Investigating London’s Forgotten Lost River: Walking the Walbrook from Islington to the City (4K)

[@NealMurfitt]

Hi John. I'm a cycle courier in London. After about 30 years there is nowhere I haven't seen. Consequently I recognise everywhere you go around the centre. It's great to learn about the places I know so well. You really bring London's history to life. Thanks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks for that Neal

[@highpath4776]

I always find somewhere new even though I have spent many years around and in London

[@thewalkingman777]

@@highpath4776 You can always find a road you haven't been down in London.

[@NealMurfitt]

@highpath4776 just occasionally I discover new things. A good example is when john walked through those alleys in St james. There was one I didn't know.

[@benholmes1608]

What a lovely Sunday treat!! We love a river walk!!😃😃😃

[@london_architect]

John, your London River walks are always so interesting, well-researched, and refreshingly ( no pun intended ) contemplative and not YT 'shouty'. You're right in my old stomping ground with this particular post. my family emigrated here from Italy in the 1950s and this is where we ( unsurprisingly ) first settled - yes, Clerkenwell and 'Little Italy'. This whole part of London resonates deeply with me and my family...I still have family members in Claremont Square, so all very relevant and personal. Loving these walks, and the positive followers in your community.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks indeed - wonderful to hear from members of the Little Italy community. I stumbled upon the fiesta during summer and it looked like a lovely community celebration

[@GETINTOUCHTODAY]

Remember being taken to Colebrook rd from primary school back in the 90s to be told there was river flowing under the road, we were able to listen & see the water flowing from one of the opening.

[@paulwilson7234]

Another excellent Sunday evening video.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Paul

[@highpath4776]

Try the records of the Construction of the Railway Tunnel Highbury and Islington to Moorgate, might be details of watercourses on that

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s a great shout thanks

[@stephenasmith49]

Hi John, what a great video, thanks! As you followed the course and walked down into Finsbury Square - it reminded me that about 40years ago I worked at 11/12 Finsbury Sq (roughly at 35.05 in your video). As we were tenants in a new (and very narrow!) office building (long since rebuilt), we were shown around the history of & in the building. In the lowest basement there was a old rectangular iron cover and, when lifted, under that a flowing river for us to see and hear - presumably that was the Walbrook River!

[@mozdickson]

😮❤

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wow Stephen - that’s fantastic. I love hearing these stories when I post the lost rivers videos.

[@chrisfrost8456]

A great Walk again John ,I was working in the BP Towers owned by BP when they sold them off and reduced the Height of , what they called Moorgate Tower when it was completed in 1967 was tallest building in London this was not far from Whitbread Brewery in Chiswell St, I had to do some work in this building on a ladder which actually went over the Walbrook!! You could look down and See which I did the Walbrook !! When I worked there it must early 1990s . Chris Frost ❤

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wow - what a brilliant story Chris

[@keithwesley2471]

Peerless pond (Perilous Pond) was just behind the junction of Old Street and City Road. It had to be fed from some river or stream. It was Filled in back in the early 1800s following many drownings. Many years ago a neighbour of mine, also on the Barnsbury Estate, maintained there was a river running along by the White Conduit. I assumed he was getting confused with the New River.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s intriguing Keith. I guess the White Conduit flowed through the fields beside St John Street? I included Peerless Pond in my Bunhill Fields video- it may have been spring fed. Islington Museum have an exhibition coming next year about water in the borough which should be fascinating

[@margaretscott2793]

Thanks for taking us along on another very interesting walk, John. We stayed in London for two weeks recently (staying in Lamb's Conduit Street) and loved walking and exploring.around that area and as much as we could anywhere else! Your videos provided lots of inspiration! Hopefully we can go back in a few years (from Australia). Thanks again.

[@john80c]

Super video John. Liked the pop goes the weasel stuff and the info about the White Conduit which was very influential in boosting cricket. Thanks again

[@markriley4665]

Ooh good, another great lost river walk. Your videos are always such a great walking inspiration John. The ‘tease’ story was well worth the wait! I was in Bunhill Fields last weekend for the open day and regular visit to William Blake’s grave. As ever John, thanks again for a great video.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Mark

[@elvissgrandma3215]

Fascinating subject, John. I love your river walks and this one adds a new dimension to an old favourite but then you added another layer by using the writing of William Howitt as reference work. I reckon William Howitt, his wife Mary (a poet) and their children are the most interesting and influential Victorian family that the world's never heard of! I did lots of digging into their history in order to learn more about some items inherited via a grandparent.

[@patsie1888]

That was a landmark John Rogers video, like Little Italy. I loved it.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thank you so much Patsie - means a lot

[@Steveoaudioandstuff]

Another cracking Sunday treat John thank you for making and sharing this. Shout out for the footage of the pigeon using the zebra crossing at 08:05 me smile 🐦

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Steve

[@eileendaly13]

Brilliant! Thank you for the entertaining and educational walk/talk

[@liberty_and_justice67]

Thanks! Great detective work. Really enjoy seeing the lesser known areas of London🎉

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks - much appreciated - I really enjoyed making this video

[@ashleysgaze]

A superb walk, John. Incredibly interesting and engaging. Cheers!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ashley

[@hgkhelmie]

Thank you for Colebrook Row, Duncan terrase. Nice little gem in Islington. Love the info.

[@angelenoof206]

One of the BEST man you continue to amaze

[@andrewniles9479]

Love a river walk. I can't help thinking that Thames Water or some such authority must have a definitive map of all these lost rivers & other watercourses. Good stuff mate.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

You’d think so Andrew but I’m yet to hear out it. I think they use the geological survey maps like the one in the video

[@philj4574]

@@JohnRogersWalksI know it’s a different authority altogether John, but I work for Bradford Council and we have a range of maps of the borough including one showing all water courses (above and over ground) accessible to staff. I’d imagine other Councils have the same thing. May be worth asking them for details

[@sianwarwick633]

This is the first time i have heard of these waterwheels along the Thames. Your research continues to amaze and delight with all sorts of valuable gems, such as the waterwheel lease payment to Peter Morris's antecedents. Carry on John, can't wait to see how all this comes together.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Sian - it’s such a great adventure

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Sian - it’s such a great adventure

[@RobTaverner]

Thank you John, another cracking River walk.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Rob

[@mungmungie]

It makes a sort of sense that there would be a water source at Angel, since there were a number of breweries established in the area in the 1830s. One of my ancestors did well as a "warehouseman," and "victualler" which appears to be a euphemism for brewer. His name also appears in the list of publicans of a drinking establishment known as the John Bull, the exact location of which remains a mystery to me. In a recent video, you stood in front of his house on Penton St., (once known as Brewer St). He is buried at Bunhill Fields, very close to Daniel DeFoe. Small world, no doubt influenced by all those river deities!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wonderful

[@KC-gy5xw]

I used to sit in Bunhill Row at lunchtime. I still work down the road. Very interesting and yes, with the breweries, that would make sense to have a water source there. Fascinating

[@jeffkouba6521]

My wife and I are from the US and were in London a couple weeks ago, our first time back there since 1995, and your videos were such a helpful resource for me in planning our own little walks around this great city. (We visited the Charterhouse, but I didn't know about the water source connection you mentioned here, that was most interesting.) We kept an eye out for you, but alas, weren't able to say hi :)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great to hear the videos were useful Jeff and hope you had a good time

[@enfieldkatz3023]

Allways a lovely tour from you seeing places in London I missed because my Dad and Mum and I left for Canada in 1950 . been back a few times but not in depth like your episodes.. Thanks.

[@IanPhillipsWildlife]

Another fine watch, I always like the videos in areas I know!

[@janebaker966]

There is something so romantic about lost rivers. I have an ancestor who circa 1840 lived at 30 Walbrook next to the church. I dont need too but when ive got some dosh im going to order a Hello Fresh box. I fancy giving that garlic chicken one a try. I enjoyed your demos in earlier videos,Jamie O move over!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I can’t escape the lost rivers Jane. They follow me everywhere

[@alanarmer8069]

Great video again thanks John 📗📗📗📗

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Alan

[@skyboswell]

Hi John, and thanks for this latest video. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I look forward eagerly to each new upload. As an 'ex pat' Londoner of some 30 years 'my London' is vanishing, so I love that you explore some of the places I know so well, and where the older London clings on. Hope your knees are doing OK. xxx

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Sky - yes lots of London changing significantly, but there are still surprising amounts that at least physically seem the same. The knee is doing well thanks

[@vishalpattani2200]

Lovely, looking forward to this.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hope you enjoy it

[@geraldineallan6514]

Thanks for the great walk . I enjoy the history of London.The river walks , let’s me see and hear all the history of how London was built.

[@A14b19]

Love your walks . I miss doing this myself like I used to but since long Covid affecting my muscles especially legs . Got the book now I hope one day I can re walk the street I onece did 🎉🎉

[@tedcopple101]

Ive just been re-watching all your old Islington videos so this is a welcome addition. Thanks John

[@michaelmiller641]

Fantastic video, John. Thanks for that!

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Very enjoyable and absorbing exploration of the Walbrook, another of London's liquid arteries, buried underground. You would think that there would be records of these underground watercourses, if only to avoid possible problems with construction projects.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I’ve always hoped one day somebody from Thames Water would come forward with those maps. Not sure if they’re restricted given that the rivers now form part of the infrastructure of the sewage system

[@domramsey]

Wonderful video. I used to have a shop in Chapel Market and I never knew any of this. I always just thought it was a complete marvel having the canal running under the street & shops.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Dom - I have so many happy memories of Chapel Market, kids in a pram

[@domramsey]

@@JohnRogersWalks Yeah, it has a great atmosphere. The only trouble is people rarely walk to the Penton Street end, which is where my shop was, so it was always a bit of a struggle for businesses there.

[@CthulhuInc]

magic, john - i followed the link to the previous video - a perfect end to my day. as always, love from canada. oh, ps - i'm a bit unwell right now, so it's taking me forever to read haha, but i finished the first walk in your book - terrific! 😊

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many many thanks. Sorry to hear you’ve been unwell hope you’re feeling better soon

[@A14b19]

Love your walks . I miss doing this myself like I used to but since long Covid affecting my muscles especially legs . Got the book now I hope one day I can re walk the street I onece did 🎉🎉 just found more book on line thanks to you

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thank you. Hope you’re able to get back out there soon

[@thewalkingman777]

I did a walk with Stephen Myers in 2019 that started in Angel at that Sainsbury's car park and followed that map he'd produced down to the Thames. He told a great story of Romans having marched from the South coast and seeing the Walbrook from the south bank of the Thames and deciding it was the perfect place for a settlement...and the rest is history.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Brilliant- thanks for sharing that

[@TweedyPubs]

I've only just started watching the video but wanted to say now what a great thumbnail that is!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Brilliant thanks Tweedy -/ and I’ll reply to your email when I get to the pub - but that date looks good!

[@philh9663]

Fascinating video John. Oddly enough, I was exploring parts of this video yesterday (Finsbury Circus etc) whilst waiting for my train. Little did I know, I’d be revisiting them in your latest video when I was home!

[@keithprater310]

Really enjoying your lost rivers of London series.entertaining and informative.stay safe.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Keith

[@sharonleong7120]

Great and interesting content. Thanks. 👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@christopherbutler7588]

Good afternoon john great to see you out on a Another walk.Glad your knee is better, a very interesting video thank you 😊 have a great week ahead.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Christopher

[@pollyfoofoo8703]

8:00 smart pigeon using the crosswalk

[@KC-gy5xw]

My house sits on the path of one of the rivers/streams that were diverted to form the New River, however with all the rain recently, I have to say I think it's making a concerted effort to make a comeback - instead of just one pond, we end up with 2 or 3! If anyone uses New River Sports Centre (that used to be a very boggy field before the sports centre and Thetford Close was built - the hill is the formed from the foundation soil of the estate - that was my shortcut to school), before you get to the 5-a-side pitches, just jump up and down a bit on the grass - I guarantee in the middle of summer, it will give with the water underneath...

[@MarcoVisconti]

Another lovely walk, once again right where I once lived. We even met once outside The Eagle one morning, many years ago!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Marco - yes I remember, I thought of you as I passed through that part of City Road

[@bert2742]

Wow thanks John! That was epic

[@highpath4776]

On the 1520 Map you have your finger at Curtain Road, on a confluence of two rivers/waterways. This implies that the Western Walbrook splits to the north off the map (or there is an additional source) . more maps to be investigated

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I believe there are several sources that rise on the marshy that around Moorfields that form into a single ‘eastern’ stream around curtain road. I think this is shown in my original Walbrook video

[@DamoSuzuki66]

As a builder, in the 1990's, I was asked to investigate perpetual damp problems at the large house on the junction of Nelson Place and Remington Street (I think a former pub), I never did find the cause of the problem, but now I know!....Very interesting vid John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Brilliant- I love hearing about these manifestations of buried rivers

[@craigthomson3621]

The pub was called The Trafalgar, and closed sometime between the late 1980’s and 1990. There is a photo of the building as a pub on London wiki.

[@DamoSuzuki66]

@@craigthomson3621 Thank you! i'll try to look it up. Obvs in keeping with the 'Nelson' theme!

[@kellyspurgeon538]

Good afternoon John Rogers, Enjoying and appreciating the lost river walk. "Without water there is no city." Especially poignant as I view this walk as we here in Lawrence, Kansas, USA are in the middle of a prolonged draught. All for now. kelly

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hope the situation in Kansas improves Kelly

[@JonathanLucas-zw7ec]

John.....loved the river walk...thanks 😊

[@Popeyes66]

Hi John, Love your channel of course. . . . .. I quote here a Google review of the Wallbrook. " An important historic river, dividing the 2 main hills of the City of London (Ludgate Hill + Cornhill) . It is famous for skulls washed down from the Roman cemetery, just outside the city walls (where it gets its name). They were mistaken for victims of Boudicca, but the lack of lower jaws indicated the flesh had rotted before they flowed down the river. Its lower reaches were a steep valley where the Roman Mithraeum stands, and below that a sculpture features Walbrook water. It still flows below ground and a remnant river emerges in a concrete gutter on the beach east of Cannon St Station " You've probably seen it already ?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Popeye - that’s covered in the continuation of the Walbrook walk as it passes through the City that I filmed a few years ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHjSZaJoob6llZosi=o0I1elPSk3uS5h5Z

[@Popeyes66]

Thanks John. I will view the video later this evening. Hope your future investigation's bear some fruit 👍

[@heathermorris-pryer4908]

Kia ora from New Zealand, love your vids

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Heather

[@lesliegprice6652]

Wonderful walk around an area of London that I love thank you John even had a bit of New River too , next year can you possibly do the whole of the New River please , see you again soon 🙏🌈

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Leslie - I really must do the whole New River Path next year

[@Christina-ge3xr]

Loved walking on water with you! Still need to catch up on your visit to Rye. I’m saving that treat for later 😊.

[@CaroleMora22]

Great walk, very interesting. 🙂

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Carole

[@cujimmy1366]

When you view central London from Crystal palace and Alexander palace you can see it's essentially a basin.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

It’s great to get that experience Jimmy - at Erith you get a cross section of the geology of the Thames Basin as it descends to the river

[@williamrobinson7435]

Intriguing. I have often noticed how The Angel has that topographical 'feel' of close association with an important watercourse.. As you rightly say, there's sure to be some real wisdom to be had once the comments start to build up. Knowledgeable lot, these subscribers. Nice one John! 🌟👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks William

[@ralphwinter6421]

Nice one John, wonderful vid...

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ralph

[@JohnC2009Edin]

Great video and detective work!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers John

[@JonathanLucas-zw7ec]

Saw a reference to Circus in this video and the previous one on the Walbrook. What does it mean?

[@highpath4776]

Worth exploring just Finsbury. How about the City, Ward by Ward ?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s an interesting idea. I’m just writing about my Lorteborne vs Langebourne walk and that’s partly a City Ward video

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Excellent!

[@morriganwitch]

Fascinating thanks John xxx

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for watching Morrigan

[@chrisblay]

Water interesting walk. 👍

[@danielgeorge7802]

For how long have you been saving this up? It's a shocker really but has made me smile a lot

[@darrenrobson5977]

Superb John 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Darren

[@Michaeluk62]

More river walks please John 🍺👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure Michael

[@sararichardson737]

I knew Mrs Jones who ran the Dairy on Amwell St. I squatted around there for years in the 80’s. Sigh. Wondering whether the Italian deli on PentonSt is still there? Sigh again.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Sadly not Sarah

[@dianekivi5349]

Why the carabiner on your left shoulder?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

To hang my camera from

[@damedavidfrith55]

Thanks ❤

[@mozdickson]

No link to your principal source book John? No link yo his YT vid? Hmm

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Here’s a link to Walking on Water by Stephen Myers as credited throughout the video www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Water-Londons-Hidden-Revealed/dp/1445600676 I haven’t watched the KZbin vid so won’t link to that as a source. Not sure what the ‘Hmm’ implies.

[@rosebailey3501]

I watch you in 🇦🇺 and I get Hello Fresh 🌹

[@GeorgeChoy]

Good afternoon John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Afternoon George

[@theagunton3811]

Beautiful and interesting as usual x

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks

[@hgkhelmie]

Bedankt

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much indeed- massively appreciated

[@PeterUrpeth]

A classic

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much Peter - I loved making this video

[@paulnewman2187]

Seems Stephen Myers died recently from Covid. While looking for his book came across post on The Thorney Island Society website announcing his death. Not sure when the notice was added to the website. The book might make a good Christmas present for my son who works in water planning in New Zealand if I can find a copy. Enjoying the videos keep up the good work.

[@luapnosboh7421]

Enjoyed that john , London water tho, that's why ya beers like gnats piss 🍻

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Controversial opinions about our beer Paul!! All made with Alpine spring water now you know

[@luapnosboh7421]

@@JohnRogersWalks yea reyt 🤣👍

[@GeorgeChoy]

Northern Heights, shades of Geoff Marshall and Jago hazard

[@olivere5497]

Amwell street, i wonder how it got that name!😂

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Very cryptic

[@kskssxoxskskss2189]

John, I hope it wasn't my comment a few weeks ago that has you apologizing for your face time. If so, I apologize. Yes, I love what you film, but I learn from what you teach, and endeavor to apply it in my humble Midwestern US setting. Above all, you give words to my own unarticulated fascination with the way water shaped our settlements and then gave way to them, only to start reappearing on its own terms as our settlements abuse their native planet.

[@Vile_Entity_3545]

So nice seeing my old workground. My courier company was based in Hollywell Row back in the mid 90’s. Ah memories when one was a young man, very fit from all the cycling and now a middle aged fatty 😂

[@StarWarsJay]

Apparently over the years, multiple thousands of human skulls without their bodies have been excavated from the Walbrook. They seem to date to around 100 AD. From what I read, there’s no consensus on what happened to these poor people, but it does seem they were dispatched around the time of Boudica’s insurrection.

[@geoffgeorge3685]

Ah Sunday. That means it's John.

[@timlorlor6888]

Ace

[@aussiej2973]

Islington also known as a champagne sipping socialist area

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ha, only by people who’ve never been there!