Secrets of Shad Thames, London SE1

[@garymepsted9741]

As a student in London in the late 70s I remember conducting many photographic recces of Shad Thames and environs. It was pretty much derelict at the time, but a wonderful location. I still have the hundreds of slides from those trips. Fabulous video. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Gary. Would love to see those slides 😉

[@clair233]

Do you have a instagram account where we can see them?

[@CO-dv6py]

I would love to see those too!

[@garymepsted9741]

I've just moved and they're still in a box somewhere. When I find them I'll be happy to get a few made into prints. I'd love to see them again, too.

[@HighWealder]

1977 I bought my first decent camera, I think a Pentax KX. Walked from London Bridge to Rotherhithe and shot a roll of black and white film, I had it developed, but never printed and need to have another look for it.

[@jme917]

Love Bermondsey and love being born and raised here. My family can go back 8 generations(maybe more). As a kid we used to run around in them old warehouses before they were converted to expensive homes

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@tonybaker55]

My 3rd great grandfather and family lived in Back Street, Bermondsey from about 1801, when he married. He was a Waterman, as was his son, my 2nd great grandfather. It would not surprise me if they used to use the Horselydown Old Stairs. He was also married in St John's and my 2nd great grandfather was buried at St Mary Magdalen. They moved to Jamaica Terrace then Printers Place. After this, my great grandfather moved out to Plumstead, where my grandfather was born. My great grandfather married a woman, whose family were involved in the leather trade. He became the Corn Meter for London and founded a Corn Merchant business that my father and his brother ran for about forty years. Every time I go up to London now, I always wander the streets of Bermondsey.

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment Tony. What a family history to have, incredible.

[@tonybaker55]

@@Robslondon thanks Rob, isn't it just.

[@johannebaker9730]

Me too. My Dsd born there in 1921. 😊

[@Robslondon]

@@johannebaker9730 wow ;-)

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

My mum's family were watermen and lighterman going back that far. We actually had family living on Jacob's Island going back years. Dad's side were book binders, going back years. Both families are mentioned by name in The Records of The Old Bailey. One of whom my old man always said, with certain amount of pride, "Hung for sheep stealing son!"

[@DJ-mr6um]

I moved to bermondsey because of this history and now I get to work on the other end of shad thames and do this walk every day. I LOVE it.

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@terryoastler9254]

As a child living in Arnold’s Estate and St John’s Estate, Shad Thames holds rich memories for me. My Dad worked for Courages as a driver. His lorry was used to transport a dray to horse shows to compete against the other London breweries such as Watneys and Charringtons. I can still smell the spices from the warehouses. Walking through at night was a very spooky experience.

[@Robslondon]

Beautiful comment Terry. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@RobinHullBuilds]

Hey Rob I started work in nearby Bermondsey Street in 1979, although I’d visited the area much earlier, including standing on London Bridge with my older brother watching HMS Belfast being brought into the Pool in 1971. Back in the late 70’s Shad Thames was very much derelict, in as much as there were very few, if any, operating merchants there. From my office in Bermondsey Street, I worked for The Stage Newspaper, I would cross Tower Bridge Road, passing Sarson’s and its giant vat of malt vinegar. Down Tooley Street to St Saviours Dock. I would then enter Shad Thames. Shad Thames was always very dark, even during the day, and it took you back to Victorian times. On wet days the empty warehouses smelled of cinnamon and spices and tea. The bridges that criss-crossed the road made you feel like you were in a tunnel. It was such a special place. From Shad Thames I’d make my way to the empty wharves near the Belfast, find an old mooring bollard and eat my corn beef sarnie. There were very few people about as the area was still very much derelict. Happy Days!

[@Robslondon]

Robin, this comment is simply superb. Really enjoyed reading it- so evocative. Thank you.

[@jamndunk]

My sis in law, a Fleet Street journalist in the 1970s, wrote the article about HMS Belfast's last journey which was displayed next to HMS Belfast at its final mooring.

[@arrjay2410]

Fascinating. I remember the episode of Dr. Who done there, and always wondered about the area. I live in Canada but am of British extraction. I haven't been to England since 2006 and regrettably only got to spend a day in London on a one-week visit, so I love watching your reports. My English grands-parents were of Cockney extraction, though they left London after getting married and repressed their accents. I only heard my grandmother revert after she had a stroke in her 90s.

[@Robslondon]

A wonderful comment arrjay, thank you. Hope you make it back here soon 🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@danielcox3152]

Yes The Talons of Weng Chiang and Resurrection of the Daleks. I went to Shad Thames in 2007. It looked so much cleaner when I visited

[@michaelgibson4705]

Growing up in the Dockhead area in the 50s and 60s I vividly remember the Shad Thames when it was a working dock the smell of spice the total chaos with Lorry’s blocking access to the wharehouses the noise of ships hooters coming and going at all times of the night and day.and New Year’s Eve at midnight when all the ships in port would sound their horns.So long ago

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment Michael. So evocative, thanks for sharing.

[@robbicu]

I haven't seen "Oliver!" for years, but seeing Oliver Reed as Bill Sikes made me shudder! Took me right back. Thank you for another great journey!

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@missmuffet3874]

Oliver Reed made the best Bill Sikes. ❤

[@roringusanda2837]

Oliver Reed was a force of nature 😮

[@davidshattock9522]

Oliver reed possibly most convincing Bill Sykes ever possibly.

[@chrismaton01]

You are so right. Bill Sikes was terrifying, totally wicked in the original film.

[@tmac9972]

As a young boy i fell in love with the movie Oliver from 1968. Although I loved the characters and story it was the backdrop of where it took place the great Victorian city of London that a truly loved most.

[@enemde3025]

The original 1948 film is much better. It's a lot darker and more of what it would have looked like. Unlike the "Hollywood type" made up sets in the musical !

[@veronicafullford1697]

@@enemde3025 The 1948 film was really atmospheric and realistic. Oliver Reed was slightly more terrifying than Robert Newton in the Bill Sikes roles. Both men, oddly enough, had a problem with drink. Bill Sikes himself and Nancy were based on the Eliza Grimwood murder.

[@TMGold60]

I think I loved Oliver more because I played in the ruins, so atmospheric and the walls of each building really spoke to you.

[@deanodog3667]

Would love to have seen Victorian London, warts n all !!

[@TMGold60]

@@deanodog3667 So much poverty then and many children often didnt make it with pollution & diseases - the rich and poor so contrasting then but yes, I know what you mean. The homes were dark then, lots of heavy textiles and dark paint, I prefer the Edwardian times a breath of fresh air! ;)

[@warrenslattery8915]

Great video. I grew up on Arnold Estate across Jamaica Rd. My dad uses to take me and my brother to the Tower of London, and we'd walk through here. I remember in the mid 80's when I was about 5 he'd ask if we could smell the spices from the old warehouses on shad thames and I could. Was all derelict then, but it belonged to us, it was part of us who were from Bermondsey, sadly no longer.

[@Robslondon]

Beautiful comment Warren, thank you. In the video with Bob Hoskins, they do mention how you can still smell curry powder in the air :-) Cheers and stay well.

[@a.c.4732]

I know mate . It's utterly heartbreaking what "Sir Dick" has done to OUR London .

[@michaelgilbey6692]

As a London Firefighter, when I was learning to operate the 100 ft hydraulic Turntable Ladder, we used to come here in the days before regeneration as part of our course. Due to the many overhead obstacles that the elevated walkways provided, it was an ideal location for learning how to deal with difficult pitches of the ladder.

[@Robslondon]

Interesting, thanks Michael.

[@mickontherock1]

Brilliant as always Rob. I spent many happy years working at Courage brewery until it sadly closed. Not to mention a few sore heads thanks to the Copper pub and the Anchor Tap. There was a barmaid working in the Anchor whose name has sadly escaped me who wouldn’t take any nonsense in her pub. The language I learned from her!! Happy days and wonderful people who I remember fondly.

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment Mick.

[@JJherne]

I proposed to my wife at the top of Maggie Blake’s Cause on the corner where it joins the river front path (right where you stopped to film Tower Bridge). Great memory, thanks for sharing this video. (She said yes btw).

[@Robslondon]

Beautiful. Your comment just made my evening 😄

[@TomTomicMic]

Had you said "girlfriend" at the beginning the bracketed bit at the end would have had more resonance, but a jolly slice of life's rich tapestry anyway!?!

[@TMGold60]

Can you believe Shad Thames and along the embankment area was my playground - some areas looked just like Fagans den, even the murky green little water channels and inlets. Many of the buildings although locked by their huge gates were easy to get into, and only when Maggie Thatcher enriched the Thames by making it a millionaires pad & playground/ the arts & restaurants replaced rotting architecture did locals start to see gates locked and security guards with dogs and prolific building. As a child the danger we put ourselves in was incredible but so much fun! Later as an Art student at a local college we used this area while still being conserved/ built for its lovely textures/ ruins and age all a real inspiration for us. Still call this home even though moved abroad and now in Cornwall. Depraved area but the history was phenomenal! Thank you

[@Robslondon]

A superb comment. Thank you.

[@TMGold60]

@@Robslondon My pleasure! I shared your video on FB - this is what I added.... This is my London - where I grew up, a very depraved area along the Thames but rich in London's history, near to the prominent Bridges and my Tower of London. Dickens was inspired to write many a book here, and hardly surprising. As a child I played in many of these desecrated buildings, played on the banks of the Thames seeking treasures, and lived to tell the tale; our playground fired up my imagination and why I love to express myself creatively. Some of us were scarred, treading on nails, cutting knees on glass etc but our games set us free from the daily drudge of the grey, poverty-stricken area. Later Maggie Thatcher decided to preserve and turn the Shad Thames and Embankment into a millionaires escape in the city of London with riverside luxury pads, the Arts and fine dining on the doorstep. She literally turned around the area, built new homes and basically cleaned up in a huge investment which in-turn provided better homes for locals and new jobs! I have to applaud her for that - the task was huge and successful but still kept the character and history alive. I remember well, the times before and after, its a strange sensation but where I still call home. 🫶

[@Robslondon]

@@TMGold60 Lovely! 🙂

[@sharonhart3111]

Oh fantastic, i really like this part of central london. Its lovely to walk along, and thanks for the Bob Hoskins link, wow i was a young girl at the time of that Omnibus programme, thank God not all of the old ware houses were knocked down. The history is so interesting and thank God for the campaigners for the area so that people can have access to the river thames. Nothing ever changes, people always have to fight for these kinds of things in society.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Sharon. Thank you.

[@karenihms9413]

My sister lived in the anchor brewhouse for a few years. You cannot beat the view! She is still in the area and we love the atmospheric feel of the place and it's proximity to a London Bridge station and the Borough market whenever we visit.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment, thanks Karen ☺️

[@RobbieHall1984]

Excellent history as usual Rob, it's better than watching TV, keep up the good work, thanks 👍

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Robbie 😉 Really kind of you to say, hope you’re keeping well

[@freespeechoneeach]

brilliant comment! anything is better than tv these days, especially factual entertaining and informative vlogs like this.

[@Robslondon]

@@freespeechoneeach Thank you so much 😀

[@leebalmforth2269]

It's sad to think how much of our history we have lost 😢 I really appreciate the video 😁

[@Robslondon]

Thank you ☺️

[@leebalmforth2269]

@@Robslondon your welcome

[@hArtyTruffle]

That was great! Thanks Rob. I live in SE1 and used to go on weekly group walks around the area with a guide who knew a little about the area. There was so much in this upload that I’d never heard before. Very enjoyable indeed. 👍🏼

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much hArtyTruffle :-)

[@a.c.4732]

Years ago , I took my two kids on a RiverBoat trip, ( the big red & white one - can't remember the name ) Most tour guides have a knack of droning on and sending you into a coma .... Our chap was absolutely fascinating , held everybody's attention young and old , start to finish . Relevant , eye-opening information . I remember him telling us that the saying "Dutch Courage" goes back to the Great Plague (mid 1600's) when only Dutch Ships would come up the river with their goods , else the Port would have had to shut down which would have been a catastrophe for an area dependent on The Docks for so much trade . I have nothing but utter contempt for that Odious Little Twerp and what he has done to OUR London .

[@wendalboy]

Rob is the man to make your Sunday night - enjoying the video on an interesting part of town

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that Wendal, thanks mate

[@jackjames3190]

SUPERB video Rob 🎉 your content just gets better and better - BRAVO 🎉🎉🎉

[@Robslondon]

Bless you Jack, thank you so much!

[@davidelkins3826]

10/10!! I work and have worked in Bermondsey for years! Always great to know the history of an area...

[@Robslondon]

Thank you David!

[@beth12svist]

This is exactly why I like your channel - I've never been to London, never really heard of this place, and here's a whole lot of fascinating "ordinary people" history I never would have learned about.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Beth, that means a lot to me. Stay well.

[@DeeDerry]

As a kid, my nan used to always take us 'up London', which was basically her version of a lil tour lol. We were only from South London, but it was always a great day out for us! She would take us all over West End, Westminster, The City and the Thames. Now as an adult, I'm always rushing around London forgetting to appreciate these gems...Thanks for the memories 😊❤️

[@Robslondon]

Such a lovely comment Dee, thank you :-)

[@Jlocko67]

Great video to trip across; takes me down memory lane. I worked for three different design agencies in the early 90's one on Curlew St, one in The Cirlce and Conran and Partners on Shad Thames. The noise from construction was horrific at times. At one point I worked with SIr Terence Conran on Shad Thames when Conran and Partners was a fledging agency, very exciting times and had a hand in the brand work for Le Pont de la Tour, The Chop House, and Cantina as well as Conran Contracts.

[@Robslondon]

Wow! Nice connection to have 😉

[@Lemma01]

Always a delight, Rob. As a Yuppie in the late-80s, these were just coming onto the market - but even then were beyond the pockets of most, starting at around £100k - when I could (and did) pick up a Dulwich-fringe 3-bed flat (with shared garden and off road parking for 3/4s of that: there were neither shops nor decent pubs back then, so no-one could have guessed they'd be worth millions one day...

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@byrnemeister2008]

I don’t know. I seem to remember thinking they were going to be worth a fortune. I had a look around a Butlers Wharf warehouse conversion. Dual level. All industrial. Very New York. But no way I could afford it.

[@izzieb]

Thank you for shad-ding some light on the history of this part of Bermondsey.

[@Robslondon]

🤣

[@mewsli]

You beat me to it @izzieb

[@AnthonyBrown12324]

I worked In London Bridge Hospital for a few years ; so I walked through that area in search of a pharmacy . It's a bit of a maze . Great video as usual .

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Anthony, it is a bit of a maze, yes!

[@pj_naylor]

Fascinating, as always, Rob - thanks. I spent many pleasant Thursday nights in the Anchor Tap in the late 80s & early 90s, without realising that it was the original Courage pub. If you ever get the time it would be lovely to have a video all about the Hawksmoor churches.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much. I would like to do a video on Hawksmoor, he was incredible… stay tuned 😉

[@smdphotogphotography7726]

Great video, I grew up in that area from the late 1960s to the late 1980's, I remember playing around the docks with my friends, could still smell the spices! Also fished off the steps for eels, I was filmed by the BBC news when the spaceshuttle flew over Tower Bridge and had to act out in my best London street urchin voice "coor blimey, look at that" 😅 Also I saw many a film and pop video filmed there and even now I still go back for my photography.

[@Robslondon]

What a wonderful comment! I really enjoyed reading that, thank you 🤩

[@tobybrennan18]

Another very interesting piece of history from the city. I used to walk through some of the places seen on your vids and often think to myself 'wow I wish I had someone who could fill me in on the history of this place'.. say no more! Quality stuff mate.

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thanks so much Toby! Lovely comment; cheers 😉

[@AlannahRyane]

Oh Rob this was wonderful. Bravo you pulled me in immediately! I love your flow and how you move through your stories. Thank you ... went great with my dinner and wine. ❤

[@Robslondon]

Such a lovely comment Alannah, many thanks indeed ☺️ Hope you enjoyed your dinner!

[@arthunter92]

Thank you for this video. This area is so often overlooked. It was the walkways that first captured my imagination here and over the years I’ve learnt a lot of its history, of which this video had added to. It’s almost like time travelling walking these historic streets of south London…

[@Robslondon]

Great comment arthunter, thank you

[@davehustwayte689]

Evening Rob, Hope you are keeping well, This is a fantastic video and one of my favourite parts of London. I also have to say excellent production, Really top quality, Thank you

[@Robslondon]

Dave, that is so kind of you, I truly appreciate your kind words and generous support. Were good thank you, hope you are too. Thanks again my friend, much appreciated. Stay well.

[@joanfreestone1707]

Thank you for this really interesting video, Rob. I live in Western Australia. On a holiday in England in 2018 I walked around this area and had lunch in the Anchor Tap. I was born in London and have always felt a connection with it.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Joan, thank you 🤩

[@liamkatt6434]

Fantastic video Rob. It's great the way the old buildings have been preserved and given a nod to their past instead of being knocked down. I remember as a fifteen year old taking shorts cuts to beat the crowds of Liverpool city by walking up Matthew Street, then a road of warehouses and wagons. Now of course it is a mega Beatle's shrine and I look at the bars and restaurants and can see the men who once hoisted up heavy sacks and smell the old smells.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Liam, thank you. Really evocative description of Liverpool too; nice.

[@duncanleith9172]

I don't know how things are these days, haven't returned in decades, but in the '60s you could smell the spices in the very brickwork of the warehouses, heady and nostalgic.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, in the Bob Hoskins clip it is mentioned that you can still smell the curry powder in the air!

[@suerhodes635]

I’ve lived in London since 1992. I remember smelling the spices when walking along Shad Thames on rainy days in the ‘90’s 🤩

[@dennisholmwood3999]

I used to work in Shad Thames ( Mobile Merchandising) printing Tee shirts 1978/9 Jamaica rd opposite the pub Dockhead stores ,also used to use the pub around the corner next to the fire station Swan & sugarloaf great memories . Have used The restaurant Pont de la tour a couple of times right on the river Near Tower bridge ,I love all the history of the area and the many pubs along the river.

[@llwyde1104]

I remember Shad Thames before the docks moved out. I wish I'd had the courage to have to wander about...Standing with back to the Thames looking down St Saviour's Dock is very evocative indeed.

[@keithgooden6299]

I used to walk through Shad Thames from Tooley Street to the 78 bus stop on Tower Bridge. 1971-76. We dared each other to do it as it had no street lighting and in the depths of winter was a spooky walk, what has gone now are the smells. It was a heady mix of spices, coffee and tea ….. The walls actually bled a heady scent . If you touched them you’d carry the wonderful odour with you… I wish I could afford to live there, but locals were pushed away from the rich enclave it became…..

[@Robslondon]

Fantastic comment Keith, thank you- I enjoyed reading that

[@raythomas4812]

Hi Rob. That was a fascinating and well produced video/documentary. I was Born in Mile End (1962) , and have been to Shad Thames several times and is now just another example of London that People born in London can't afford to live in, but it looks nice though

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Ray, and yes sadly you’re quite right.

[@keithrose6931]

Great documentary.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Keith

[@Michael-zy2hf]

Excellent video Rob very much appreciated can’t wait till the next one

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Michael, that’s really kind of you

[@aabincalif]

Fantastic documentary, thanks so much for creating this. I’m lucky enough to live in Butler’s Wharf and love learning about the area. A few newer films that show Shad Thames include Ghosted with Chris Evans , The Veil (last episode) with Elizabeth Moss, and due to release next year, Back in Action with Cameron Diaz (we watched them film a motorcycle chase down the jetty and off the pier).

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much- and those are great references, thank you!

[@SalvatoreBabones]

Thanks you for these charming mini documentaries!

[@Robslondon]

Salvatore, thank you so much my friend! That is extremely kind of you; I truly appreciate your support :-) Thanks again and stay well.

[@jonathanmadden5112]

A really great film thanks so much. My paternal line all lived near or around Jacob’s Island towards the end of the 19th century. My great grandfather died in 1899 and was a warehouseman. His death certificate names the address as 6 Virginia Court (This area is now the Dickens Estate). I did some research and discovered that it was a network of dreadful courts and passageways, human waste running in the streets and tiny houses with broken windows and leaking roofs, a really humbling discovery. Thanks again for the video Rob, looking forward to more soon.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Jonathan.

[@brianlopez8855]

Another wonderful yet thoroughly modest work, from Rob. Loved the old film clips of the area too. Worked nearby from 2008 to 2013. A fascinating bit of London. Superb river views.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Brian, thank you so much.

[@michaelj3282]

Brilliant as ever, I learn more from your 20 minute videos than any book. Thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Michael.

[@NealMurfitt]

Hi Rob. I've been a cycle courier in London since 1985. It's great to find out about the places I know so well. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Neal- stay safe out there mate.

[@clairbarnard9058]

Best yet Rob. The quality of your videos is exceptional. I get so much pleasure from “visiting” the capital this way. Than you so very much x

[@Robslondon]

That means a great deal to me Claire, thank you so much.

[@Nina5144]

Thank you. Beautiful city, great video and great narration.

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate your kind words Nina, thank you.

[@liamgriffiths4658]

Great video as usual Rob. Thank you so much. Some scenes from the Sherlock Holmes film ‘Murder by Decree’ were also shot in this area, it’s very atmospheric and well worth a watch.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Liam- and that’s a good one 😉

[@mats7492]

Ive been to London countless times but theres always new stuff to learn about it!

[@Robslondon]

😉

[@chrisbree3467]

I’m not a Londoner & I don’t recognise many of the places in this video but I still found it fascinating. Thank you for taking the time to educate me.

[@Robslondon]

It’s an absolute pleasure Chris! Thank you for watching 😉

[@jjwtj95]

Great video! As a local resident who frequents these areas regularly, I know quite a bit of the history already, but this is wonderfully in depth with so many little touches that I haven’t noticed.

[@Robslondon]

That's really kind of you to say! Many thanks ;-)

[@Brian17-l4i]

Thanks Rob, I only live about a 1 & 1/2 from Shad Thames in Bermondsey and I used to work in that area. I wasn't aware of the origin of those names, particularly Maggie Blake's Cause and the local history. So thanks for explaining it so well and I've subscribed. 👍🤗

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Brian! Good to have you here.

[@Brian17-l4i]

@@Robslondon Cheers Rob, I can vaguely remember it as a child in the late 70s. It was creepy back then, but it had a load more character. Is it true that Bill Sykes' character was based on factual incidents or is it just fiction?🤗

[@Joncl]

Fascinating as ever. Thank you!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Jon!

[@wendysimpson6395]

Hi, I used to live just off Tooley Street in the late 1970s at the Tower Bridge end. It was a dodgy area then and I had to put my little Puch Maxi inside at night.The police would move those sleeping 'rough' outside every night at 12.15. The old warehouses were impressive. On my days off I used to walk over to the shop in St Catherine's Docks. No hotel back then. If I'd bee3out on the tube I jogged home down Tooley St which had many 'doss houses'. There was a quintessential Italian restaurant in one of the alleyways and I still make my basic spaghetti bolognese using the owner's advice!

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment Wendy, thank you ☺️

[@thevjoiners]

Another great video - thanks Rob! And that Bob Hoskins interview was brilliant. Thanks for the link 👍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! Yes, he was great old Bob ;-)

[@lighthackerslimited]

Fascinating.. I worked for ITN 5 News.. for some years located in Northern and Shell building..on Lower Thames St. So this was our daily view from opposite the river.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment, thanks ☺️

[@rofromoz1361]

What an amazing area of London i had never heard of before.. you are a great story and history teller.😂

[@Robslondon]

That means a great deal to me. Thank you so much.

[@andrews527]

Wish I'd had this to show when I taught Geography, thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Andrew, that’s a massive compliment. Stay well.

[@paulseggie2664]

Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Paul, I truly appreciate that. Stay well my friend and thanks again.

[@tracyfryer8153]

Lots of gems again and what a transformed area that was perfect for filming years ago Thanks rob ❤

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Tracy!

[@ClaireThomas-u6x]

I come from London and walked around many times but never knew all this. Thank you for sharing

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Claire

[@dougknight1720]

Thanks Rob. Another great film of the great wharves and Warehouses. Very informative and interesting. I’ll be sure to check out the area when I’m Back next month. Cheers mate

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Doug- enjoy your visit ;-)

[@Walter-wf8kd]

Thanks Rob. Nice show!

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that Walter; many thanks indeed my friend. Stay well 😄

[@chris-rfs]

I still live in Bermondsey and played as a boy in Shad Thames when it was derelict and empty in the 70s. Looks great now of course but is a place only those quite wealthy can afford to live. You mentioned Fair St....i went to the primary school there called Tower Bridge Primary which is still in use. I only have great memories of the area and live not far from Shad Thames still to this day. Great video thank you.❤

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Chris

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Another well made, enjoyable, interesting video. I visited Jacob's Island last year after beer-tasting in Bermondsey. Takk!

[@Robslondon]

You’re a star Ronny 🤩 thank you so much for your kind support my friend, hope you’re keeping well.

[@dmcgrail]

A wonderfully informative video. Really enjoyed the bit about Jacob island. I’ve lived here for nearly 5 years now and so it was wonderful to see the history of the area brought to life. Well done 👍🏼

[@Robslondon]

You're very welcome! Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@greenr369]

Wonderful video thank you for taking the time to make it. It is really nice to see old buildings saved and preserved.

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure, thanks for watching.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I wish I was a bit more mobile because there is always something to learn and something to love along the river's edge. ps - it has just occured to me that I have always been so mesmerised that I have never quite realised how brilliantly well put together your videos are. Great street views with appropriate street sign shots here and there and a perfectly placed occasional overview courtesy of a contemporary map (and here a film clip or still). Really engaging work. Thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Paul! And thanks for noticing 😉 I really enjoy that aspect of making them

[@annereidy7981]

So much life lived here and how well you give that history its life Rob, wonderful as usual, thank you !

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Anne 🤩 Hope you’re keeping well

[@lindasueanderson8024]

Thank you for reading directly from Dickens! This is a part of London I would explore far more if I ever get to visit again

[@Robslondon]

Thank you; can’t beat a Dickens quote! 😉

[@simplysimon9868]

I worked on the Restaurants Sir Terence started all along Shad Thames. Great times!! Passing my driving test, ended up there driving around London before the rejuvenation so it was so good to see the transformation. Great video, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment, thanks Simon 😉

[@bessofhardwick9311]

A fascinating documentary. I learned so much :)

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Bess!

[@contiflex]

Very interesting video and information, thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you

[@terencemiller6085]

Great video as always Rob, can't wait to walk the area myself.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Terence- hope you make it there soon

[@jamesfox6736]

What an absolutely brilliant post. Really enjoyed watching this 👏👍

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much James 😄

[@garygoldsmith3887]

Fabulous video. Am a London lad, born in Islington. I remember the area in the 60/70s when it still had the old charatuer of real London, such a fabulous walk around. in the 70s i became a young chef at the Savoy for many years and have always enjoyed the socila history of London, especialy the old London as it used to be. This area was always a odd walk around as plenty of real people. Remember in the mid 70s being able to walk around and ee the various wharfs showing their food and product names which allowed a young chef to learn so much. HMS Belfast was a great visit as a kid with my Dad as a friend of mines Dad had been a chef on Belfast. In the late 70'early 80s remember the area being worked on, new restaurants owned by Terrance Conran and others with open kitchen so had opportunities to pop in and say hi to the Brigade of Chefs. Yes its a shame now since then that the area has lost its real London people with over priced appartments and much more. However, at least they have not been knocked down to mucha nd we can see how they were back in the day. have so many more memories of the areas. Thank you so much for another trip down my Home City of London, which is always with me.

[@Robslondon]

Gary, this is such a superb comment- I really enjoyed reading it; one of my favourites. I’ve always been fascinated by the work chefs do, so it’s very interesting to me that you used to walk around here picking up ideas! Thanks again for sharing your memories, and I truly appreciate your kind words too. Stay well mate.

[@drscopeify]

Fantastic video as always! I love the bridges spanning between the buildings, I can see why so many movies were shot there.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you!

[@liberty_and_justice67]

Thanks! Great work🎉

[@Robslondon]

That is so kind of you Liberty and Justice, thank you my friend!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Amazing video, Rob! I love this part of London. You can just imagine what life was like walking these streets back then.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Ben!

[@paulmerryman]

Many thanks for this Rob. I do love looking back at London's history. Delayed watch, as just back off holiday 👍

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Paul, thanks! Good to see you 😉

[@edwardalexander9486]

Love the long good friday clip. The photographer Evelyn Hofer (London Perceived) took some brilliant images here. Also - superb camerawork, graphics and sound; you just keep getting better! Plus, extra points for the chapter indexes. You and Jools Guides always make me smile!

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Edward, thank you ☺️

[@carolynellis387]

A really interesting part of London which still feels old in spite of its many incarnations, great video

[@Robslondon]

Thanks you 😄

[@thewrecker3140]

Engrossing from start to finish. Top work rob

[@blacksunshine7485]

Very well researched and presented

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks ☺️

[@barryblackmore6080]

I've watched many of your videos and must say that this has been the most interesting so far!

[@Robslondon]

Wow, thank you Barry! 🤩

[@chellybub]

Loved it! I am so glad to have found this channel.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you chellybub ;-)

[@MrJohn768]

Superb....what a professional presentation...Well done 👍 I really enjoyed watching that !! Thank you

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much MrJohn. Hope you're having a good week ;-)

[@nickgiles7568]

Fascinating. Another absolute gem. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Nick!

[@lenrichardson7349]

When I worked at London Bridge, I would often take lunch time walks around the area which is rich in history and intresting sights are common. I've had a few pints in the Anchor Tap a fine pub which has resisted the urge to modernise thankfully. Thank you for this informative vid which has a ton of information. I'm now going in to see where else you have covered. Hopefully, Hay's Gallaria that much burnt building where I worked or the area around the old Marshalsea prison.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Len. I hope to cover Hay's Galleria at some point. I've covered the Marshalsea in a few videos (I think the Charles Dickens Christmas pubs features it)

[@esterbengoa6077]

I love your videos. I write down all the places you describe and, when I go to London, I do my little Robslondon pilgrimage. Thank you!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Robslondon]

Bless you Ester, that’s such a lovely comment ☺️ Many thanks indeed, it means a lot to me. Stay well.

[@keithfowler2013]

I forgot to say,thanks for another great video.👍

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Keith.

[@Dawn.H]

This was a lovely video! Just my cup of tea! You got a new sub now, matey! 🎉❤🇦🇺🐨

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Dawn! It's lovely to have you here :-)

[@carolinesexplosion]

Another well researched and extremely interesting video, thanks very much Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Caroline, thank you!

[@ChrisSmith-ls7mb]

Hello Rob Another excellent video. Is one of our favorite areas, love having the history to go with it. There must be many movies filmed in the area not mentioned. First is Sandra favorite Christmas movie Bernard and the Genie. You actually showed the front of Bernard home at St Andrews wharf. Also Cruella in the Garbage truck chase seen. It is such a lovely area to walk all the way down to Rotherhithe. Thanks for the excellent video. Take care Chris and Sandra of Canada.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks guys- ah yes, Bernard and the Genie! I remember seeing that when it was first shown, must’ve been early 90s? Hope you’re keeping well.

[@artfulbodger78]

What a fantastic episode of your wonderful channel.. I've been reading books on the history of London for many years.. accumulating a vast library in the process.. but videos like yours continue to help me learn more about our glorious rich in history capital..

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Artfulbodger (great name by the way!) That’s really kind of you to say. Stay well 😉

[@artfulbodger78]

@Robslondon Thank you.. Stay well and keep safe.. look forward to your next episode from your good self..