Suspect Symbols at Upminster Bridge

Upminster Bridge has some fairly notorious floor decoration. But is it bad taste or bad luck?
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[@Voyagerch75]

The swastika wasn't even the official German flag when the station opened. From 1933 to 1935, the Nazis used the flag of the old empire (black-white-red horizontal stripes).

[@Voyagerch75]

@@dongwhang4589 Only as a party emblem. It didn't become the national flag until 1935.

[@chrisedwards4917]

A totally brilliant little film as we now expect from you.

[@JagoHazzard]

Thanks!

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Yesterday I watched a video by Shell about Croydon Airport, dated in the 1930s. This video showed planes with the swasticker (however the thing is spelt!)

[@shrikelet]

I rather think that the good people of Upminster would have found a sort of grim humour in trampling a swastika underfoot on the way to work in the 1939-1945 period.

[@englishciderlover7347]

Upminster Bridge station is actually in Hornchurch, not in Upminster. 100-odd yards east of the station is where you'll find the bridge itself. The bridge spans the Ingrebourne river, which marks the boundary between the ancient parishes of Hornchurch and Upminster. My family's old home is roughly halfway between Hornchurch and Upminster Bridge stations, so I ought to know.

[@isctony]

I think this is a great thought! (Perhaps English Cider Lover missed the actual point of your comment, I'm also in Hornchurch btw!)

[@englishciderlover7347]

@@isctony People in Upminster would use their local station, rather than one in Hornchurch. That's the point I was trying to make. I used to use this station occasionally, and never gave the swastika much thought, probably because I was in a hurry. Besides, it doesn't exactly look like the NSDAP's symbol.

[@paulsengupta971]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Hornchurch

[@w1swh1]

I was searching for a good reason to keep it and this is perfect!

[@nicktecky55]

A difficult subject handled with sensitivity, accuracy and detachment, well done. Makes a nice change these days.

[@JagoHazzard]

Thanks!

[@thefreedomguyuk]

Why is it a difficult subject ?

[@JanoJ]

@@thefreedomguyuk its a difficult subject because despite the fact that the symbol was originally used by the Hindus and other religions and even cultures for thousands of years in a manner similar to the christian cross. In more recent times the Nazis of germany "hijacked" that symbol into their flag and insignia and then performed many atrocities under than sigil that still affects many to this day. Even today countless neo nazis and other hate groups use the same symbol. This is disturbing not just to the Jewish and other comminities that are targetted by the hate, it is also painfull for us Hindus, Jains and other eastern religions who see our beloved symbol be systematically abused by such purveyors of hate. I do believe the only option is for us to reclaim this back for us, but its easier said than done with emotions still running high.

[@russelledwards001]

@@thefreedomguyuk because we’re all supposed to be at each other’s throats. That’s how they get away with robbing the shop.

[@susanmitchell5317]

Never noticed it and doesn’t really look like a swastika as the middle isn’t joined….or is it?

[@matthewalker]

Sydney's Custom House also has a swastika in the foyer. They've put up a sign explaining the symbolism was around long before the Nazis appropriated it.

[@francisboyle1739]

As does Brisbane City Hall. It's was very fashionable at the time and the Nazis treated it like it was Poland.

[@ktipuss]

As does the Commonwealth Bank Building on Martin Place, Sydney (the former NSW State Savings Bank Building that is). The Swastikas are on each corner, both left and right handed Swastikas. The building was constructed in the early 1920s.

[@Trek001]

How did Custom House manage to teleport to Austr-... Oh, right....

[@lohphat]

The symbol is still the default “religious building” marker on maps in Japan.

[@raakone]

And in South Korea, just means "Buddhist temple or shrine"

[@Mishima505]

Only for Buddhist temples (the correct way round). Shinto shrines have the torii (とりい ) symbol ⛩

[@MsRichycon]

You see in on Thailand from time to time I like the symple my self use to draw it as a kid not sure wy.. its a beautiful symbol

[@sonwig5186]

It was also used in Anglo-Saxon buildings.

[@aclark903]

@@TPQ1980 They score well in math & science. English not so much.

[@keiththorpe9571]

Nothing like a learned, carefully phrased dissertation on co-opted iconography to get my Sunday started.

[@Redrally]

I think the symbol should definitely stay - it's a perfect historical time capsule that reminds us symbols are always changing.

[@hotmailcompany52]

The only change I would like to see would be an addition to the information board about the symbols history and it meanings and it calling it what it is

[@davegreenlaw5654]

Redrally, I agree. Thing is, if this were in America - or sadly now, even Canada - then I believe that young 'woke' activists would have already taken pickaxes and shovels to it long before now.

[@calum5975]

@@davegreenlaw5654 You had to make it into a political rant. Nice. Thanks. It's not even as if young "woke" people are the ones who banned the symbol in most of Europe in many contexts. Hating the swastika isn't something unique to young people, and I've seen no call to remove the swastika as a religious symbol or anything other than a political symbol by anyone. But sure, turn it into an anti-"woke" rant based on strawmen.

[@davegreenlaw5654]

@@calum5975 Nothing political about it, just pointing out my opinion that young radicals are more willing to resort to destruction of public (or even private) property in order to achieve their goals.

[@worldcomicsreview354]

@@calum5975 Thanks, I'll be sure to!

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

Ruined it like it was Coventry or something 😂

[@el_es]

Or Warsow, Poland....

[@stephaniesews6603]

That's was funny - and bad.

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

@@stephaniesews6603 When I heard it I had a mouthful of tea. It was a 50/50 moment lol

[@Ghauster]

Never mind a guy try to grow a mustache just under his nose since the 1940s.

[@ganrimmonim]

I liked that line as well.

[@MadDragon-lb7qg]

Hopefully the original use of that sign will return, sadly I've noticed there is STILL a lot of hatred in this world.

[@loydenochs8572]

"like it was Coventry, or something" ... subtle...and meant as a compliment to your good writing

[@DrWhoFanJ]

Can someone explain that joke, please? I didn’t get it. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@GingerLBC]

@@DrWhoFanJ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coventry_Blitz Nazis basically destroyed the historic centre of the city and now its an ugly mess...

[@DrWhoFanJ]

@@GingerLBC OIC. History was always the only lesson I didn’t enjoy, so it’s now one of my major weak spots for references. TBH, I thought it was football given the picture shown at the time!

[@cheesedoff-with4410]

And you got the crooked cross past the KZbin algorithm! Well done for making such an interesting video. I really had no idea LMS's interests stretched that far.

[@enclosingthefield]

@@GingerLBC The process of destroying the medieval parts of Coventry began in the 1930s; make way for modernism and the motor industry.

[@barcancelN2]

When I see people bring up the Upminster Bridge swastika, I always focus on the brown tiles that make the creme tiles resemble a swastika, rather than the creme tiles themselves, and always thought “that is one weird swastika”

[@MartinOmander]

Thank you! I just didn't see the swastika either and was wondering what the narrator was talking about. After reading your description, I can see it.

[@danpreston564]

Yes. Totally. Took me ages to se the swastika.

[@kristianTV1974]

I've just done the exact same thing.. 'what an odd swastika'

[@JimmyFoxhound]

Oh my gosh haha I did the same thing!! I was like.. ok I don't see it.. I was totally focused on the brown tiles. As soon as you said that I instantly saw it! Too funny

[@uk-martin4905]

I didn't see the swastika at all until I read your comment and had to go back to look for it.

[@namenamename390]

While we're talking about swastikas, I have a wonderful story my friend told me about himself. So when he was in kindergarten, he was building a Beyblade style toy out of Lego, and to improve its combat capability, he built hooks on the thing, which ended up looking like a swastika. You couldn't be mad, he obviously didn't know that this was bad, so the teacher explained that it is a really bad symbol today, but then made the mistake of saying that it once was a symbol for good luck. Guess which meaning of the symbol stuck with my friend. Some time after that, his uncle was getting married, and he was asked to draw something on either the present or the card, I forgot which one. Yes he did exactly what you think, he drew a swastika for his uncle's marriage.

[@xander1052]

Ah the innocence of youth is quite brilliant

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Great story lol

[@edwardjackson5218]

Nice

[@ezri6585]

There is an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry drew a swastika in a magazine to make fun of someone the article was about. A child notices and asks him about the symbol and he trys to explain the nazis and says that Hitler was a very bad man but all the kid sees in a cool symbol to use in his sowing class. I may of misremembered the details a bit but needless to say the parents in the show were not happy

[@lordmuntague]

A classic case of misappropriation of an innocent symbol for murky purposes, difficult subject sensitively done. Excellent stuff Jago.

[@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus]

Another great vid. I liked the shots at East Ham, i grew up around there and used the station at lot until the mid 90s. It has a fascinating history, perhaps it would make a future upload? Before Upminster & Barking Sidings were opened there were LT car shed at Little Ilford, inside a triangle of lines that is now Hathaway Crescent. You can still still see the gap in the houses in Shakespear Cresecent where the access was. No road access, just a footbridge over the line from East Ham bay to the Barking-Woodgrange Park line, joining it at Browning Road Bridge. There was a District Line train crew depot at East ham, and a canteen the Upton Park side of the bridge, the foundations are still there! When BR seperated the local lines away from the main lines at the end of the 50s, the LT tracks moved further towards the Woodgrange park line so there was room to build East Ham Car Sheds. Of course, go back far enough and East Ham was the end of electric train operation, steam took trains further east. So plenty to go on perhaps?......

[@jovanweismiller7114]

It was quite common in many places. I have owned early editions of Kipling's works which had swastikas embossed in gold on the leather binding. Of course, Kipling was heavily influenced by India where he was born and spent part of his boyhood.

[@IzzoIzza99]

Just a note as it wasnt mentioned, all Nazi swasticas are rotated 45 degrees so it is 'resting' on a point - the ancient symbol isnt rotated relative to the flag, building or whatever it is on. thanks for your videos

[@CaseyJonesNumber1]

No they aren't - probably the most well known Nazi swastika, that at the Nuremburg rally ground, sat on a 'flat'. It was spectacularly blown up after the war... But yes, Nazi swastikas are mostly resting on a point.

[@worldcomicsreview354]

An ancient badge representing Thunor, or Thor, is rotated just like the "nazi" version.

[@robshipway2269]

Well done, a video done with a lot of Sensitivity. Whilst I am not of any faith religion, I can understand those of the Jewish faith being against the symbol within Upminster Bridge, given what happened to their relatives in the Holocaust during World War 2. However, as stated in the video Upminster Bridge station was built before the events of WW2 and also as stated in the video is a symbol of good luck to travellers in many other faiths.

[@Mr._E]

As someone of the Jewish faith, let me add that, while I can't speak for my entire religion, everyone I know understands the difference between the historical use of the symbol, and the current uses. While indeed it is used currently for symbolic reasons in both Asian religions and Western intolerance, seeing it on a historical structure does not bring waves of disgust (for the intolerance... not the religions). There are even a few historic synagogues around the world that use the swastika as a decorative symbol in a repeating motif.

[@b500l8]

I live down the road in Hornchurch and have seen this many times as I goosestep my way through the barrier and up to the platform

[@rewboss]

Well, to split hairs (but what other purpose does the comment section have?): it's definitely not a Nazi swastika. I don't think it even qualifies as a non-Nazi swastika. The Germans use a different word for the Nazi swastika -- "Hakenkreuz" = "hooked cross" -- reserving the Sanskrit word for the religious symbol. That hints at its true form: it's a cross, but the ends are bent. If you look carefully at the Upminster swastika, the arms are all offset from the centre and from each other. Both the left-facing and right-facing swastikas were in common use in Asia, but in Western countries it was mostly the right-facing variant that became popular with many institutions, including the Nazi party. So even a right-facing swastika isn't necessarily a Nazi symbol. What the Nazis did do differently from most others was to rotate it 45°.

[@papervampire]

I didn't even see the swastika, I thought it was two Ts for Train or Tram, one T for each walking direction.

[@gonvillebromhead2865]

@SteelRodent The light bits are the Swastika, not the dark. Took me a while to work that out!

[@beeble2003]

@SteelRodent Er, no, it's an actual swastika. This isn't some "squint at it a bit and look from this exact angle and it kinda reminds you of..." It's a swastika. It's _supposed_ to be a swastika. They deliberately included it in the design.

[@meijiturtle3814]

@@gonvillebromhead2865 Same here.

[@fetchstixRHD]

It took me way too long to spot it, truthfully 😂

[@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888]

@@beeble2003 Except it really isn't.

[@jannetteberends8730]

That bench was beautiful.

[@Dazreil]

Used to be my local station. Always wondered why there was a tiled swastika on the floor

[@robertweissman4850]

Jago - The swastika (hakenkreutz ~ “crooked cross” ) artwork on the booking hall floor at Upminster Bridge Station was very well explained. I didn’t use that station when I lived in London. My mother (97, and in good condition) gave me her Nazi passport, issued when leaving Nazi- occupied Austria. It has both the swastika and the eagle impressions on the cover. You’re quite right about the very old origin and use of the swastika, and I read that Hitler took up the symbol to use for the Nazis thinking that it would give them luck. I have in my work done a lot of door to door work in London, and very often saw this symbolism on the front door or the doorstep of homes of Indian folk.

[@JamesPetts]

There's a lovely windmill near Upminster bridge that I keep meaning to visit but have never got around to visiting.

[@actuallypaulstanley]

Search online for the website. It has details of its many years of renovation, and the new technology to track the wind direction to better set the fantail. They have a livestream camera on the newly installed cap.

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

Very interresting - and you handled this highly delicate topic, brilliantly. Thank you for a nice start on a Sunday in Northern Denmark…. far away from the Tube 😉

[@cheesedoff-with4410]

Yes, Hazzard handled it rather well. I seem to remember the elephants at the Carlsberg brewery had a similar design on their sides to that at Upminster Bridge.

[@stewis]

"like it was Coventry, or something" made me chuckle loud enough to get an evil look off my girlfriend...

[@eighteenfiftynine]

Is she from Coventry?

[@stewis]

@@eighteenfiftynine Lived near Cov for most of our lives. The best thing about Cov is the road out :D

[@eighteenfiftynine]

@@stewis at least it's not Corby!

[@eighteenfiftynine]

@@stewis although, isn't Coventry the place with that weird sculpture over the road that looks at first glance like the massive crossed swords sculpture in Baghdad?

[@stewis]

@@eighteenfiftynine Do you mean the motor museum sculpture thing? Btw at least Corby doesn't have the Coventry ring road! People are still stuck trying to find their exit 60 years later.

[@kailomonkey]

I have a feeling the symbol will someday crumble revealing a gateway beneath from which demonic monstrosities will pour forth. Too many videogames ;)

[@catinarage5538]

Well, it is Essex, so probably not that unlikely.

[@demonmonsterdave]

I've seen many a monstrosity pouring forth from the Romford direction.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The fylfot or swastika is a Eurasian symbol of good luck and could be found on British War Saving Bonds from WW1 and was also used by the Swedish company ASEA from sround 1880 until 1933, Carlsberg of Denmark did the same. RAF 273 Squadron used a reversed fylfot as part of the squadron badge as they had been formed as part of the air defence of Ceylon. They submitted the badge for consideration in November 1944 and it was rejected because of the fylfot. The badge was finally adopted over 50 years later.

[@57thorns]

And in large parts of Asia it is still not at all controversial. They have thousands of years of history with the symbols benign use. It was Japan that was the big bad bully over there after all, not Germany, so why would they tear down important parts of history over something an idiot on the other side of the world did? You also have to be aware that symbols have no meaning in and of themselves and that context is everything, despite what some graphical designers might claim.

[@cheesedoff-with4410]

I see the Finnish air force have dropped their reverse swastika from their ensign in 2017. (It predated the German use I think).

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@cheesedoff-with4410 yes they used it since 1918.

[@Veni_Vidi_Vortice]

Waterloo station has (or had) a whole horizontal sequence of swastikas incorporated into the iron framework of the canopy over one of the entrances. Haven't been there for years, but I took a picture of it last time I was there because it kind of stood out for me. Can email the photo to you if you're really interested.

[@Rog5446]

Next time I'm at the station, I'll Goose Step over the tiles.

[@Gill12283]

Lol....fell about laughing at this😀

[@nw5835]

...and of course with your index finger across your upper lip, under your nose.................

[@misterjei]

Using the Upminster swastika to hide that you've got a new job at the Ministry of Silly Walks eh?

[@RendererEP]

Been there done that 😏

[@gilles111]

Don't mention the war...

[@Bunter.948]

Mr H - yet another example of your delicate good taste. Your followers are indeed truly blessed (a bit like the actor chappy but with less bulk and quieter). Thanks, Simon T

[@__-jt4tv]

Curiously, from the Thumbnail, I thought the Suspect Symbol was plaque stating: "LMS Built 1880 Derby" Given that the LMS didn't exist until 1923, that's definitely suspect ;-) If memory serves, this was likely part of the LMS's branding exercise whereby stock/infrastructure rebuilt by the LMS would have the LMS name put on the makers plates, despite potentially pre-dating the company. This was aimed at tying the company together into one brand, trying to patch up the unruly slap-fight going on from bringing together two fierce rivals south of the border (Midland vs LNWR) and north of the Border (Highland vs Caledonian), along with other, smaller firms. As I said, that's from the top of my head. There's probably more detail to unpack, but I'd have to go through my research material again! Thanks for another fun video and all the best :-)

[@peterkazmierczak7273]

Yes, I thought that was the suspect symbol too. I've never heard of the LMS trying to backdate its works plates though...

[@williamgray4601]

My dad has been getting on the underground at this station of the better part of 20 years and It wasn't until I started working up town and told him that he clocked. Its oddly easy to miss. Probably due to the tired eyes at 7 am and the coffee wearing off at 6pm

[@GeraldParchester]

I remember being here lots of times. Just beyond the pillar box on left is entrance to Minster Way. The station platforms have hardly changed. We used to stand on the platform and wave goodbye to Grandma at the gate....

[@teesbuses]

History is there for a reason, to teach future generations.

[@Zombie_Problem]

I tried Hitler Ice cream it left a bitter taste.

[@Gainn]

You just have to be in the reich frame of mind.

[@Zombie_Problem]

@@Gainn Have you tried BerryBlitzkrieg?

[@SportyMabamba]

@@Zombie_Problem I prefer Apfel Anschlüss flavour myself

[@Zombie_Problem]

@@SportyMabamba I had to google that one.

[@emilyadams3228]

@@Gainn And you must concentrate.

[@amyjm3956]

I went to school just round the corner from Upminster Bridge and would get the train home. I remember the first time we covered the war in history... A group of us spotted the symbol on the way home and it freaked us all out 😅

[@TEBEnthusiast]

Geoff “Now Upminster Bridge is not named because there was a bridge, that would be silly!”

[@suntexi]

There is a nearby bridge over the river Ingrebourne, where the local pub sat, which was called the Bridge House, is now called the Windmill because there is a local windmill, just started working again after a major refit. The river Ingrebourne is the boundary between the towns of Hornchurch and Upminster, so Upminster Bridge station isn't actually in Upminster, so its real name should be Hornchurch East (Like Dagenham Heathway and Dagenham East, just down the line). There has been some discussion about the 'swastika' in the local Facebook site, and there were three tenuous conclusions: 1 - It isn't a swastika because the central crossing lines are staggered 2 - Its design is light on dark, not black on white therefore not a swastika 3 - Nobody really cares as it's part of the station and has been since it was built.

[@southron_d1349]

Prior to Mr H changing the German flag, the hooked cross could be found on wedding cakes for good luck. Whereas now it's horseshoes - mud and grass are optional, I believe. As a matter of fact, I still have a hooked cross tiepin which belonged to my grandfather. If one can ignore the newer connotations, it's a nice piece of jewellery.

[@allenwilliams1306]

Your attempt to be PC by not actually using the term “swastika” and using “hooked cross” instead is a little odd, since “hooked cross” is a literal translation of what the Germans call the symbol - “swastika” is what we call it. In any event, there is another perfectly adequate English word meaning “swastika” you could have used: “fylfot”.

[@southron_d1349]

@@allenwilliams1306 Hooked cross is not really PC. It's just another term for the symbol. And yes, I'd had forgotten about fylfot.

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

@@southron_d1349 Fylfot being the architectural term for it.

[@johanfaxer2809]

The Swedish electrical/industrial company Asea (yes, all Swedish company names are four letters and ends with -ea) had a swastika in its logo, until 1933 when they removed it because ... well, the unfortunate associations etc etc. On old maps you can see the swastika as a symbol for power stations. And of course, that was the reason for Asea, producer of generators, motors and transformers, to use the symbol.

[@sabinebogensperger1928]

Another great video, thank you. I do still wonder why there is red phone booth inside the station!

[@actuallypaulstanley]

Have walked past that phone box for years and never thought to check if it actually works in these days of mobile phones everywhere. Maybe because I am looking down at my phones screen?! 🤔

[@alexandraclement1456]

Useless fact, there is a town in my country called Swastika, and the government wanted to change the name because of Hitler. The town was able to convince the government for the same reasons you listed and theirs went the other way.

[@michaeljames4904]

Would that happen to be in the US? Is it an area that gold prospecting used to happen in, perchance? Because if so it’s where, ironically enough, the father of the Mitford Sisters (think some were born there) chanced his arm in his youth at being a gold miner, one of whom, Unity, was likely the mistress of “this guy...” 2:21

[@alexandraclement1456]

@@michaeljames4904 Canada actually.

[@michaeljames4904]

@@alexandraclement1456 Ah, I’d got the country wrong, apologies; the Wikipedia on the 2nd Baron Redesdale, provides the rest though: _”The Mitfords travelled regularly to Canada, where Mitford owned a gold claim near Swastika, Ontario: no gold was ever found there, but he enjoyed the outdoor life. His daughter Unity Valkyrie Mitford stated that she was conceived in Swastika and shared this fact with Hitler upon becoming one of his British confidants.”_ (sic) And David Freeman-Mitford only got the baronetcy, because his older brother had been killed at the Battle of Loos. An horrendous WWI engagement (weren’t they all?) whose gassed hero ended up the then youngest man ever elected to Parliament... eventually marrying the original heir’s niece, Unity’s sister Diana; continuing on to some not insignificant notoriety himself -we call this understatement.

[@OofusTwillip]

Here's the story of Swastika, Ontario, Canada. And the odious Mitfords. nationalpost.com/news/canada/the-nazi-from-swastika-ont-how-canadas-most-unusually-named-town-spawned-a-notorious-hitler-fangirl

[@lawrencelewis8105]

I've been there on a trip up North. In Toronto there are two buildings with a swastika motif, one is a bank of Queen st just west of University avenue and the other is the old CPR station at Yonge and Summerhill- in this one, the swastikas are part of the edge of the canopy outside the building. The bank has them on the front wall in a rectangular strip.

[@erikga46]

Maybe worth noting that this symbol was never officially referred to as a swastika, the term used was “hakenkreuz” (hooked cross), and as far as I know, they tried to pretend they invented it... Just as “they” never referred to themselves as “nazies”. That was a derogatory term invented by German refugees. A further aside; in my native Oslo, Norway, the magnificent administration building of the Oslo Municipal Lightworks had its wrought iron gates adorned by the swastika - predating the Hitler regime. This building is listed and is now being transformed into a five-star luxury hotel. It will be interesting to see international travellers’ reaction to this. Hopefully their reaction will be as measured as that of the Upminster residents! Great channel, I’m subscribed!

[@Bacony_Cakes]

Oops, i guess the designers... Did Nazi it coming!

[@barneypaws4883]

Heil no

[@emilyadams3228]

The SA tried to warn them. You know, the Sturmab-Tile-ung.

[@m1geo]

Oh memories! I used to commute to Upminster Bridge to go the Havering Sixth Form in the mid 2000s!

[@SimonRML2456]

Yep this was a really good one 😊 and the swastika on the station floor is only offensive if you want it to be, I personally do not find it offensive... But then I have a brain... 😜

[@ateshhughes5889]

I was in east ham last week thinking jago would like this iron work 😂

[@DanceswithDustBunnies]

If I'd come across this graphic at the station, without seeing this video, I wouldn't have even thought it was a swastika.

[@nilo70]

LOVE IT ! When I see a new video by you , I click on it and hit full screen and like while the commercial is running and get a refreshment.

[@charlieshanowsky6103]

The Indian take-away "Little India" by the station is a perfect neighbourg to the swastika. For me the swastika-casus is a perfect example how is the society easy to manipulate and how uneducated und unaware most of the people is. The wonderful ancient symbol carring such possitive message (the power of the sun, the order of the universe and so) became "bad" overnight. Anyway, great video as always!

[@berniewighton5198]

Once again a excellent informative video with perfect narration and sensitivity.

[@mdhazeldine]

In the age people being worried about offending anyone about anything, I'm surprised TFL hasn't voluntarily removed it for fear of being sued for making someone feel "uncomfortable". lol

[@deltron275]

haha yeah crazy how people would be offended by a swastika XD snowflakes hey

[@shoutingmuteness3902]

Nowadays coughing can be offensive. 😷

[@jaywilliams720]

its quite ironic. i see more people complaining about potential "snowflakes" than i ever see people actually offended by this sort of thing. you're all rallying against an imaginary strawman that literally doesn't exist.

[@kevinmartin2516]

I still find it a little amazing that the tiles are still in excellent condition. I kind of expected that someone would have had a go at it sometime during the past 85 years. I wonder what TfL will do with it, when it comes up for refurbishment in the station?

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

@@shoutingmuteness3902 yes, I try to fart to hide the cough!

[@FJMLAM]

Excellent film. Brilliant dialogue.

[@rororp]

As a youngster, a few nights a week in the mid 70s, I used to catch a train from Upminster Bridge, going west. It was around 8pm ish, did the journey for a couple of years and never even noticed the floor emblems and I doubt anyone else did and people back then were still around who had fought in the war and they weren't bothered either. However the odd thing about the station, was that in the 2 years I caught a train from there, I never once saw another person at the station, not once. Most odd.

[@BarryAllenMagic]

For someone who lived in Essex for 11 years, why am I not surprised that a Swastika isn't frowned upon by many of the locals?

[@davidwalsh4788]

There must be something in the air in Essex. Two other examples of architectural and stylistic oddity are (a) the later annex to Essex County Council's offices in Chelmsford which sport Swastika friezes round the front elevation, and (b) the redesigned LNER Clacton Railway Station - probably the only building in Britain which uses the Italian 'Fasces" symbol around the main entrance. And both were built in the 1930's which makes it all odder.

[@CorvoFG]

1:38 when your outfit matches the decor..

[@barneypaws4883]

Quite fetching I thought

[@jgodfrey546]

Damn... beat me to it :-)

[@Alan_UK]

I like your style - succinct yet informative and clearly delivered with a sense of humour. Unless I missed it, the station is called Upminster Bridge on account of the nearby road bridge over the River Ingrebourne, a tributary of the River Thames.

[@ferstuck37]

Thanks Jago for another interesting insight into railway history, how you find the info I don’t know but keep it coming. :-)

[@johnfrancis2300]

Hornchurch resident here, thank you for elightening me about my local tube station, I shall look at it in a different light now,

[@A14M04I19A95]

0:38 “widespread unconsciousness” is precisely why I watch your videos 😂 not to be rude but I love watching them to fall asleep

[@stevecarter8810]

I don't think prefixing something rude with "not to be rude" actually works does it? 😂

[@A14M04I19A95]

@@stevecarter8810 I didn’t want to imply that the video was boring hence the phrasing. Judging by the likes, seems like I’m not the only one lol

[@andyshorrock6230]

There's another pair of swastikas in London, on the side of India House, the High Commission of India on East side of Aldwych

[@annother3350]

It's an ancient Indian symbol of peace

[@tombaxter6228]

I believe I'm correct In saying that the difference between a Nazi swastika and a regular, non-right wing one, is that the Nazi one is tilted at an angle, to signify 'movement', or something. Therefore, the Upminster example is genuinely a good luck symbol. Unless, you look at, a bit squinty, or approach it at a 45° angle, I guess..

[@LBear50]

As well as coins, people used to put lucky charms in their Christmas puddings. A packet of lucky charms often included the swastika. My grandmother, living far from Europe in Australia, told us that she put lucky charms in her family's 1938 Christmas pudding and after it was all eaten and all but one of the lucky charms were accounted for, she realized that someone had swallowed the swastika. Grandma, who we often thought of kindly as an 'original' thinker, said that, because of this missing swastika, she was not surprised that a war with Germany started within the following year.

[@seahorseproperty]

Another great video. Surely it must only be a matter of time before the Discovery channel come knocking and have you make a full fledged series. Thats something I'd love to see.

[@mfaizsyahmi]

No patreon/ko-fi callout in this ep. :( It could have been a "good luck symbol to my station flooring"

[@foowashere]

Ohhh yes, that would have been a fine one. Well spotted. 👍

[@johnm2012]

They get a mention at 5:30 but not in the style you were hoping for.

[@Daneki]

This video was brought to you by K.Wagstaff & Sons. Call now for plumbing and heating supplies!

[@actuallypaulstanley]

That made me laugh! Living in the area and this being my local station, we see their vans constantly...

[@NineWorldsFromDrew]

Until 2010, Upminster Bridge and Upminster were my two closest stations. I never recalled there being a swastika, on the floor of Upminster Bridge station! 🤣

[@althafrafianto]

your videos are simple, yet very informative. Keep it up!!

[@erikgstewart]

The swastika was also a symbol for electricity in the 30's, so using it in a station used by electric trains makes sense.

[@edwardhobbs5214]

Took me 6 minutes to even see the swastika, thought it was just 4 red rectangles.

[@cargy930]

Top video, Wrighty! No wonder there's no news stand in the station. Otherwise there'd embarrassing situation of people asking for their "papers please".

[@johndaarteest]

It's not Reich to make jokes like that.

[@emilyadams3228]

@@johndaarteest Q: Why wasn't the NSDAP started by the Chinese? A: Two Wongs don't make a Reich.

[@johndaarteest]

@@emilyadams3228 Hu knows where you are Goering with these puns

[@emilyadams3228]

@@johndaarteest Q: What do you get when a Kriegsmarine Admiral goes down w/the ship? A: Dunkin Doenitz.

[@johndaarteest]

@@emilyadams3228 Brilliant - but naughty at the same time ; - )

[@williamharding4260]

The County Hall in Chelmsford built in the 1930s has a swastika chain along the upper storey. Also the Finns used it for their military aircraft (blue on a white roundel) from the 1920s.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Only 18 seconds in and already I’m distracted and thinking about the possible etymology of “...for Pete’s sake.” Thinking about why this Pete fella is getting all this stuff done on his behalf. I don’t even know who Pete is! I’m waffling, back to the video and I’ll find out about Pete later. Thanks again for sharing your videos and all your knowledge. Take care, for Pete’s sake.

[@southron_d1349]

I believe it refers to St Peter. It's a kind of euphemism for "for Christ's sake".

[@peterhewson3216]

Please do-Ive suffered enough!!!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

@@peterhewson3216 hi there Pete(r). I’m genuinely able to empathise with you because my name is Eve....yup, I get the same worn out question every time and every time, that person thinks that they are the first person to ask me - “where’s Adam?” Sometimes, because I don’t laugh, I’ve had people then go on to explain their brilliant joke to me. So, yeah, I really really can empathise ha ha. But one of my favourite questions is - Oh that’s a nice name, where is that from?

[@larsalvik93]

There is also a different use case. Pre war it was used in Scandinavian countries as a icon signifying electricity. For example power plants on official maps. The old headquarters for the municipal electricity corporation in Oslo still has a front door from 1928 with swastikas as the main motif.

[@rogerwhittle2078]

I have always understood, although I'm not sure where from, that a 'swastika' wasn't one of "those" swastikas, unless it was rotated through 45 degrees, relative to the perceived viewing aspect? Thus, all the religious and peace symbol examples are clearly not nazi symbols, neither were the 'square' swastikas on Finnish aircraft, but the ones on the tails of WWII German aircraft were. Nice vlog, nice little station

[@MattSpaul]

Essex county council building has swastika designs carved into the stonework, built in 1919

[@davegreenlaw5654]

Back in 2007 I took a trip to Yokohama for the World's Science-Fiction Convention (aka 'Worldcon') I had arrived a week before the convention to sightsee, traveling into Tokyo each day like a regular commuter. One of the first maps of Tokyo I picked up had the swastika - pointed the 'traditional' way - in red to denote Buddhist temples...with a lengthy commentary at the bottom of the legend, in the same red, to explain why such a symbol was being used.

[@captaincodpiece3263]

The Finnish airforce in the 1930s and ww2 also used the swastika as it’s national insignia. The Iron Age battersea shield is also adorned with a swastika, while dark age carvings of British warriors fighting the Saxons also show the symbol on the Briton’s shields. Some have suggested it may at least in European usage depict stylistically the rotation of the constellation of the Big Dipper which was once the circumpolar constellation that rotated around the fixed centre of the night sky, the romans called it the seven ploughing oxen, who turned the heavens, and they too were great users of the swastika particularly in floor mosaics it seems

[@chriswareham]

In a number of churches in Northern Finland their are "swastikas" on the altar. It was a Sami symbol with pagan origins. (Sami is the proper name for what are common referred to as Lapps - the latter is considered derogatory though).

[@barvdw]

That is correct, although at least some people have adopted the monicker with pride, nowadays. They are usually mixed Sami-Finnish, but not all. Identity can be tricky.

[@debbiehenri345]

Maybe the fact the swastika being on the floor of the station is happily treated by the locals in the same way the tiled crown is walked upon by patrons of The Crown pub in Belfast.

[@thegreybeard3441]

Now getting the feeling JH is following my career...yet another station I used to work at😂😂😂😂

[@michaeljames4904]

Because of their priests’ difficulty in travelling (long story) there are less than a handful of Jain temples in Britain. Visit one _-unless you’re menstruating, equally long story-_ and the symbol is absolutely everywhere. Also for decades the emblem of the Finnish Air Force.

[@ianhudson2193]

The Finnish Airforce use actually has an interesting side storey as it's how British aircraft legitimately carried Swastikas. In the interwar years, having only a small indigenous aircraft industry, Finland bought it's combat aircraft from overseas including Britain and America. It's how they ended up with things like Hawker Harts and Brewster Buffaloes. The last such aircraft were a group (I think about 15) of Blenhiem Fighter Bombers from the Bristol Aircraft Company in 1939. These were built brand new for the Finns and delivered initially to RAF Bicester (Now preserved as Bicester Heritage) in Oxfordshire, which at the time was a Blenhiem Training & Conversion Unit. After shake down and conversion of the Finnish crews there, they were to be flown by their Finnish crews back home and this presented a problem. As brand new aircraft they had been delivered "turnkey" as you might say, fully equipped and bearing their Finnish serials and markings......including large Swastikas!! With the sabre rattling and threats already emanating ftom Nazi Germany, flying a large Bomber type aircraft through the skys of northern Europe with swastiksa on was seen, even by the RAF (who were always up for a good weeze) as perhaps provocative and even a tad dangerous........not to mention the risk posed by the odd RAF pilot patrolling over England who hadn't got the email!!! So, in typical British make do and mend, it was decided to whitewash over the Swastikas on the wings and fuselage and all would be well.....the aircraft being duely despatched with their crews en route to Finland........ Of course, whitewash is water soluble and it can get slightly damp flying the skys of the North Sea and Northern Europe and the result was inevitable........all arrived home safely but how many alerts or heart attacks resulted in countries en route is not recorded!!

[@villeuusivuori7150]

The swastika in Finnish military use comes from a Swedish nobleman Von Rosen who gifted an airplane with the symbol to the Whites during the Finish Civil War in 1918. During the 1920s Von Rosen would become a close personal friend and brother-in-law to one Herman Göring, and during the 1930s went on to found a nationalist socialist party in Sweden.

[@johnbull1986]

How would they know if you're menstruating or not?

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you for another great video.

[@Oh-Jay52]

Nice to see the Little India takeaway at the Stations Entrance < I wonder if the symbol helps their luck with Orders ...

[@gavinrowe2335]

One at Hornchurch also, next stop up the line.

[@actuallypaulstanley]

Is there?

[@eggyboy123]

Excellent. There are council houses on the Townhill estate in Swansea that had swastika's on them. They were built in the early 30's

[@paulohagan3309]

There was a Swastika laundry in Dublin. It's even got an article on it on Wikipedia

[@Moorb0y52]

Took me so long to see it, I kept thinking it was the dark tiles rather than the light ones.

[@Acrolvm]

Nearly a decade ago I dragged my grandmother over to this station because I was curious about the "bridge". We asked a station guard where the bridge was and he said the only bridge around was the one that the railway crosses over. However it wasn't a complete waste of time because of the windmill up the street and the actual history behind the swastika in the station was rather interesting. Once again, fantastic video!

[@actuallypaulstanley]

And the windmill has been renovated over the past 4 or so years in Holland; the red on the fantail are a water lily which is from the flag of Friesland where the milrights livea dn the refurbishment took place. There are plans to have the internal machinery working to mill flour again. There is a live cam on the windmill cap and they introduced a large number of telematics to show the rotation of the cap and sales in relation to the wind direction.

[@Dazreil]

Another fun fact, Upminster Bridge is in Hornchurch, it’s number after the bridge a little up the road

[@channelsixtysix066]

"Upminster Bridge is in Hornchurch" - After watching virtually all of Jago's videos, I'm no longer the least bit surprised.

[@raakone]

Just like the Montreal Metro has a station called Lasalle, which isn't in Lasalle, but in Verdun.

[@wilkie4142]

The postal address of the houses around the station is Upminster.

[@michaeldonahoo461]

Now I am really interested in the Red Phone Box!

[@dang373]

wonderful video as usual. I know the history of the swastika but never noticed it on the upminster floor, educating..

[@kierangoddard2198]

There was a laundry in Dublin set up in 1907 who used the symbol right up until the 1970}s

[@meti9230]

Can't wait for your Richmond station. I've been on a cliff hanger for so long

[@Twy87]

Wouldn't be suprised if, following many hours spent researching English medieval heraldry in the British Library, the designers imagined they were being clever by incorporating the Fylfot Cross into Upminster's floor design.

[@actuallypaulstanley]

Have used the station for years and noticed the shape of the ticket office area before the floor tiles swastika design. Good commentary about the origins of this swastika. There are lots of buildings across the UK with a swastika design somewhere. I used to walk past the foreign office in London I think it was and that has a swastika design on the exterior...

[@jp-gl9fm]

I grew up in Upminster, then moved to New Mexico where the university symbol was a swastika (a Zuni Indian symbol). like at Upminster no one was "offended" for 40 years after the Nazi's until about 1990 when it was changed, even then if I remember no one complained, just a new chancellor decided on their own to remove it. Now I live in Asia, our local airport has a prayer room with a prominent swastika over it, in fact you see the swastika everywhere here.

[@BlaiddLlwyd]

Definitely "bad luck". I remember seeing swastikas in a mosaic in Hereford Catherdral, iirc. It's been years since I've been there. There is a theory that the symbol could have come from a comet that was seen head on, curved jets of gas could have formed that shape. It probably would have impressed our ancestors. Well done with this video, a calm, relaxing and informative look at what is a tricky subject. Not that I'd expect anything less from you.