Exploring Nunhead Cemetery and Telegraph Hill - a south London spectacular (4K)

[@Steveoaudioandstuff]

Hooray! Sunday evening means one thing now.

[@davidjohnson00001]

Thank you for this, John. I have to be honest that, a year on from my son's death, I didn't think that I would cope yet alone relish a cemetery video. Apart from the setting and the views, your words were redemptive. Good on you.

[@morriganwitch]

My Blessings to You xxx

[@JohnRogersWalks]

so sorry to hear of your loss David

[@scottwallace901]

Sorry to hear about your son's death. I hope the video's on this channel help you relax and take your mind away from the problems of life for half an hour. John Roges dose that for me with his videos.

[@scottwallace901]

@Eddie Riff Thank you for you lovely message. I hope you and your family are all well.

[@thewalkingman777]

So sorry to hear about your devastating loss, David. I'm glad you found this video comforting.

[@rosemaryderham4749]

So pleased to see this, John. My grandmother was buried in Nunhead in an unmarked grave in 1920. I went to visit the cemetery about ten years ago and the guide took me to the approximate spot. It was lovely to visit it again through your video.

[@thewalkingman777]

I went to Nunhead cemetery a few years back, purely by chance. I was walking around Shoreditch and realised I'd seen what I wanted and so got the first bus that came along and it finished at Nunhead. It had a village feel and, after a fry up in a cafe near the station, I walked about randomly and came across the cemetery. It was truly spectacular and made me decide to see all the other ones, which I have now except for Highgate. The Greek Necropolis section of West Norwood cemetery is the most amazing place...you really do feel like you are walking amongst ancient ruins. The magnificent seven are, for me, typical of the emphasis the Victorians placed on civic space and civic pride and the idea that the supposedly unglamarous areas of life that we now might want to hide, such as death or sewage or water pumping, should be afforded the same prestige of architecture as say an important government building or theatre. It's an acknowledgement of the importance of these areas of life and that without them we couldn't function as a society, so they should be celebrated and appreciated and beautified.

[@CRUSHENGLISH]

THANK YOU. This is where I grew up and where my impression of life and all things were formed. People just don't know how beautiful this area is!

[@stevesvids]

My family all originally from around London. You showed Shooters Hill on your map. My Grandparents lived thereabouts.... I can still picture the view from their bungalow back terrace down to The Thames, watching various boats and ships coming and going. Its funny how a trip down memory lane triggers off an avalanche of memories. Sights sounds smells faces places affections loved ones past.

[@runningforasthma_]

I lived on Pepys Road too when I first moved to London, it's a wonderful street I do miss it dearly.

[@simonbeesley7638]

Sometimes pronounced Pepees by the locals!

[@londonbackpacker]

I spent most of the summer, visiting the magnificent seven. I managed to visit Nunhead, Abney Park, Tower Hamlets and Highgate. Abney Park and Nunhead are my favourites, I think there is a certain melancholy to them, the way that they were abandoned and let nature reclaim the area. I have started a photography project on nunhead to show the grandeur but also the sadness of the cemetery.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

best of luck with your project - look forward to seeing it when complete

[@morriganwitch]

Ooooooo Nunhead my fav Sort of place . And Telegraph Hill xxx

[@morriganwitch]

By the way John that massive north to south energy line did you tap Into it xxx

[@Redinade]

The music you use is so calming.

[@oldskool731]

Reminds me of an aushwitz documentary that music

[@andycooke6231]

New Cross depot was the largest tram depot in London housing just over 300 trams. On Saturday 5th July 1952 the last tram ended its final journey there to much celebration and to some regret. Trams would not run again in London until the Croydon system opened. The depot was converted to buses with the demise of the tram system. A film of the last tram week can be found on Utube named "The Elephant will never forget", it was made by British Transport Films and is rather sad and poignant which is not what the commissioners wanted at all, they wanted a film about sweeping away the old and bringing in the new.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that info Andy

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Thanks for the tip. That's an interesting film.

[@blueshiftuk]

Skehans certainly one of the best pubs in South London. Great atmosphere, Guinness and Thai food.

[@hArtyTruffle]

Particularly nostalgic episode for me with this one John. My Dad used to work for a Grocer near to were the toll used to be at New Cross Gate. He would walk between there & Deptford where he would deliver goods to the Butcher, Wellbeloved. Wellbeloved is still in Deptford, although in a different spot. His grandson is just about to retire I believe. Best butcher in the area. He will be missed. Wandered around that cemetery a few times. I must go there again soon and do some sketches. You mentioned Blythe Hill in the video. I had two very unusual ufo/paranormal (don’t laugh) kinds of experiences traversing that hill back in the late 80’s. Both on different days, but almost in the same spot. Thanks for the upload 👍🏼

[@TheIanErc]

Wellbeloved closed last year I'm afraid.

[@hArtyTruffle]

@@TheIanErc Ah, he retired already. Such a shame that none of his kids wanted to take it on.

[@martinlove7073]

Yes the best butcher in the area what a shame are there any other good butchers about thanks

[@hArtyTruffle]

@@martinlove7073 The two I now shop with are Northfield Farm at Borough Market and Bell and Sons, 13A market place, Bermondsey. Can’t go wrong with those.

[@stevegasparutti8341]

Thank you so much for this video. As a Peckham born lad from the 70s, this brought back a lot of memories. I also remember drinking in the Nuns Head. We were given a tour back in 1986 of the pubs cellar, that claims to be haunted by the beheaded Nuns ghost. The Landlord told us that there are blocked tunnels leading from the cellar to the Convent, which were used as an escape route. The brickwork in the cellar did look very old and was probably part of the original Pub. According to the landlord, the Nun was caught by Kings guards and beheaded in the cellar. Who knows what the real story is - but its interesting.

[@IanPhillipsWildlife]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, your videos are always a fine watch. I need to check out Nunhead Cemetery, I feel I should do a series of (wildlife focused) videos from the magnificent seven cemeteries.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Ian. Yes that'd be a great idea - there are apparently over 150 different species of spider in Tower Hamlets Cemetery

[@ianmaddams9577]

Yay. Evening John 👋🏻 I love visiting cemeteries and wondering around the graves reading the headstones . A brief glimpse into the past and reminder of the short lives they had

[@morriganwitch]

Me too have you visited West Norwood it isn’t quite as old feeling however it has such a powerful respect for those passed xxx

[@carolwaugh5466]

I lived here in the 1950s. It was different, still blighted by the war. I seem to remember the bandstand was still in the park. My parents and I went to the parks regularly. From my bedroom window I could see St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge, all hidden now. My Dad and I used to walk through Nunhead Cemetery frequently. There were wonderful conkers in the autumn. Thanks so much for taking this walk. Memories come flooding back, plus lots I didn’t know.

[@formdemon]

A great video John. I have visited all of the Magnificent 7 and I do think Nunhead is the most atmospheric.

[@cyrilclark5167]

Thanks John for a great walk around my 'manor'! I lived at the top of Telegraph Hill (Waller Road) from 1945 - 1965 and I still visit the area every six months or so. My great grandmother, grandfather, and uncle are buried at Nunhead Cemetery. My uncle was killed while on active service in the UK so our family plot is now a designated Commonwealth War Grave. Thank you too for your mention of the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery - they are a great organisation and without their dedication Nunhead Cemetery would certainly not be the great place is is now.

[@briancox4339]

Wonderful walk fantastic video John Rogers your knowledge is Amazing love these walks .

[@JimDriver]

Excellent video, John. More from South London, please… I used to live in Erlanger Road, (the next road over) and I was always fascinated that the older locals always pronounced Pepys as "Peppis" and thought I was an amazing snob because I pronounced it as "peeps"! Also, did you know that the history of the New Cross Bus Garage goes back ito 1906 and started life as south London's major tram depot? Since it was converted to the 'umble omnibus in the 1950s, it has been London's largest bus garage with room for 300 Routemasters…

[@grahamroberts5361]

Great video, thank you. My wife’s sister is interred in the cemetery, she was only two days old. The Old Nuns Head, I had my first legal pint in there on my eighteenth birthday. Memories.

[@NewingtonBoy]

Another great video John! Many thanks. I went to school in Peckham in the 1970's one of my class mate knew Nunhead Cemetery very well. We spent many a late afternoon & early evening exploring the Cemetery.

[@ArferNower]

Thanks John, Ive been watching every week, don't blink, and yes bus numbers I know how you mean I collected train numbers in the 70s, cheers

[@sallypassmore8748]

What a magnificent walk John. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed it.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Sally

[@markames3688]

Just finished "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch and now time for a John Rogers video. Ah Sundays.

[@stephenpinder9567]

Jaw dropping. Thanks John.

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Another amazing video for a Cumbrian who loves the idea of London. What an incredible place

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jimmy

[@paulclark2598]

I used to spend lots of my time in lower Telegraph Hill Park as a kid in the late 1950’s and the bandstand was definitely there then. We used to play all over it.

[@omegasue]

I happened upon your video where your walk was covering an area where I lived as a child during the 1950's. I lived in Arbuthnot Road SE14 and at the end of that road was the entrance to Telegraph Hill Park. I can confirm that there was a bandstand there at that time. I used to go to Waller Road School which was literally just down the road. Our road was full of young families. At one point we lived next door to a family called the Hattons; the father was a fireman and one of his sons was my elder brother's friend. Such memories - thank you for this incredibly informative video.

[@lindamckenna81]

Thank you for this amazing video the music you use certainly matches the dim autumn light, very emotive.

[@oldskool731]

That was majestic John cheers

[@jamesmills2632]

Used to go to Nunhead Cemetery in the 70's with my father and brother on Saturday mornings to visit my grandparents grave, very few people went there then and my brother and i loved to explore the cemetery, church and the catacombs. As ever great video John

[@john80c]

New Cross home of Mick Mcmanus the legendary wrestler. Studied Equiano's autobiography as part of my history degree. The cemetery is so picturesque giving a positive feel to a place of sadness. Thank you John.

[@robertpayne1137]

You seem a kind,gentle not to mention knowledgeable soul John. I love walking cemeteries and will be sure to check out Nunhead. Warm regards from a fellow Chairboy.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks indeed Robert

[@paddybrennan3644]

Quite nostalgic looking back at none head I don’t live in England anymore but was born in Campbell in the 50s my mom and dad are buried there at none that you forgot to mention that a lot of cemetery was reclaimed old graves turned over old names forgotten and people are still being buried there todayThanks mate

[@tracik1277]

Please do not change anything John, you are a classic!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Traci - too kind

[@mamnisel4815]

Lovely walk to Nu nhead Cemetary via Telegraph Hill.I used to live right in front of Kensal Green Cemetary and its well worth investigating John.Fascinating Video as always!!!

[@lyndalawrence4383]

My father lived in Ansdell road Nunhead and when I used to visit him from Epsom we used to walk through the cemetry. beautiful walk......

[@karenbright3737]

Thank you John for awakening wonderful memories of my childhood in 1970’s Nunhead. My Grandfather used to take me for a walk on a Sunday and we would read the grave stones in the cemetery. My uncle used to take me to Telegraph Hill for a walk. I loved the views from both!

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Neat to learn a little of the topography of that area, with the hills and views. Great walk! Thanks!

[@grooveexplorer]

The Greek necropolis in West Norwood is a very atmospheric place with some fascinating architecture. Lovely walk,thanks.

[@buttychips]

Smashing my bedtime viewing and alls well with the world well done John.

[@thekitowl]

Great video, bought back some lovely memories. In the 60’s I used to live bang opposite the Main Gates of the cemetery in a large gothic house ( long gone ) that was built in 1850 by the stone mason who supplied the cemetery. I learned later that my great Grandad was the Gate keeper ( he’s buried near the entrance ) & his son ran a local undertaker’s who obviously made regular visits to the cemetery.

[@robertbarling5601]

Thanks John for another great video. Bob.

[@RedcoatsReturn]

First class tours and very educational of the great City of London 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍

[@simondavies5444]

Lovely video thanks for that. I’ve always had a fascination with and affinity for London from when I was young and used to commute into Victoria from Essex in the early 1990s. Often having to walk from Fenchurch Street across town when there was a security issue on the Tube and that love of just soaking up the history and atmosphere never left. My better half’s a Walthamstow girl and I spent a lot of time wandering around the market nd travelling on the Gospel oak line from Essex to Queens Road - she lived behind Markhouse Road. She spent any years working in Islington at a well known Dog charity so at a loose end I’d travel in with her and spend a day wandering across town usually ending up at the bottom of Kings Road. Also having lived in Harold Wood, enjoyed your video that showed the park. We live in Suffolk now but your videos bring back many happy memories.

[@StephenGrew]

Solid houses, extraordinary the detail and construction of them, built with love many a time....

[@l.a.crenshaw5952]

ooh my god what a enchanting cemetery this is, nunhead , wow what a intriguing name.

[@vjary8142]

Down my manor, welcome to the pleasure dome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for all the historical heritage which you share in this upload.

[@madkeithpet5892]

Back in the seventies a couple of my friends were paid by a reporter (from the Guardian?) to mess about in Nunhead Cemetery and have their photographs taken being "yobbish" for a piece that he was writing about the dereliction of the cemetery. It looks as though it's been restored very beautifully since then.

[@davidshearer8793]

Another walk from which I learned so much. I never realised South London could be so interesting.

[@davidwarwick4777]

Another wonderfully curated video John. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Glad you enjoyed it David - thanks

[@westernbl0t]

Lovely video., John. I cycle this route on my daughter's school run each week and Nunhead Cemetery never fails to provide a few tranquil moments on the way. It used to be possible to (illicitly) access the adjacent reservoir for some really spectacular views, sadly blocked off in 2015.

[@ashleysgaze]

A really atmospheric (and interesting) walk, John. What a cemetery! 👍

[@MarkWright75]

So pleased to see you visit my old haunting grounds. I used to explore Nunhead cemetery almost 25 years ago. Such a pleasure to revisit. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Mark - such a great area - planning on going down there to visit a few of the pubs

[@vince9565]

Hi John, once again a cracking video.. My favourite of the big 7 is Brompton.. it is so uber-real as an architypal gothic cemetary that it looks unreal and like a film set, obviously why they do use it as one from time to time. Anyhow keep up the good work and i wait for the next video...Wherever that may be

[@JTTW1455]

A lovely part of London. Enjoyable walk thank you John.

[@nigelheasman6356]

Another good video John, nice to see you mixing it up and coming south of the river too.

[@dougmorris2134]

Hello John, I watched your video with interest. I went to Norwood Technical College, 1967-1970, on Knights Hill, sadly no longer there. I would be very interested if you made a video about West Norwood Cemetery. Many thanks for the “permissions” Best wishes, Doug.

[@kirstym1283]

Lovely walk John. Another new area to discover in London for me. Only really know Greenwich and Woolwich. I must explore more of South London. Take care

[@aquageraniablue6990]

Hi John I enjoyed the Nunshead walk. I would love to see the rest of those old cemeteries. Cheers.

[@tomhorobin3087]

Hi John,very much enjoying your videos, haven't commented before but very interested in your video uploaded today. I don't live in the area of Telegraph Hill but frequently pass by one of the entrances to the park on my way to see my daughter and grandchildren. I have always meant to find the time to stop and explore the park mainly because one of my favourite films from the 60's is Blow Up, made by Michelangelo Antonioni and starring David Hemmings and Vanessa Redgrave and I think the part of the film that revolves around the mystery of what might have been seen by the photographer (Hemmings) and whether a crime took place was filmed in this park.In other videos you have said you worked at the BFI so maybe you know the film? I lived in London in the 70's and 80's and always lived in North London - Islington, Highgate, Hampstead and so on. I rarely travelled south of the river. Two of my grown up children now live in South London and I have really enjoyed discovering Nunhead, Peckham, East Dulwich and the surrounding areas. So I think I have changed allegiances and am now a great fan of Sarf London. Thanks for opening up the areas of London I know little about but after watching your videos am looking forward to visiting.

[@petergml]

No, Blow Up was shot in Maryon Park in Charlton which I'd sure John will have featured on a walk, close to the Thames Barrier. I walked through it again a few years ago, I think starting at Falconwood, going up through Shooters Hill, visiting Charlton House and going on via Maryon Wilson Park and Maryon Park to the Thames Path and the Woolwich Ferry. Another fine walk in South London, though I only take still images.

[@annenewton5403]

Thank you,that was really interesting about the Nunnery and the poor Abbess.

[@desmond223]

Nice video John. This is my local area and glad you did the walk and praised Nunhead it its glory. A fascinating place with lots of history. Thanks again for your knowledge. Nunhead Library is just behind the old nun's head pub and also there is another row of Alms houses along that route. You may also like to discover nunhead resevoir... but perhaps that is for a different video altogether!

[@Theoobovril]

Much enjoyed again, John and looking forwards to your next video.."WHEREVER THAT MAY BE".....

[@YvonneO]

Amazing area. Wish I could walk that. We do cemetery walks here in Michigan, love the solitude and the artistry of headstones. Ours don't go back past early 1800 so I so enjoyed your tour... Take care. You must be in great shape for all your walks, appreciate your treks. 👍

[@TheDutchman92000]

Another great video, fleshing out the details of places I have heard of but not visited. Thank you.

[@edwardhudson9851]

Hi John,I'm sitting here in small town rural Saskatchewan Canada its minus 18,snowy and overcast.I emigrated over 6yrs ago and been home only once since then. TBH this vid is making me very home sick for my old Sth London Manors.Im a Son of Peckham originally but I lived all over Sth London and we scattered my old mans ashes up on one tree hill one of my special places.I lived at ivydale rd for a while,worked at a small butcher's in Nunhead and regularly drank in the old Nuns Head and Newlands tavern as was in the early 80 's for neigh on 10 yrs after failing School badly before wising up and pursuing a career on the railway and LUL for 27 yrs.I retired as a project manager with a pension and a lump sum :0) This may to you just be another walk but for me it's a comfort seeing how the old manors haven't changed too much eh :0) Keep up the good work mate

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that wonderful comment Edward - best of luck in the Canadian winter

[@edwardhudson9851]

@@JohnRogersWalks Cheers,be lucky mate

[@mheuman]

Thank you the lovely walk, I feel more informed. Cheers!

[@paulbennett772]

My aunt was Superintendent at Nunhead Cemetery. She was the first qualified female crematorium superintendent in the UK.

[@peterjackson4132]

Fascinating stuff John. Loved the cemetery gate torches. Cheers buddy

[@CYPRUSINSIGHT]

Looking forward to this, tea and hobnob at the ready.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hope you enjoy it Cyprus Insight

[@CYPRUSINSIGHT]

@@JohnRogersWalks loved it John thank you. 😊

[@williamrobinson7435]

Lovely walk, this looks. I have not tried it, but I shall! Thank you for posting.

[@ROCKGRINDER12]

I went to Nunhead Cemetery last Thursday, it is not far from the Nunhead overground station; it's a very nice and super quiet place, full of ancient graveyards, tombstones and the chapel is magnificent, I couldn't go through the whole Cemetery as it's massive, and I have a walking disability (I suffer from polio on my right leg and post-polio syndrome last 7 years) that is taking a big toll on my physical performance, especially walking but I manage to go to the Cemetery ........... I enjoyed it so much, and I am planning to go back there, but I may have to find a better way to get there, as too much walking is painful for my joints.

[@violetdreams1799]

enjoyed your walk, talk and tour, lovely 💗 thanks John!

[@julieabbott1550]

What a beautiful space Nunhead cemetery is. I've been to Highgate, but it's nice to be able to see some of the others which are lesser known but just as interesting. Thankyou for this always find your videos very relaxing to watch. Cheers

[@mitchellgiffard1978]

Right down my alley from were I lived thank you for this upload of this trail walk good to know a bit of history of that area John 👍

[@crayzmarc]

Lived and went uni here. Thank you!

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Wherever that may be, I'll watch it !!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Little Acorns

[@MaggyBurrowes]

This is lovely and I am going to share it with friends and family elsewhere who have never seen my new neighbourhood, but it would be remiss of me not to point out that you mention a missing lake in the lower park and yet seem to have walked right by our rather charming pond - famous for its heron - without noticing it was there, close to the statue of Olaudah Equiano!

[@c1p1moore]

Nunhead is my favourite I once lived in Forest Hil also great vantage points from Horniman

[@stephentan3538]

It's long way from Singapore to the Telegraph Hill in New Cross but I was there in 2015. Thank you for bringing back a pleasant memory of my walk there !

[@robertphelps1574]

This is a great I remember when I was young boy playing in nunhead cemetery and also seeing a ghost and I still love going for a walks in there In the late 70s early 80s my mother used to as a barmaid in the Old nuns head

[@juliewilliams9441]

I love joining you on your brilliant walks John thank you 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for coming along Julie

[@damedavidfrith55]

Loved that ramble around south London and more cemetery’s please such fascinating places

[@Rose-pt4xb]

I've recently discovered your channel so might be late to the party but I love your videos! Thank you for covering Nunhead Cemetery (loved your Highgate video). Nunhead will always be dear to me, my dad would often explore it after we moved not too far from it and it's where my husband proposed (on the bench where you can see St. Paul's. Looking forward to more content!

[@judithbateson6353]

Thank you. Being old and knackered I can no longer do these walks myself. It's great to do them with you.

[@louisestebbings3145]

Beautiful walk - thank you

[@ralphwinter6421]

Nice One John, Interesting walk.. Cheers mate.

[@ivanhockenhull2604]

What a beguiling place Nunhead is. I have always been drawn to graveyards and the tales told by the gravestones. Very evocative, John. Loved it. 🇯🇪

[@andeanrider6355]

Nice and peaceful . Thanks mate,

[@LLACEM]

great video thanks more of this please

[@400blowsAKN]

Excellent, John. Thanks for that.

[@garysharpe4660]

Brilliant as always,thanks sharing.😄

[@benblumenstein7656]

Very Nice!!!! Enjoyed it Very Much!!!!! Thank YOU Sir JOHN!!!!!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Ben

[@overthetopblues]

Thanks kindly, John. I stumbled on your video, and It really brought back wonderful memories. I lived in NCG, back in 89’. Actually, the phone booth at 00:57 is the one I would call my (now wife) from at midnight. I wish I would’ve explored more than pubs, but will be sure to check out the cemeteries when we return. Cheers from Canada. )

[@gparry42]

Wonderful, thanks John!

[@kevincross9206]

Another cracking video John 👍🏻. Really enjoyable.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Kevin

[@grandmasterbeats9732]

WOW what an amazing walk very fascinating and yes I have learnt immensely once again from you as always. Loved the walk and I look forward todoing this walk one day. Once again Nuns Head and it was amazing. Thank You John. it was Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday and this walk was amazing and it fits the whole sense of humanity,