine what people's lives were like 100, 200, 300, years ago.

[@tonywalker5681]

I enjoyed this very much. Thank you, John.

[@maaxpoower9037]

Always excellent! I was a push bike messenger for a few years in London...I used to rip through this area on the way to Canary Wharf....such a beautiful area...so many stories.Cheers John!

[@nikkyb]

Wonderful. Thank you for getting me out for a walk today!!

[@LADmob]

John, you are a living London's encyclopedia 😉

[@cooper68ns]

Thanks john I have very much enjoyed our many walks around the rivers and streets this year. It has been great seeing the back streets of such an historic city. We wish you and all you hold dear the very best. Cheers

[@PVAPPE]

Another absolutely captivating video. Thank you, as always, Mr. Rogers.

[@jacksomb1]

These walks are great and much-appreciated. Not been out much since March (like a lot of folks) so these lift the spirits and inspire me for next year. Keep well and stay safe.

[@trendtraderx]

one of the best ways to see london and landmarks is by boat from Hampton down to the Flood barrier.

[@richardclark148]

Another great walk John and got a real sense of the history of the river in that area and how much it has changed in just 50 years with all the old industry now just a memory which will fade over time but the river still continues timeless

[@mheuman]

❤️ this dockside walk. I love the idea of history embedded in the wharves themselves. well done! cheers.

[@bryan3550]

What a brilliant vlog! Looks like a great area for a pub crawl..!

[@tracik1277]

Merry Christmas, John, 2020 has been helped along by vicarious enjoyment of being outside for a walk. Many thanks!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Glad the walks could bring some light this year Traci

[@annenewton5403]

Brilliant thank you,really fantastic.

[@ASH61143]

Rowing 4 Km in the basement is not only a solitary pursuit but also incredibly boring during lockdown. Unless of course, you can follow one of your fascinating walks. Having worked 30 years in Barking and lived 20 of them in Wapping it’s great to return to these old haunts from my retirement hideaway in SouthWest France. The marvels of modern technology. It’s important to recognise these very personal benefits when they occur. Many thanks and keep them coming.

[@kerryannestevenson6099]

That was great John,full of knowledge and mystery.I loved the way you spread your arms at the water’s edge.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Kerry - I had to give thanks to Mother Thames as Ben Aaronovitch calls the goddess of the tidal part of the river

[@stevegee7593]

All the best to you and your family, for the coming weeks in the tier 4 London and Essex.

[@michaelwood3099]

Probably my favourite area of London, superbly presented as always.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Michael

[@JagBetty]

John, I’m bingeing your videos today as it’s soooo cold here, it’s the next best thing to getting out myself.

[@humble4533]

Thank you John for another wonderful video. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a happy healthy and prosperous New year

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Humble and the same to you

[@humble4533]

@@JohnRogersWalks Thank you John

[@LifeistooshortCK]

I enjoyed that walk. Very interesting. Happy New Year 👍🥂

[@gazriley624]

Thanks John, Merry Xmas. Look up a video of Bob Hoskins and Barry Norman from 1982 walking around the same area (i think) only watched it yesterday

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I love that video Gaz

[@CaratacusAD]

The barges with the big yellow crates at 23:35 carry rubbish from the city down to a landfill near Dagenham, I believe. I see them go past my window at Silvertown/Gallions Lock every day. A much-reduced cargo since covid. Awesome channel John :) If you ever reshoot around Royal docks and Silvertown, I'd be happy to be a guide.

[@1Electricmoon]

Interesting.... the landfill site is at the Rainham marshes, a mountain of buried rubbish, the concrete barges are close by. Cheers Nigel 🍻

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Steve

[@Mouxbar]

Merry Christmas John and the family. Stay safe and well under the new Tier 4 :-)

[@BradReilly-sk1kk]

Like this vidio John went all along there had pint in town ramsgate that's were my mum was brought up in 19 40s all the best looking forward more of walks

[@robbojax2025]

John. if you have not read it may I suggest Underworld in the Victorian Period by Henry Mayhew. it is a contemporary account of interviews with London's underclass. I was reminded of it by your reference to mudlarks. They used to scratch a meagre living out of it. The book truly reflects what poverty really was in Victorian London. Another excellent walk and talk. Merry Christmas.

[@earlmarshall5054]

one of your best John.cant wait for the next one.stay safe and happy.

[@martharunstheworld]

Another lovely video! Tides are no joke! People get cut off by the tides here in San Francisco all the time. But here, they get stranded on one of several rocks off the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Guard has to rescue them. They don't dare try to swim back because the ocean is so cold and the undertow is way too strong!

[@travellingeverard4326]

Great video John, really interesting. Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@RobTaverner]

Thanks again John. Another great video. Merry Christmas to you from Brum.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Rob - have a good one

[@Sue-rh4qj]

Thank you John we could almost taste the sea! Sea-sons greetings from chingford 🎉

[@robertbarling5601]

Thank you once again John for a thoroughly interesting video. It was particularly interesting for me as both my grandfather and uncle spent their lives working at the east india docks. And yes I remember that around Christmas time a delivery of goods accidentally fell from a crane and suddenly there was a glut of stuff like shoes and alcohol. Strange that! 😄