St James's Street, London: A History Guy Travelogue

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

There have been several comments on pronunciation. I do apologize. I mean no offense, as an unrepentant tourist, by not pronouncing things as if I am a local. British places names are particularity difficult, as not only do they seem to ignore rules of pronouncing the English language generally, they do not follow a consistent set of rules themselves. That is part of the nature of a country where even the names have such long history. The street is St James's street, not St James street. That is grounded in how the street got its name, and I did make that error a few times in the narration. For that I truly apologize.

[@effyleven]

And while we are here, perhaps it would be kind to tactfully point out... ... that Piccadilly isn't "Piccadilly Street." Look on a map. You will not see "Street." It is just "Piccadilly." London has quite a few streets like that. "Cheapside" in the City (City of London, the original square mile that was Roman Londinium), is another, and "Poultry" yet another. PS. The bowler looks great. May you wear it in good health.

[@petergregory5286]

Don’t worry, we can’t agree on the pronunciation of most of our words. Go to Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol or Birmingham and you’ll see or hear what I mean. Bristol is a strange case where they put an ‘l’ at the end of any word ending in ‘a’, so you get, Marial Callas, the primal donal operal singer of Lal Scalal Operal House. Strange but true. Regards

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

effyleven but it is still a street. Look on a map. That is what a street looks like.

[@sofa-lofa4241]

It's a shame you didn't include Lobb's the shoemakers and Berry bros. and Rudd the wine merchants, I have worked at the Berry bros. shop a few times the basement is full of interesting nooks and crannies, it also has the oldest original shop front in London which dates from around 1690, if you're ever in London again I would recommend a visit, Great video, thanks for posting

[@bishop9757]

I wouldn't worry about it as long as they are nice in correcting. Even other Brits struggle with all our accents...and Wales.

[@shrikes45]

I actually laughed out loud when you said: "So, let me tell you what it's like to buy a hat from Lock & Co."!!! Your smile at the end of the video tells me that that hat was a good purchase. Good for you, History Guy! =D

[@yelloduc8059]

Me too!

[@faithfamilyfreedom2992]

Yeah me2 , tht was funny as hell

[@BillBodrero]

🙋‍♂️😆

[@shamoy1000]

It's good to splurge on your self once in a while. Besides that, you really look great in that hat.

[@HemlockRidge]

Yes, HG. It really does. How do they say it? "It is you".

[@f3xpmartian]

Besides the hat, HG also got that big, fancy, labeled box. Seen the hat, now wait for that box to show up in the background.

[@rivergodsm]

You look great in that hat!

[@nolgroth]

Very dapper.

[@jupitercyclops6521]

Once again, I learned something from the history guy. Til now....... I thought any hat trump or obama wore was a "cock hat"

[@NicoDsSBCs]

I bought my first hat in London +10 years ago. Purely by coincidence, a girlfriend had put a black hat on my head at Camden market. So I thought, why not buy it. I've been wearing a hat ever since. I used to have epileptic fits because of flashing lights by the sun or at parties. Haven't had it once again because my hat protects my eyes from those flashes. So it did change my life, gave me more confidence. And now it's my trademark on my KZbin channel. I often read comments on forums where they talk about the guy with the black hat. That's me, NicoD :) Greetings from Belgium.

[@barvdw]

I've had an Australian leather hat during my student years in Leuven (bought the hat at the Dranouter Festival), but forgot it on a train. Than a long period came where I mostly wore flat caps (ouwpeekesklakken), which I bought all over Europe, often as souvenirs. There's a French one, a Scottish one, a Belgian one with ear flaps, a Polish one, a Spanish one... Since a couple of years, I've been wearing hats again. First a nice black hat I bought in Poland for remarkably little money, but it was stolen one New Year's Eve... Another black hat in Lisbon, Portugal, sturdy, but in dire need of a reshaping, a dark blue one from Padova, Italy, and finally, an olive green one made in Germany, bought here in Brussels. I love hats, too, and rarely leave the house without something on my head. Nice to see other Belgians watching THG!

[@NicoDsSBCs]

@@barvdw Of course I watch THG! Been to Dranouter many times, always a great party. Cheers. (De groetn)

[@radarmike6713]

That's why I love your channel!!! You are a better history teacher than any teacher I've met. I honestly feel like your videos should be shown in schools and kids would learn WAY more than they do now. Thank you History Guy. I love history. But you make me love history even more.

[@donewhiskey]

You had me at Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson | 8:31. You rock that bowler. Wear it everywhere.

[@peytonwestlake9737]

"Not famous enough...just yet." I love it!

[@TheNortheastAl]

What a perfectly fitted hat. It looks wonderfully on you.

[@waltbrown8899]

14:45 Now THAT is a Good Looking hat!

[@bsjeffrey]

"winston churchill smoked here" signs all over london would be funny.

[@stainedred5463]

Winston Churchill was correct wen he said the next anti fascist will be the fascist look at antifa.

[@Aramis419]

The British version of "Washington slept here"!

[@daphneturner6836]

Aramis419 I

[@chrisosh9574]

While splurging on a bowler a shortish walk away in New Oxford Street, there is a shop that is old enough and nearly as famous. James Smith Umbrellas and walking sticks, one of their brolleys would be a perfect accessory to go with your bowler.

[@rogerkassebaum4549]

We all know you are going to need a brolley 😊

[@johnlacey3857]

Yet another home run History Guy!! You come up with gem after gem, and your enthusiasm is contagious. Wish I could give 10 thumbs up not just one.

[@Dave_Sisson]

He's in England where they play cricket rather than baseball. So rather than say 'home run', it might be better to say that he 'hit it for six' [runs].

[@Yogasefski]

11:55 The History Guy; I’m only gonna take a photo. 12:22 Also The History Guy; So I got this new hat! In all fairness, it does suit him.

[@Thermalions]

I'm sure Mrs History Guy was not in the least surprised he didn't stop at the photo.

[@chrismaverick9828]

@@Thermalions I'd think she'd be upset if he came home from there empty-handed. He'd have always regretted not taking the opportunity, and she'd have to listen to it. :D

[@Yehuz]

Without a doubt one of the best channels on KZbin.

[@JEBavido]

I nearly died laughing when you held up that box. 😂

[@blackcountryme]

I think I cheered!

[@seafodder6129]

THG: I'm just going to take a picture. Mrs. THG: /eye roll

[@CarlosLopez-zy7jw]

Im from Mexico City and Love so much your Channel, my daughter and I watch everysingle day. Gran trabajo History Guy 🇲🇽🇺🇸🧠🎩

[@davetdowell]

Wow. The attention to detail is a wonderful acknowledgement of how so much of history is built from small details, over time. Thank you.

[@MrRandomdancer]

I've lived in London for 10 years now, I often catch myself wanting to move to the country away from the hustle and bustle. But then, now and again, I walk down a street just to see what's there and London never fails to disappoint. After 10 years, it still surprises and delights.

[@colinp2238]

As soon as you mentioned Lock's I knew that you would be spending a few quid in there.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

How could I not? Next time I'll just place it in the budget.

[@FranNyan]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Worth asking your accountant if it can be classed as a business expense since it was used for your videos~ ;)

[@davecoz4227]

@@FranNyan It's purchase was certainly educational

[@paulqueripel3493]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Now you need a Smith & Sons umbrella to go with it.

[@caw25sha]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel If you come here again go to Lobb on the corner of Jermyn St and spend a thousand or two on a pair of hand made shoes. 👞

[@3928damian]

The hat does look damn sharp on you, good sir.

[@f3xpmartian]

YEA!!! Finally the visit to the hat shop where Mr. The History Guy bought his Bowler. Thank you so for sharing. Your enthusiasm comes through like a shining jewel.

[@pedrotheswift5937]

Laughed and applauded when you raised the Lock and Company box!!

[@Paul58061]

Wow, I am impressed by how good that hat looks.

[@rolandfelice6198]

Lovely story. You seem to be able to winkle all sorts of stories out of seemingly thin air. More power to you, it certainly keeps me coming back for more of your offerings.

[@tonybostrom9480]

How splendid, old chap. Glad you enjoyed your visit to our little corner of the planet,

[@walterdebnam8021]

This is my third time watching this. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed lost in Wales as well, my family being from the UK coming over in 1628. But still your channel is exceptional and I watch it all the time. Thank you for hours of good information and just good fun as well. So good job. Wish I had more history teacher like you in school. Thanks very much.

[@alanmoss3603]

At the moment its just nice to hear an American say "Quid" and not have it followed by "Pro Quo"

[@caw25sha]

It's nice to hear an American say quid instead of quids. Quid is like sheep IYSWIM.

[@Hillcapper1]

Quid pro quo didn’t poll well so they moved onto bribery, then finally settled on abuse of power.

[@shannonwittman950]

@@Hillcapper1 -- after that fails, I hear Pelosi is going to try impeachment for hair color unworthy of a US President. Its just GOT to be SOMEWHERE in the Constitution.

[@davidcardin3271]

@@shannonwittman950 lol 😂 and people would absolutely believe it. it's gotta be you in the constitution of billing right or something like that right? Lol wow some people need to learn their history right ?

[@jackdernorsek7986]

@@shannonwittman950 Talk about grasping.... I wonder why they didn't say that his hair color WAS an abuse of power? Talk about being obvious in your attempt to rid an office of a standing president....

[@jamescox1375]

That’s a badass hat! When you slid it on it was clear that the fit was masterful!

[@joecichlid]

Looking quite dapper, good sir! Shops like these fascinate me even more than the big landmarks. So much history, often overlooked, that is worth remembering.

[@macnutz4206]

The instant you talked about not wanting to go into the shop in order to avoid spending money on something you didn't actually need, I laughed out loud, knowing that you would not be able to resist. Neither could I.

[@paultaylor4630]

Thank you!! It is an amazing video. We were there in May and passed through that spot and now want to go back and see it again. My wife is a lover of hats and has her own collection. She was so excited watching the video that she was hopping up and down on the couch. We are Patrons and really enjoy your efforts. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!

[@jonathandevries2828]

Wow Mr. Guy! looking good in that bowler!

[@rwoz1in7]

Your story this time was just so "cool" ! Thank you so much for all your time and effort.

[@scruffythejanitor1969]

You, sir, are a man that can can wear the heck out of a bowler.

[@claires8735]

Aww. You're important to us, History Guy! 🙂

[@randymohr1881]

One of your best yet in a library of GREAT videos! Your personal passion for history combined with the passion for hats came together in one great story that was “worth the hearing”! I’ve walked down St James’s Street multiple times but never felt so close to it as I do from your telling it’s story. Thank you for that Mr. History Guy!

[@edschermer]

Definitely going to add this to my “things to see in London” list!

[@pro-n-stal1]

This is by far, one of your best! Nice to see the smile and enjoyment you experienced on your trip! Cheers, and, fabulous hat sir!

[@Mondo762]

That hat looks great! I'm jealous.

[@stevep5408]

It is amazing how good bespoke clothing and accessories look!

[@NickVass1000]

I have walked down St Jame's Street many times and never looked into the shops. Thank you for your video, I'll look properly next time and not take the street for granted.

[@rjvan9220]

Wow! That hat is "you" .You look great in that hat! Enjoy it, you deserve it!

[@rileyk99]

I *loved* this episode. Give you joy of your new hat!

[@johninwaynenewjersey5253]

Spectacular installment HG! It always amazes me how much older so many countries are than our United States and these shops were operating before we even became a country. Good finds and nice hat.

[@ghostdog1454]

History guy is truly an honorable mans man. Hope more young people check you out. Thanks for all the good work. !

[@taxijoe6927]

You had me at "smoke" ❤️

[@PaulInPorirua]

That hat... and that bow tie... these are videos that deserve to be remembered.

[@wilshire36]

History Guy: I don’t need it.... I don’t need it....I definitely don’t need it.............. I NEED IT!

[@annebradley6086]

It's pure info dope, isn't it? I know I'm hooked.

[@scottnacey5192]

Because of this episode (and you!), I happened by Lock & Co yesterday. My wife and I experienced the service of a true "hatter" and I purchased a wonderful and rather perfect hat for myself. Lock & Co's records room in the back of the store is a true treasure trove of the who's who of society but the real treat is Winston Churchill's purchase record. Thank you History Guy!

[@WaxingRadiance]

Entertaining, informative, humorous, and brilliantly expressed. The best video I have watched on youtube in a long time. Hats off to you sir !

[@edglunz9917]

Tanks for The History Lesson. What a 'Smoke Screen' you used to visit the cigar shop of all times. 6th St. James Street was your goal. I learned so much in this short fascinating episode. A proper fitting hat isnt sitting on a shelf or rack waiting for one to just buy. THG fits us so well.

[@silascochran9705]

I'm a disabled vet and if I could afford it I would certainly become a patreon maybe later I love history and you deliver cool info stuff I never knew about situations I was aware of when I was young👍😁⚓🎗🇺🇸🏝🤸‍♂️

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

God bless you! I'm a vet as well, somewhat disabled.

[@eliscanfield3913]

I hear you. That's a joke for me, since I've been hearing impaired since pre-school ;) But yeah, we don't have enough to be a patron either.

[@erics.786]

Silas Cochran, I joined the History Guy's Patreon in your honor, Thank you for your service sir. o7

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

@@erics.786 Wonderful gesture!

[@silascochran9705]

@@erics.786 thank you sir I believe I have watched every one of them I enjoy history it deserves not to be forgotten thank you for your service happy holidays⚓🎗🇺🇸🏝

[@ObservingtheObvious]

You are the master of understatement!!! “IF(!!) you enjoyed...” I can’t get enough....enjoyment!! To divulge that Winston’s hat and cigar shop are just feet away is sheer enjoyment. You are also the master of pause for effect! I chuckled and laughed my way thru this one. More so than any other I’ve watched of yours! Can I over use the exclamation point!!!! Ha. :) I haven’t gotten to so enjoy the sound of your voice and your cadence that it’s turned into a white noise for me to go to sleep by. That is not boring (for the unlearned) but comforting; peaceful; whatever word you use for what settles your soul. I was so pleased to hear you bought the boller (?) hat but more pleased you went thru the experience. Perhaps once in a lifetime. It so reminders me of Dean Jagger’s response to the hatters upon leaving their shop in the open scene of “12 O Clock High” Most certainly imitating Locke and Co. Just a jewel of a travelogue; “Just a piece of real estate,.... that deserves to be remembered”

[@ObservingtheObvious]

Just noticed a typo a result of my auto incorrect on my phone. ‘I HAVE gotten so used to your voice....’

[@morskojvolk]

Bravo! After every visit to London I find out about something I missed. I think you could live in London your whole life and barely scratch the surface.

[@samforbrook7899]

A jewel of a story. As an ex Londoner it was great to see such an appreciation of the historical texture of the city so well told. And the most excellent souvenir acquired in its making, Well done.

[@saratogapilot6100]

I still have the bowler hat I bought at Simpson's of Picadilly in 1971. Sadly, they went out of business. But the hat survives.

[@highpath4776]

Wondered what happened to Simpsons, we have lost so many London Department Stores.

[@BenMcneil-hk8xv]

Awesome your show should be mandatory in every school across the Nation

[@junqueboi387]

Nice hat! What a fun experience that must have been. Cheers!

[@dhession64]

I quit smoking long ago but always enjoyed a good cigar. I've always been a fan of hats, is specially the bowler hat. Thank you, sir, for another outstanding episode.

[@MatHelm]

That really is a good looking hat. Now I want one...

[@mookzmom]

You are such a joy to me! I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas!

[@JonathanBarratt]

From Chile, thank you . Great History Guy. God save the Queen.

[@TheHylianBatman]

I knew the MINUTE you started saying you didn't need a new hat that you had bought one, and may I say, what a fine hat it is! They truly are masters! I laughed as soon as you pulled the box up. I love the History Guy! This is one of the best KZbin channels I know of, and I'm so glad that you had a good time in the U.K. with your friends. I would pay for you to be a professor at my school, or even just to get more stuff that you know. Thank you for all your hard work, both of you. I appreciate you bringing some history and some fun into my life. EDIT: Also, of course you'll be important enough soon enough!

[@jasonthetalker7253]

I so wish you were my history teacher back in school But I guess in a way you're my history teacher now

[@farmergirlangie3469]

I love the fact that you got a custom hat. That is so cool

[@RoyCousins]

"HG": History Guy or Hat Guy. Both! Another great video.

[@andon_RT]

Multipurpose abbreviation

[@marcowen1506]

Thank you for such a charming (and well-informed) vignette of our capital city. I would nominate Berry Brothers as the other shop of note on St James's street: it has been selling wine since the Restoration uninterrupted and still owned by the same family. If you want to drink the claret that Queen Victoria sipped, they are your place (v.good wine also for 10 pounds). And if you want to weigh yourself on the machine used by our (very large) Edward VII, you can do that for a shilling. Sadly you missed the gentlemen's clubs lining the surrounding streets in which a great deal of history was made as well as the Royal Passage: a street on medieval plan still lined by a few of the original shop and the route that Charles II used to take when looking for "entertainment. Maybe next Christmas?

[@flintlock3939]

is it possible for you to broadcast anything substandard? Everything you post is entertaining, informative, and usually quite upbeat! Keep it coming!

[@mglmouser]

One of the few who can make a story about a hat shop actually interesting.

[@charlie15627]

I like the hat It looks good on you Good choice🙂

[@zenunla]

That is one nice hat! Really enjoyed this episode.

[@Oxnate]

You look very... right wearing a bowler hat.

[@winfieldjohnson125]

He needs a proper 'brolly.

[@annebradley6086]

I.bet it's spelled Boehler. Just guessing.

[@markbell9742]

Well at 12:21 I belly-laughed to tears; beautiful. And, at the end with hat donned, very smart. Cheers, Mark

[@spikes1529]

As soon as you said worlds oldest hat shop, i was like "Oh no" Nice hat BTW!

[@donaldkjenstad1129]

They did a great job on your hat. When you put in on, it looked exactly how should

[@SlowrideSteve]

My grandfather told all 18 grandsons "a man should own one nice watch and one nice hat"

[@natekingpipes4523]

Visiting St. James Street is certainly on my bucket list! Thank you for sharing!

[@DahvPlays]

When I visited London, our Official Black cabbie took us to that cigar shop, among other places. I highly recommend getting those guys to take you around, they go through a ton of training and know everything about the city. So much better than Jack the Uber

[@PeterT1981]

Congratulations on the new hat. It really looks great. Amazing how you can pull so much history out a a short segment of one street. I enjoyed this episode completely!

[@johncipriano3627]

I just finished a cigar this morning after I got home from work

[@ronfullerton3162]

I have enjoyed every one of your episodes that I have watched. But the vigor and humor you attached this one with really put it over the top! And I should say the group of shops in that section of town should consider paying you for your superb advertisement of their area. And the personal touch description of both the tobacco and hat shops was grand. The upper crust cowboy shops also fit and style the cowboy hat to the wearer similar to what you went through for your hat. Just remember to budget that "new hat" into each and every trip from here on out. I am sure that money budgeted will pay back in full due to videos it can and will support!

[@WilliamHunterII]

That hat suits you well. Good choice, that.

[@AresNeon]

What I love about your channel, is that you take what many would consider the most mundane things, and turn them into the most fascinating truths.

[@tomblack6972]

“.....just yet”. You’re getting there!

[@TheAuntieBa]

What a delectable video - and HAT! You not only deserve that hat, it’s an appropriate topper for The History Guy. There’s history there, after all. My beloved Grandfather Walter enjoyed quoting Kipling’s cigar line. When he was hospitalized before his death, I read Kipling’s poetry to him, including The Betrothed.

[@williamkeith8944]

As a western hat wearer, the backstory on Mr Stetson is worth telling.

[@aehamilton7]

A great story well told, as usual. Thank you for this piece.

[@chiefpontiac1800]

I would love to have a custom Panama hat made by the Lock & Co. By the way, with all of the titles that George VI and Elizabeth II had, I wonder how big their business cards were?

[@greatalexander3820]

Wouldn't their business cards be pound notes? In that case they are quite small, although is suppose it is large for a business card.

[@keitholding8541]

I imagine they've never had them - like passports (UK passports are issued in the name of the Queen, and there would be no sense in her issuing one to herself). But I agree that the titles are quite a mouthful, and I especially like the way that after the 'name' part, the full title effectively gives a job title - "Queen".

[@neilwilson5785]

This channel often hides it's true gems under a very modest title. This is pure gold. I've walked down that street many times and somehow missed all of this. Crazy.

[@jeffkelly3674]

You need a show on Netflix !

[@peterwillstein198]

Bravo! Thoroughly enjoyable and loaded to the brim with history worth remembering Peter

[@st3v3b0b7]

"Be Somebody, Wear a Hat!"

[@caw25sha]

If you want to get ahead get a hat.

[@russcorbett3923]

I'm glad you splurged and got the hat !!! One of a kind and once in a lifetime only cross paths once ,,,, I'm glad you grabbed at it !!!!

[@tonyk1584]

I found myself browsing St. James street one day, Not to buy a new hat; BUT I DID It was fitted and steamed and placed in a box, For a measly five hundred quid When shown to the Mrs., she just shook her head, "Your purchase ain't mine to forbid" At the end of the day despite what I wish, you're a silly old hat buying kid

[@chriscleary5519]

I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this episode! Cigars and hats. JJ Fox is on my list of shops to visit.

[@blackcountryme]

The hat suits you too. You need a cane and a small revolver hunting miscreants in Victorian London... "The American detective!!" RKO pictures... Lol. Also Pall mall is pronounced "Pal Mal" I think it's still on the British monopoly board.. pink section(?)

[@highpath4776]

Originally a sort of bowling alley / croquet in the form of Pale Le Mallet (french) , (I think thats the game's name).

[@georgeespino3929]

Professor I notice your colorful bow ties, I believe history of the Men’s tie, deserves to be remembered.

[@juststeve5542]

Now that's a nice hat. Hope Mrs HG forgives you soon!

[@davidmcdonald1354]

A fine looking hat.

[@brucer81]

What can one say except, fascinating and always entertaining. Thanks History Guy!!!

[@richardsmith2879]

Very entertaining, thank you. A small detail, Coke is pronounced cook.

[@cockneyse]

And I didn't know Ian was the Princess Royal... I thought that was Ann

[@richardsmith2879]

cockneyse . I know, it surprised me too. It took me a while....🤫

[@cockneyse]

And it's not Paul Mall, it's Pale Male (well nearer than Paul, and not Mall like Hall as many Americans say)

[@K1lostream]

Who told you that? 'coke' is not pronounced 'cook'! There is such a thing as a cooks hat, and a cocked hat - could you be getting confused with one of those?

[@richardsmith2879]

K1lostream . It’s named after the family of the Earls of Leicester, family name, Coke, pronounced cook. It’s a common mistake and isn’t really important. Unless you’re a member of the family of course. If you want a real teaser you might like to know that the Marquess of Cholmondeley lives not far from the Earl of Leicester. Cholmondeley is pronounced Chumley.

[@stanhamilton6031]

Sweet! I'm glad you enjoyed the visit!