The ancient heart of the City of London walking tour (4K)

A walk through the City of London visiting some of the city's most historic churches. Including All Hallow on the Wall, St Botolph Aldgate, St Katherine Cree, All Hallows Staining, St Olave's Hart Street, and All Hallows by the Tower. We explore the rich history and beguiling architecture of these sacred spaces. Along the way, we'll learn some of the fascinating stories behind these churches and discover hidden gems.
Continuing the series of walking tours around the churches and ancient historic sites of the City of London we start at Bishopsgate outside Liverpool Street Station. Our route takes to All Hallows on London Wall and then we walk down Houndsditch which was once a deep ditch outside the Roman Wall. This leads us to St Botolph Aldgate where the City meets the East End. From here we walk along Aldgate High Street to Leadenhall Street and the church of St Katherine Cree with its stone Tudor tower. Crossing to Mark Lane we visit the tower of All Hallows Staining and then on to St Olave Hart street where I was fortunate to catch the end of the Sunday service. The final church on our walking tour is All Hallows by the Tower with its magnificent crypt containing a section of Roman tesserae and Anglo-Saxon stone work from a previous church on the site beside the Tower of London.
Playlist of City of London Churches videos
• City of London Churche...
Related video:
Walking London's Roman Wall • Walking London's Roman...
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Before Daybreak - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen
City Sun - Mochas
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While My Body Here Decays - They Dream By Day
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Pachabelly - Huma-Huma
- from the KZbin Audio Library
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[@LoveSpudsUK]

I cannot express just how much I enjoy your videos Jon. Always interesting and insightful and you have such a friendly and kind personality which make the videos such a joy. Thank you for your work, I wish you and yours a happy and healthy 2023.

[@derbyshirewalker]

Whether it be churches, rivers, burial mounds, the city or whatever subject you decide to film i find all your videos an inspiration. They give me such a sense of pride in our small but history packed island. Thank you so much and Happy Christmas to you and your family.

[@markturner1970]

This must've been last Sunday before the snow came down in the evening. Thanks for the video John, I deliver around these areas but don't always have time while driving to see the places you point out.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

spot on Mark - it started snowing just after I got home luckily

[@highpath4776]

@@JohnRogersWalks I went to a local south london church group, we were playing carols outside at a community centre with a couple of school years singing christmas / winter songs and carols, indoors we had hot chocolate on serve with mince pies and outside under a veranda it was snowing gently ( white christmas and see amid the winter snow as my single socked feet got colder, great )

[@ArhPos]

That's the sunday when they cancelled my return flight and I had to sleep on airport floor.

[@lindenlumb1122]

Don't know where to get in touch.....so what about a dickensien walk.there must be plenty material...thanks you.worth a try.

[@susanfisher4344]

Thank you so much for taking us on this fascinating tour. I am an American who longs to visit London some day. Your love for the city always shines through.

[@sarahjane8949]

You must visit and I’ve worked here for many years over the years and lots of Americans actually work here too 🤗🇺🇸💐

[@andrewmurray5542]

You'd be very welcome.

[@brianjrichman]

I'm an ex-Londoner who moved to Texas 22 years ago. The place is well worth a visit, and it is always evolving. new buildings going up and ones that are no longer used being refurbished or replaced. The scourge of London now is that many places with other and really good uses for ordinary people are now being turned into high end apartments or condos, all well out of reach for all but multi-millionaires. While it is all part of the evolution of the place, it does rub many the wrong way as within a generation, there is a (more than usual) housing crisis.

[@sarahjane8949]

@@brianjrichman what part of Texas , I’ve been to Chicago many moons ago stayed in Evanston loved it 🤗

[@brianjrichman]

@@sarahjane8949 Fort Worth. I married my Texas Gal in 2001 and so far... They didn't throw me out, so I guess I am here to stay now!!!!

[@lindasueanderson8024]

I was pleased the sacred pigeon came to receive the votive offerings on the bench. It seemed an auspicious sign.

[@bobeagle2380]

Thanks for bringing back long lost memories, I went to the Sir John Cass foundation school in Aldgate in the early 1960s. On founders day we would walk to St Botolphs with red feathers in our lapels, the reason being Sir John coughed up blood on his quill when he was writing his will to set up the foundation.

[@jan1babs]

Loved this tour. I worked in the City in the 70s, my little office had one window that looked out into Bishopsgate where I watched the NatWest tower being built the other window looked out onto Great St. Helens, a tree filled peaceful square. The contrast was amazing. I shopped in Leadenhall market and in Middlesex Street. I feel almost as much part of the past as that tesselated pavement.

[@finnmcginn9931]

The end of your comment has sent me down the most interesting rabbit hole as I had no idea what tesselated pavement is (in London or the natural wonder in Tasmania). Cheers

[@bt5080]

Love all your videos. As you said, this was one of your best. Seeing the relics and the inside of churches was a real treat, especially because it's so difficult to gain entry to most others. I live in Vermont, a very cold climate but England's cold seems like it can chill you to the bone. Thank you for braving it for us.

[@rosemaryderham4749]

St Olave was the church Samuel Pepys attended and he and his wife are buried inside. It was also known to Charles Dickens who called it the church of 'St Ghastly Grim' due to the skulls carved above the gate. Love the city churches, always a favourite walk.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that Rosemary - massive oversight from John Betjeman not to include that in the book

[@arriesone1]

Yes Rosemary, I stood outside that entrance (under the skulls) a few years ago and was enthralled to think Pepys actually passed through that same entrance so long ago.

[@philliphurley5341]

St Olaves Church is on the corner of Hart Street and Seething Lane. I worked in the building next to St Olaves Church in Seething Lane and used to sit in Pepys Gardens which is where Pepy's house once stood.

[@arriesone1]

@@philliphurley5341 Marvellous! If only his house were still there to take a look around!

[@paulhargreaves9103]

Great information and presentation John, thank you. Do you ever wonder why the city is full of the ubiquitous urn statue (see 4:02) and obelisk….? They are everywhere spanning practically all era’s trends etc….. any thoughts….?

[@waynehiggins16]

Brilliant video, just relaxing after a 12 hour shift at work and it's such a great thing you do for us all. Keep them coming.

[@martaorduna7857]

Love these walks around the city ,thank you so much Mr Rogers. i learn a lot, Cheers from Argentina and Merry Christmas!!!!!

[@lesliegprice6652]

Thanks John just like to say how much I've enjoyed your videos this year , got me through a difficult time , A very Merry Christmas and happy New year to you and your family , cheers mate ❄️⛄🎅🌈✨👍💕☮️

[@waynehicks2035]

Excellent walk as ever, John. I particlarly enjoyed seeing that amazing model of the old Roman London and the 2 lost rivers. When you visit the Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr, try to go when it is open. Inside, there is an amazing model of the old medievil London Bridge.

[@concreteoverwater]

I’ve never been myself but I’d love to see you walk the canals in Birmingham around and under spaghetti junction

[@davegibbo1956]

St Katharine Cree was built on the cloisters of Holy Trinity Priory which has disappeared now but the shape of which you can make out in the street pattern; plus there's an actual bit of the transept which is in the foyer of the nearby WeWork office. Go and have a look next time

[@RobTaverner]

Another great video John. The model showing the Fleet and the Wallbrook was just wow.

[@kestrel230]

Nice walk John. Worked around here for a few years. For Roman cemetery check out the basement of 1 Alie St where the remains of over 80 interments were recovered in 1986. I was disappointed the visit to All Hallows by the Tower missed the font cover carved by Grinling Gibbons, one of my heroes. Could have watched more like this. You'll have to up your training regime John 😂 Wishing you a very happy Christmas and many thanks for all the videos. Cheers!

[@michaelwood3099]

Reminded me of the Open House weekend that fell after 911, the only buildings that were open that Sunday were the churches, and it probably turned out one of the best days of discovery I had in the city.

[@robbojax2025]

My favourite walks are around the City. Thank you so much. Happy Christmas to you and your family.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Merry Christmas Remember Robbo

[@WalksInCamera]

Very cool walk (literally it seems!). The churches of the City of London are so full of history and it certainly must have been an amazing sound when all of the original churches were chiming. Thanks for sharing this walk 🙂

[@johnfoster7996]

Fabulous John. Wonderful to see ancient, hand-laid brick and stone enduring under soulless mountains of ephemeral steel, concrete and glass edifices which presently soar above them.

[@ianstonehouse]

Thanks for another wonderful video! I’ve started visiting these old churches myself within the square mile, ever since I discovered that my 4th great grandparents were married in St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe back in 1809. St Olave’s on the corner of Seething Lane is a particular favourite. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

[@davidwarwick4777]

Thanks for another stunning piece of historic video John. I started my first job in Mark Lane back in 1985 before relocating just down the road in Braham Street. It was quite nostalgic watching you tread the very streets my feet also trod back in the mid-eighties. Happy Christmas John.

[@highpath4776]

All Hallows London Wall did have a small connection I think with City of London Polytechnic at Moorgate when I was there, though we did a fund raiser carol evening at St Botoluph Aldgate for the crypt project , which was for homeless people that were souped up there.

[@seanjamescameron]

Beautiful walk. The City is such a special place on the weekend. Must go and see that model for myself, looks wonderful.

[@_TradCat_]

How the City has changed from churches on every corner to now corporations. From worshipping God to worshipping money.

[@monkeytrousers6180]

Very atmospheric with the icy mist.

[@AFCManUk]

Just what my Sunday needed, another cracking video from John!! Been ill in bed all day with a stinking headache, so this was a very welcome break :D

[@dambrooks7578]

Christmas day walk to celebrate the Sun leaving its winter house?

[@susanmitchell4744]

I love your walks round the ‘City of London’ steeped in history. Very atmospheric, took me back to my days (especially Christmas) working there. I worked for a brief period in the old Lloyds of London and would have to take messages onto ‘the floor’. Leadenhall Market was still a working market with decapitated turkeys everywhere and a bit smelly but wonderful camaraderie amongst everyone….’alright darling?’ My husband was a choirboy at St.Botolphs and had a friend at school whose dad was a caretaker of an office block near St.Olaves. They used to sit on the roof of the office block and take pot shots with their air rifles at the bell in the tower of St.Olaves. Merry Christmas lovely man and family xxx Thank you for taking me round the City I love again.

[@sianwarwick633]

I worked too in the shops below street, and every day the Lloyds brokers would go back and forth to work. A great neighbourhood , even stopped to get whelks at Tubby Isaac's stall on a Friday. Down yo thd Minories and fetch a fresh roasted coffee .

[@hazchem100]

Such a shame that all the churches are locked . But I get it.

[@Waggst88]

New to these amazing videos and having lived in London all my life….I am amazed how much I don’t know. Thank you John keep up this great work

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thank you so much T J - welcome to the channel

[@Waggst88]

@@JohnRogersWalks John have you done a video that includes Artillery Lane ? . I must say I love london History and the way you come across makes it so much more interesting

[@rossybink]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your vlogs each week. Thank you so much John ❤ amazing video! Looked cold 🥶 wrap up 😂

[@Steveoaudioandstuff]

Been a while since I've landed on a video that's just been uploaded! Looking forward to this John. The City and its history I think are my favourites.

[@janicekrushinsky1607]

Thanks for another fascinating tour John. I enjoy each and every one. I had to laugh when you mentioned that it was minus one and that it was cold. Where I live in western Canada at the moment it is minus 46 C. We have had a solid week of similar temperatures and I must say it is getting rather depressing not to say downright dangerous. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and much health and happiness in 2023.

[@kohedunn]

The "Heating of the 'Tier "(?) Please enlighten me .. a Lovely video ..I do enjoy your walks ..Thank you ..

[@ray_wilton]

I once spent two days in All Hallows church trying to fix a small but elusive fault in the telephone system, it had a House Exchange System with 40 pair cables between handsets. I got it in the end. That was back in about 1984.

[@highpath4776]

Recently posted is this Blue Peter Visit to the city of london kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5vWZ3uGdpd1e6c . Valerie explains that London got its name from Tun(Don) Hill Settlement and Lin ( apparently fortified or fortfieable) alas no King Lud. I dont think I buy her explaination though either

[@john80c]

Great video John. The churches that were closed, are they closed permanently or do they share staff with each other. Not a church but there is a beautiful plaque on the wall of the Museum of London commemorating John Wesley's conversion. With the museum closing I wonder if the plaque will stay there as it is the actual site or will it be moved to West Smithfield?

[@julez8294]

Can you imagine what someone from 14th century would react like seeing these buildings now🫣

[@drainspotter4751]

Thanks very much for great content, all throughout the year , always look forward to seeing where you have taken us to, happy Christmas to you and y ours ,all the best from Kernow.

[@Tom_J23]

Thanks for video John!! Great as always!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Tom

[@highpath4776]

I think there are some wheeled crosses in the town of Sandbach. I dont have an explaination as to why the celtic and wheeled cross designs stem from, are they a mix of an Anka and a Christian Cross, a number of Saxon christian burial crosses are either the traditional cruciform or equal stem crosses but no circular motif that I am aware of. Perhaps the round elements were a simple way of depicting a head, or a supporting structure that could carry an encarved message.

[@highpath4776]

While the Bloomberg building and the one opposite were being built there was some open space that gave different views of sides of churches and guild halls that are now covered up again, I missed taking photos as I was in a rush , which I rather regret now

[@laurach.5550]

Besides the fact that your walks are all so fascinating I rellay love your soothing voice: it is so calming and relaxing and it really helps to shake off the stress of the day! Thanks a lot for another beautiful walk and merry Christmas!

[@keithsbitsandpieces]

Thankyou for another lovely and interesting video John , Happy Christmas to you and your family :) Look forward to enjoying many more in the new year

[@sarahjane8949]

City of London so many things to see in this small 1 mile radius 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@CthulhuInc]

thanks once again, john - that model of roman london was cool - don't know how i missed that on my last trip! next time, i suppose!

[@luxford60]

St Botolph is a patron saint of boundaries, which is why there are churches dedicated to him next to some of the old city gates.

[@highpath4776]

I do like how Christian Bread and Wine has since the 1800s turned into Tea and Biscuits.

[@JohnC2009Edin]

Thanks for this video, hope you have a good Christmas and look forward to the new year!

[@johnmiller5630]

I know this area well having worked there over the years. This is a truly wonderful video John, thank you as always. Happy Christmas and I look forward to many more walks in 2023 wherever they may be.

[@DannyTP1888]

Fantastic video John especially All Hallows by the Tower crypt. Thank you for all your wonderful content throughout the year, wishing you and yours a happy Christmas and great 2023.

[@JacqTracks]

Thank you so much. My first--and still--favorite explorations of London have centered on Betjeman's book on the city's churches. Your video brings it all back

[@JohnRogersWalks]

that's great to hear JA - it's a wonderful book

[@AngelaStone5678]

My favourite videos of yours at the central London ones! Yay!

[@williambell8282]

The City worships a different god now.....

[@teddyboy9116]

No it doesn't

[@Ukedc259]

Did Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath marry at St Boltoph’s?

[@bieni78]

Have you joined the campaign to save Simpsons?

[@chrisblay]

The city skyline has changed so much since I used to work there, with many new buildings that you referred to, such as the walkie-talkie. Still seems very familiar at ground level though. Another enjoyable walk. Thanks

[@williamrobinson7435]

Wonderful as ever! I agree completely about the tea. 🎄🌟👍

[@redfred70]

Perfect John - really enjoyed all the videos this year. Great to see the parts of The City I see every working day, but from a different perspective and angle. Cheers - all the best.

[@gwinniboots]

Yet another fascinating and detailed tour, so interesting! Thank you John- you do these tours so well. Interesting that the old and humble buildings rub shoulders with new, glossy developments. Have a blessed Christmas- all the best to you and yours. 😘🎄🎉

[@ExploringWithEmAndStu]

Great to see you back in my favour part of the London. We've wondered past many of these wonderful churches so was nice to learn abit more about them. All Hallows by the Tower is an amazing place bursting with history, each time we visit we discover something new we hadn't seen on previous visits. Great video as always, thanks for sharing it with us 👍😊

[@andrewharris8439]

Sad the churches not open on a sunday. Just monuments to a past history

[@kirstym1283]

Just catching up on your videos. I've said before how much I enjoy your work but I am really really loving the London churches series. I find everything about the 'city' of London fascinating. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the new year.

[@highpath4776]

you will have to re-tour the churches internally, each is fascinating. one of my local ones I found 4 gargoyles I had not noticed before plus some woodwork in the style of william morris

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

Fascinating video! Every time I’m in this part of London and see a church or older building it reminds me how much history they have seen and wonder what it would be like through the ages.

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

Haha just got to the Ship pub part and yes I've been in there. The mens toilet goes into what feels like a dungeon at the bottom of a tight spiral staircase, very cool

[@mamnisel4815]

Lovely interesting walk John in your City of London Churches Series.You always seem to find old pieces of the City on your travels which is great.Happy Christmas to you and your family and I look forward to a New Year of wanderingd wherever that may be!!!!

[@annychest718]

Pagan

[@2Sugarbears]

Oh my, thank you so much John for taking me to all those churches. I haven't seen any of them in many years. Thanks and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@RicHollandUK]

These ancient London video tours are very enjoyable and informative John. Always ones to look forward to.

[@patdiggin7053]

Thanks John, for all your content and merry Christmas to you and your family 👪

[@TXMEDRGR]

That was a simply fantastic tour of the churches of London. I loved every moment of it and it made me eager for more. Thank you.

[@morriganwitch]

Absolutely beautiful thank you John . Solstice Blessings to You and Yours xxx

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Morrigan - Solstice greetings

[@markjones327]

Wonderful John thank you ❤️🙏

[@GeorgeChoy]

Dog flavour sushi?

[@mkfloyd9131]

Always carry a revolver east of Aldgate...

[@waynej4962]

I've worked in the city since the late 70s. I know all those site well. You bring them to life well. Thanks.

[@anitaevans2432]

What a fabulous video John. Thank you!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure Anita thanks for watching

[@johncubbidge2237]

Thanks for another fascinating insight into the Olde citye of Loundun John. Have a lovely break over the holidays, and Merry Christmas from Australia 🇦🇺

[@etoufee21]

Have you ever done a tour of underground the City of London. The Roman ruins that have been built over.

[@laurafree8913]

We have been watching a few months now and me and my husband look forward to every walk- wherever that may be! We have especially enjoyed the churches and graveyard walks. Looking forward to visiting London one day and I feel so much more knowledgeable of the city layout and history thanks to your walks! Cheers from Dallas - Laura

[@leslielutz6140]

That three D map of Roman London needs to come out of the crypt. What a great visual.

[@heavensmountains323]

Great video! I would love to have a list of the remaining churches within the city.

[@lizstevenson7801]

Thank you John. I enjoyed this walk having walked past these Churches many times years ago and never known the history connected to them. Stay warm 💕🇦🇺

[@santorini8423]

Cracking vid, can’t wait to get back to London after Xmas to follow your steps John

[@JillessJack]

Tea and biscuits is the true sacrament of the British! The Swan is well worth a visit. :)

[@mechanicom]

Sushi dog food tastes a little rubbery

[@sonicfactory-co-uk]

Happy Christmas! Beautiful photography as always, I love the 4K content.

[@michaelcollins7313]

Amazing video John, thank you.

[@harrypascoe2120]

Than you for sharing your enthusiasm and knowledge and helping us all see whats under our noses. Merry Christmas to you and all your family

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Harry - Merry Christmas to you too

[@touriel8943]

It's such a shame church doors arn't open all day as they used to be. The Village church where I am kept trying, but things were stolen - including the lead roofing twice when shut! Part of me wishes they were not holding items of value, but they are the keepers of history as well. A sad reflection on our priorities as a culture.

[@ralphwinter6421]

Awesome Tour John, Cheers mate...

[@magicknight8412]

The feeling this video instils in me is why I love London so much. It just oozes history and ancient times past in so many ways. I really want to see in all these churches that seem forever closed.

[@01mememememe]

Brings such joy - thank you John

[@theghostofsabertache9049]

Botolphs without Bishopsgate is one of my favourite city churches I’ve spend many a quiet lunchtbreak there in quiet contemplation or drawing the carvings. The quiet spaces of London are slowly being replaced with coffee kiosks now. Churches are literally little islands of quiet amongst the noise of the city. Well, until they fill them with coffee kiosks.

[@sianwarwick633]

When I worked near there, there was still a youth group, but I think it met in a hall that has since been knocked down

[@letzigstudio]

Amazing! Thank you, Mr. Rogers. Your passion and enthusiasm for history is infectious. I've added St.Olaf's (spelling?) to my bucket list. The model of the ancient roman city of London beckons my curiosity. : { )

[@другПараферналия]

I adored to walk around the City after work shifts. Lovely and enspiring experience !

[@bryedwards986]

NADOLIG LLAWEN from WALES,A BLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDA.

[@asdacomp]

One of your most beautiful videos. Thank you John.