The Turbulent History of Trafalgar Square

[@jon6343]

You know what’s great? To see your channel not following the path of others….. your channel has so many great and wonderful stories to tell. And this is one of them. :)

[@DPJOINERY]

This comment 👆👌

[@alec1113]

Rodger , you have become the richard attenbourgh of the architectural world . Learnt a lot today . Shows you are a man of passion with many interests , I remember going through Trafalgar Square 1981 after being at stringfellow 5am went swimming in the fountain in a light blue suit , the water was black ,you can guess the rest, I don't drink anymore 🙂. keep them coming 👍 P.S enry's statue is outside st Bartholomew hospital 🏥

[@neelamharia4225]

Always enjoy your videos. I’m learning so much. Keep them coming. ❤

[@michaelcaine8311]

I think your videos about how building public spaces and history are among the best I have ever seen. Thank you and many more please.

[@tobyjugg6202]

Brilliant !!! Very informative & interesting - the humour was entirely appropriate too - good on ya for not being silenced. What a great series this London one is - very refreshing indeed.

[@somedude-lc5dy]

such a no-nonsense guy. love it. keep up the good work.

[@Schnydes]

There will never be enough of these videos. Just wonderful.

[@SJWardBuilders]

Great video again! I love visiting London but I'm always pleased to come home after seeing the sites!

[@SkillBuilder]

Yes it is a shame that it is now no longer a good place to live.

[@loafersheffield]

@@SkillBuilder London isn't London anymore. - John Cleese.

[@sadhumannell2769]

London evolves like it or not. from a born Londoner.🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@SixthQuarter]

Fantastic video as always. Keep them coming!

[@wblake177]

Brilliant Roger, a skill builder as well as a marvellous presenter; a brief but informative history of Trafalgar Square. . Great stuff Roger, keep it up. Your forever fan.

[@rob5944]

I don't think this was the greatest of the series, too much humor at the expense of facts. Its only because I happen to know a little more about this particular place that I realised this. It leaves me wondering how many of the other videos are similar in that regard if I'm honest.

[@jont8707]

Another great video ty for all your hars work getting so many new videos out within a week 👏🏻👏🏻

[@markcrocker8645]

The disappointing thing about Trafalgar Square is that there's nothing to do when you get there. The continental squares it wished to emulate have bars, cafes and restaurants all around their perimeters, where people can eat, drink, chat, smoke a fag, people-watch etc. That's what public open spaces like this are supposed to be for. In Trafalgar Square you will only see droves of folk wandering aimlessly about looking confused and disappointed but not quite knowing why. My view is that it doesn't work well as such, and I feel you maybe agree.

[@SkillBuilder]

It certainly doesn't work on any level, but I think we are hampered by the weather. Even in Venice the number of outdoor places is reduced in the winter and depends largely on patio heaters. When I was making this video I went for some lunch into the crypt cafe in St Martin's in The Felds which used to be a nice little place but the prices in there are now silly so I took a stroll up Shaftesbury Avenue and found a lovely little Italian place where I had spag carbonara for £7.00 with a drink. I lament the loss of so many small businesses. I refuse to go to the chains

[@chrisrand5185]

​@@SkillBuilderI used to find Wesley's Cafe at Westminster Central Hall provided quality food at a reasonable price. I haven't been for a few years, so don't know whether it has changed

[@Lee-jy7jz]

I love Roger telling it how he sees it

[@teknical100]

The 4th plinth is a constant reminder that we are governed by clowns.

[@Tee3-Co]

On the contrary, it’s a fabulous example of the creativity, openness and willingness to progress that has driven London for 2000 years. Providing opportunities for artists to encapsulate marks of individuality from the wilder and more wacky to more recently the proud sentiment of inclusivity of all people. London is not a home for the narrow-minded, rather, it is a hub for those who want to do more than just ‘exist’.

[@teknical100]

@Tee3-Co Yes, just before being stabbed.

[@Me-zo8yc]

@@Tee3-Co Yeah ok mate. You are awarded 10 good boy points for being a good boy.

[@Tee3-Co]

@@teknical100 not really sure what that has to do with Trafalgar Square. You can get stabbed anywhere in London, the UK, or the world!

[@nonoyorbusness]

​@@Tee3-Co A fabulous example of virtue signalling and council tax waste.

[@Me1234utube]

I was never interested in history but these videos are fascinating 🙂

[@Muther-q2u]

Very well said Mr Bisby

[@sanjeevrehan]

Great factual video, and interjected with your inimitable humour. Thank you.

[@Zen_Not_Zen]

Brilliantly informing ,entertaining and light-hearted as always !

[@dj-kq4fz]

I enjoy the social commentary as much as the builder's perspective! Cheers!

[@SkillBuilder]

Some people don't appreciate that bit, we lost subscribers at one point.

[@jonesconrad1]

enjoying this series roger

[@patrickcosgrove6691]

Really enjoy your storytelling Roger 👌

[@mattg4321]

One of the best channels on KZbin

[@greenbrain8725]

Nice to see it through a local point of view with history and humour. I was there a few times from Canada and thought it was bloody marvellous. The church of Saint Martin in the Fields had an impromptu concert which I attended while my husband found a local pub to sit in. Good times.

[@andrewsheldon5331]

Your truly amazing in so many ways... and you ARE an artist..

[@adamschunker3715]

These historic vids by Roger are brilliant. More please.

[@bruce6014]

Another great video, Roger. You deserve a (temporary) statue.

[@SkillBuilder]

I would like it to be made out of ice and left to melt in the sun. All my wrinkles would melt away and I would return to the sea via the London sewer. You can see I have thought this out

[@ajarvis92]

This series of videos is amazing, so insightful and well presented.

[@TheMrBarso]

A breath of fresh air = these videos

[@kenhickford6581]

GREAT STUFF RODGER!......MORE!...MUCH, MUCH, MORE!

[@diabolicalartificer]

Another cracking episode, thanks & well said.

[@godfreyberry1599]

Love the realism. Human nature has not really changed over the centuries. We are in awe at the magnificence of these public spaces and don't consider the very basic fundamentals that made them happen. Superbly entertaining.

[@egratis2367]

One of the biggest defining features of London that is rarely spoken about is the rows and rows of two up, two down terraced Victorian houses. While they are slowly disappearing there must be thousands that are still providing family homes. A possible topic for a future video?

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks and a very good suggestion. I need to get back to the building aspect

[@brendanlea3605]

Love the story about the lion.

[@zax1972]

So many facts i didnt know! Great video mate, thanks!

[@AC-gm6bq]

Another great watch 👍

[@JohnSmith-zy1ur]

You’re a gem RB

[@metatron-007]

Henry's statue is at St Bartholomew's Hospital

[@momentum-consultant]

Good on you mate for this interesting series. A great edumacation for all ...

[@7sevensevern]

"Do what you want just dont worry the horses" Has been added to my "sayings" list. Thank you Comrade!

[@barryl.2688]

Thank you for the video Roger enjoyed it!!

[@LindzTheLooneyOfLondon]

Trafalgar Square is one of several places to contain true measurements, so people would go there to check that a yard was in fact a yard etc, these measurements are carved into the wall I believe in front of the national gallery. Another cool fact is that the President statue there was built on top of imported soil from America to keep his promise to never again set fools upon English soil! As ever a fabulous video x

[@uncensored5104]

As a kid in the mid to late 70s we used to go to the Cinema in Leicester Square, then into the Wimpey for a burger & chips and then down Trafalgar Square to feed the pigeons! You could buy a cup of corn seed for 10p. Also did the "New Year" thing there in the 80's. Great memories

[@jennywren8937]

I still have a photo of sis and myself feeding pigeons in 1955 😊

[@sadhumannell2769]

⁠@@jennywren8937bye bye pigeons,you are not missed.

[@fionabrown8569]

Wasn't it tuppence to "feed the birds" ?

[@fionabrown8569]

Only ever lived in London for 3mths but the water in Trafalgar square was FROZEN. The pigeons didn't understand ice, and tried to land, but just slid across the ice until they bumped into the edge. One of the funniest things ever......

[@uncensored5104]

@@fionabrown8569 Only in Mary Poppins 🤣 Was 10p in the late 70s

[@dublinsnob3989]

Great history insight into Trafalgar square brought to you by Roger

[@stevemercer952]

Thanks for another great video. Always interesting and informative. In Trafalgar Square you forgot to mention the busts of Adirals Jellicoe and Beatty.

[@desertpoj]

The statue of Shaka in Camden market is something to behold. I would have thought that the Black Lives Matter movement would have dragged it down years ago. After all he hunted, captured, kept and often brutally murdered slaves. Apparently he once put the mother of an enemy in a hut with Hyenas until she was eaten to alive. He would murder the families of his own soldiers if they hesitated in battle. After the death of his own mother, Nandi , in October 1827 Shaka ordered that no crops should be planted during the following year of mourning, no milk (the basis of the Zulu diet at the time) was to be used, and any woman who became pregnant was to be killed along with her husband. At least 7,000 people who were deemed to be insufficiently grief-stricken were executed, although the killing was not restricted to humans; cows were slaughtered so that their calves would know what losing a mother felt like. Stories of cannibalism, raiding, burning of villages, or mass slaughter were not developed out of thin air but based on the clearly documented accounts of hundreds of black victims and refugees. Confirmation of such accounts can also be seen in modern archaeology of the village of Lepalong. Shaka was murdered in 1828, 23 years after Nelson died so any excuses of historic norms are invalid. Other than my little rant I loved the video.

[@SkillBuilder]

Wow that is one that completely passed me by. I will certainly read more about him.

[@limosalimosa]

I'm skeptical of taking down statues in general but this one, not too sure I'd want it around.

[@josephclift3662]

Not just two-tier justice, two-tier statues. Lol

[@diabolicalartificer]

Different times, life was short, hard & folk had to be tough as nails to survive. There was little room for empathy, most folk had no education or an idea of what was happening in the world. The next village was seen as foreign. To judge our ancestors with the same morals, education & world view as we have now, is ridiculous.

[@josephclift3662]

@@diabolicalartificer absolutely, but it has to apply to ALL people, and not just whoever the left is championing this week

[@Nightfalcon690]

I was in London in the early 80's, Trafalgar Square is a different place without the pigeons. Love the videos!!

[@AndrewLumsden]

👍👏💯 Another great video, Roger. You forgot to mention that the statue of Charles I on horseback, on the traffic island, between the square and Whitehall is the oldest bronze statue in London!

[@Suscida]

HUGE respect for speaking your mind

[@NewMinority]

London was a lovely place when Londoners lived there

[@glebedigital4654]

"You walk in, and you come out with a grievance" True, and quite profound.

[@jdgooner4845]

Go on roger, love your videos mate, you certainly know your stuff, 👍

[@TXDude]

I recall climbing all over one of the lions back in '65. They were polished on all surfaces that children could stand on, brown everywhere else. Loved it. Went into the National Gallery and was greeted almost immediately by a John Constable, who became my favorite artist and still is today. The only confusing part for a little boy was, why was the guy on top not called Captain Trafalgar? Or why wasn't the square called Nelson Square?

[@SkillBuilder]

It is interesting when you see things through the eyes of a child and they ask the most incisive questions. My grandson watching a nature programme. Does Amazon deliver to the Amazon?

[@derick1259]

Great video Roger. I first heard about the fourth plinth sculpture **850 Improntas** (the plaster faces) back in September from a papercraft artist who took interest in recreating a small scale version of it back in September. So as you walked up to it in the video trying to figure it out, I thought oh this might be awkward! But actually I reckon it challenged you in all the right ways, and actually fits into the whole topic of this video about history working out things we want or don't want at Trafalgar Square👍Personally I love the sculpture, refreshing to have something that isn't just an instantiation of flag colours, and I like the effect of the faces appearing to follow you cause the masks are inverted.

[@SkillBuilder]

O.K but I suppose the question I need to ask is has it stopped you killing transgender people? Surely it needs to be in Mexico City to do its job properly. Britain is easily the most tolerant country in the world bar none. It is an easy thing to produce challenging art in a country where nobody gives a damn what you do.

[@derick1259]

@@SkillBuilder Well, why put any art installation on the fourth plinth? Trafalgar Square gets a lot of international visitors and foot traffic, a highly competitive space and not "easy". It's amounts to a major career achievement for an artist, Margolles for one who wanted to share grief. I'd say the point you're otherwise making is neither here nor there, notwithstanding a highly debatable premise.

[@paullittle460]

Very professional reaction to the modern art piece. Very well said

[@kernowbilly]

I agree with your sentiment re Trans Culture, like you, when I was a kid I saw my first, so called at the time, transvestite, never bothered me. I don't care what a person identifies as, providing they are decent to others and are kind to animals. On a personal note, your content has helped me through some tough time, I love the way you passionately talk about construction and its history. Awesome!

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks for that comment. Ray Davies wrote Lola a long time ago and it was not about hate. Then we had The Crying Game which was also sensitive. I don't understand where all this hate has sprung from, I think there are people just spoiling for a fight but most people are just bored by it.

[@loopydaloo7425]

Thank you Roger for another awesome video. I love your accent, and mannerisms. Is there any chance you could please do a video regarding the architecture in Middle Temple - the buidings there are absolutely gorgeous? I follow another youtube channel "art of law", he did a good video of Middle Temple*, but your knowledge and experience regarding old buildings, will make them sing and dance and come alive - metaphorically speaking. (*the video is titled "what secrets lie within middle temple? Well, there is that trolley for a start...") Thank you Roger and take care 🙂

[@Doug....]

Many thanks Roger. Another good'n

[@grahamshillingford8229]

I was in the National Gallery a few weeks ago surveying for secondary glazing overlooking Nelsons column. You can't miss it, its the big site located in the North West Corner of the square. I'm in London almost weekly surveying in listed buildings, its a really interesting part of the world.

[@markbaldwin5455]

I don`t know if you mean`t it, but this is one of your funnier videos! ; educational too.

[@SkillBuilder]

Yes I meant it but so many people don't get the idea of this ranting builder holding forth on anything and everything.

[@wendalboy]

Agreed about the 4th plinth

[@robertmcgivern6585]

What if you lay down on a lion playing a guitar

[@JohnnyMotel99]

There's a simple solution...don't read the Sun, The Daily Fail and the Express.

[@simontay4851]

You spelt Scum and Excrement wrong.

[@Ultimate-roofing-square.]

Roger , you should have gone to Trafalgar Square next month when the markets are on. Few mulled wines and you will stagger out happy. 😄

[@sadhumannell2769]

Perhaps Hanna Ricketts will ?

[@mikebrown1778]

I understand that the fountains in Trafalgar Square were originally powered by the artesian pressure of the water in the underlying confined Chalk aquifer. Industrial abstraction eventually reduced the pressure until the fountains had to be powered by pumps.

[@fredbloggs8072]

7:12 the tiny building you can see in the background here on the edge of the square (with a lamp on top) is actually Britain’s smallest official police station.

[@SkillBuilder]

yes and it had a little window so they could observe protestors and take pictures.

[@jennywren8937]

​@@SkillBuilderJust like they do these days, sneaky.

[@Masq09]

Surprised you didn’t mention the statue of Charles 1st. It’s the oldest bronze statue in London and sits on the site of one of the Eleanor’s Crosses (now round the corner outside Charing Cross station). The interesting fact is that this statue is used as the marker for all traffic signs telling you how many miles you need to go to get to London.

[@SkillBuilder]

This video is about the building of Trafalgar Square. If I start straying too far we are into a game of leap frog.

[@Masq09]

@@SkillBuilder​​⁠ Errm, you showed it on your video (!!) It’s in the traffic island at 12:49 whilst you were talking about Whitehall.

[@markcrocker8645]

Also, I like your suggestion about how to deal with statues, and quite agree.

[@josephclift3662]

I'm 62, and you reminded me of friends of mine who meet outside a coffee shop to bemoan wokery. Lol. Good on you!

[@smoath]

Daft statues everywhere these days. And they pull down the good ones. I love my childhood memories of Trafalgar Square.

[@jeanpeuplu5570]

"... as long as they don't frighten the horses." That one made my day :) No idea about the statue of Henry VIII without cheating... In Westminster, maybe ? Anyway, thank you for that very informative tour !

[@reganhoward7883]

I passed through London and Trafalgar Square with by parents in 1950. Quite a change with no pigeons. I have pictures of myself being the center of attention of a flock.

[@loafersheffield]

4th plinth. I K Brunel or Joseph Bazalgette.

[@simontay4851]

Yes, Joseph Bazelgette. Definitely. I think there is already a statue of Brunel somewhere else. Probably bristol.

[@loafersheffield]

@@simontay4851 There is a statue of Brunel, on The Victoria Embankment. There was a statue in Bristol to Edward Coulston, in Bristol, but it was unceremoniously torn from it's plinth and dumped in the docks by mindless, uneducated, vandals. As a plumber, I obviously have a soft spot for Bazalgette.

[@DPJOINERY]

Auf Wiedersehen Pet 😂 those were the days, do you remember boy from the black stuff? Comedy you don't get now, unfortunately. Loved this as I do with all your travels. Thank you 🙏

[@patrickshaw7983]

Thanks for that Roger, another great video and thank you for saying it as it is. How about a statue of Mr. Bisby on the 4th plinth and call it "the voice of reason".

[@SkillBuilder]

It would be toppled within a week, judging by the abuse I get on KZbin

[@colin5021]

You were waaaay too polite about the 4th plinth abomonation....

[@Ex3t3r]

I think your hedging your bets for the 2025 New Years Honours list for your outstanding contribution to the media & construction industry. 'Rise, Sir Roger of Rant' .............Another very informative and interesting video 👍

[@jhonngreenn8084]

Hey skill builder. I have a hip roof on an oblique extension I'm stuck with. Your video has helped alot. Do you have any photos of the roof was you completed it?

[@SkillBuilder]

Unfortunately not because the builder that Dan did the job for didn't pay him so there was no return visit. He still hasn't been paid.

[@jhonngreenn8084]

@SkillBuilder what a tosser he was. I've asked four different joiners all have fled saying it's too tricky. I'm multi skilled myself 40 now been in the trades game since 14. Thinking I'll give it a bash myself. Im building an extension for me disabled son. I too am trying to maximise the space. Dan did a brilliant job on that. I hope he takes him court and gets back what he is owed. Tell Dan if he fancies it and he's in the area.....west Yorkshire I could do with the A Team.

[@neilmckie2768]

Henry VIII - Statue at Guy's Hospital, isn't it? Great video, mate - native Londoner, and still learning stuff about my home town. Thanks

[@alanwyse001]

I was hoping you would have mentioned the small police station located there.

[@SkillBuilder]

I should have. I forgot.

[@hungbearlover]

There were concerns about protests in the square which is why they had the fountains in the square to reduce the capacity. The original ones arrived by 1845 and were replaced by newer fountains in 1939. Queen Victoria had a hand in the appearance and stance of the lions at the base of the column. She expressed concern about having roaring lions that were upright and had them in the placid relaxed laying down pose.

[@alanreeves459]

Another great video 👍 Always enjoy Roger's take on life 😂

[@rob5944]

Roger, in your jest I believe you negleted to mention the busts of Admirils Jellicoe and Beatty, commanders of the Navy during and after WW1. The fleet being vital of course to the security of this nation and instrumental in the eventual defeat of Germany.

[@timstradling7764]

Nothing wrong with a good rant, get it out there😊

[@doktoruzo]

A arm and an eye...lol!! Not arm and leg. Another great video Roger

[@Guvnor100]

Love hearing your opinions, but be careful Roger. Us dinosaurs have to watch out thoughts 😮

[@ESS284]

Nice little rant, says what we're all thinking.

[@JM-uo5vp]

Every time Roger says Buckingham Palace, I remember Bricktop

[@markrobinson1458]

And there's still disrespectful scruffs sitting on the monument 😡

[@SkillBuilder]

and one disrespectful scruff walking around making a video.

[@markrobinson1458]

@SkillBuilder 🤣 no, I see you as an honest working man with integrity 👍

[@sadhumannell2769]

Always disrespectful humans every where one goes….

[@timtaylor1365]

You used to come out of Trafalgar Square with a grievance because of the bird shit

[@sadhumannell2769]

Yes disgusting.The world needs free birth control !!

[@deborahengland4613]

'Lots of people standing around - not even administering first aid or cpr' thank you for my first snort laugh of the day, Roger! Brilliant as always ❤

[@Nigel-y3g]

Maybe it's because I used to be a Londoner, that I loathe London Town. It has become an eyesore now. Like so much of Britain, it has lost a lot of its character.

[@sylviawright8995]

My great something uncle is on one of the plinths, he's Charles James Napier.

[@christophercook723]

I was told the column was the same height of the Depth of the English Chanel. 220 feet. As is l think StPauls Cathedral.Also the brass in lays in the square with accurate measurements so people get accurate measurements for fabrics and DIY Rulers.one left when looking towards the National Gallery.

[@markcrocker8645]

I agree with you that all those rules, and especially the one prohibitting kids sitting on the lions, are offensive to the idea that this is, after all, The People's square. Shame about the disappearance of the pigeons also. I hate it when ignorant folk refer to them as flying rats,...boo! p.s. the statue of Hnery VIII is on the side of Barts facing over Smithfield I beleive.

[@johnstilljohn3181]

The Henry Viii statue is at St Barts hospital...

[@kernowbilly]

I love the statue solution! Transient personalities would be awesome. Make the statue biodegradable, that way we can help the planet and, as celebrity is fleeting, change to suit the current narrative. Please, no politicians, they're all (enter expletive here)!

[@chelps6411]

foggos` idea for a lighthouse for Nelson I think would have been better.

[@AndrewLumsden]

There was talk some years ago that a statue of QE2 would be placed on the 4th plinth. At the rate that is progressing, Charles might get there first!

[@olafbigandglad]

"I live in Trafalgar Square Four lions to guard me. Fountains and statues all over the place Lord Nelson is staring me right in the face".

[@lewischatburn7899]

"so long as it doesnt frighten the horses"..... love the videos rodger Edit: as far as slavery goes britian never finnished paying off the debts incurred in the process of ending slavery.... till 2015.

[@SkillBuilder]

Oh yes we compensated the slave owners for loss of assets.

[@lewischatburn7899]

well if they werent compensasted for it then there would have been much greater resistance to giving up slavery. seems like compensation was the most legitmate way to do it verses the goverment just rocking up and freeing the slaves with the slaveowners held at gunpoint.

[@mb-3faze]

You know who never gets the blame for enabling slavery? The North African Arab culture. Throughout Africa, the number of white Europeans wandering about rounding up slavery victims could be counted on the fingers of one hand. It's the Arabs who industrialized the rounding up of people and encouraged tribe-on-tribe violence to gather human fodder. Remember also that the only reason why the plantation owners in the SE American colonies wanted African labour was because Africans had *some* immunity to the particular malaria found in the colonies. The plantation owners tried to go the indentured servant route with north europeans (mostly east coast English and Irish) but although malaria was rampant in England and Ireland it was a different strain and indentured farmers arriving in the colonies barely lasted a year before dying. So black Africans it was and the whole sordid trade began 100% enabled by the Arabs who get no blame whatsoever.