The Isle of Secrets - Orford Ness (4K)

[@EddusPoet]

I recently read Daphne Du Maurier’s short story The Breakthrough which is about an obscure military base on the suffolk coast undertaking strange experiments with consciousness and life and death. Watching this I can see what landscape inspired her to write the story! Amazing video, thank you!

[@seriousoldman8997]

Wow! Thanks for the heads up!

[@paulstevens3330]

My Sunday evening relaxation time

[@geoffpoole483]

Growing up in Ipswich, Orford was a regular destination on week-end afternoons. I can remember a WW2 landing craft being used as the ferry boat to Orford Island. There's a footpath near the castle that takes you to the Butley river; there used to be a ferry you had to book in advance if you wanted to get across the river. The "ferry" was a bloke with a rowing boat. Not too far from Orford is Bawdsey Manor which was where radar was developed. It used to be an RAF base. Just outside Bawdsey is East Lane, where you'll find the remains of a WW2 coastal defence battery. A fascinating part of Suffolk that's well worth exploring.

[@trinovantian1]

When I visited I got chatting to one of the staff members that grew up in Orford. On asking about The Rendlesham incident he told me he was a contract worker at the base during that time and whatever happened had really shaken up the US personnel. He also mentioned seeing a large glowing object himself on the Ness that he couldn’t explain…..he was an extremely pleasant man and very down to earth.

[@PracticalKen]

Hello from Muskegon, Michigan, USA. Thank you for sharing your adventure. I will be in the area in the fall and was curious about this location. Great job. 👍

[@tonywhite3835]

Look forward to this every Sunday now

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Wow!!! I’m 46, A confirmed Cumbrian I used to spend my childhood holidays in Ipswich at my Aunts. I loved this area and this castle as a child I thought it was mysterious.it’s brilliant to see it still is.

[@nanookofthenorth6186]

I lived just across the river from there while posted at RAF Bentwaters in the 1980’s & 1990’s. Never even knew that existed! I thought it was just an area of open ground between Orford & the sea. Your intro brought back a flood of memories of Orford...many wonderful evenings at the King’s Head,

[@gcljohn]

My understanding was that the "Cobra Mist" antennas were removed before the site was abandoned by MoD. The mast positions may be seen on a Google Earth view; the antennas at 11:23 are the remnants of the old BBC World Service transmitter which is still a designated emergency transmission site but is currently in use with only one of those towers by Radio Caroline on 648 kHz with a low power 1kW transmitter, but which will soon be allowed to increase its power level. Worth a listen.

[@davesnelling3812]

Such a bleak place, yet it appeared to give off a sense of mystery coupled with the pursuit of destruction, I think your experience captured this and it came across in abundance, the sound track music for this vid was just perfect, haunting and cold war thought provoking, this is probably your best one so far John, thank you matey, loved it. Dave in Thailand.

[@Headwind-1]

well put. .

[@welchman9390]

Just stumbled upon this brilliant upload. Thank you. The drawback, however, is I now have to watch all your other postings lol. Thanks again

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much- hope you enjoy the other videos

[@bakerloobadboy]

In my early army career I was based nearby at Woodbridge and helped out with removing the original COBRA radio installation. This is part of what helped increase the early warning up to 15 minutes. Today that area is home to Radio Caroline's transmitter. A lot of what was done there was apparently experimental stuff rather than as active part of the UK's defence program. Paul Greengrass in his book "Spy Catcher" mentioned working at Orfordness

[@orfordpiece]

Great to see this video. It brought back many fond memories for me. My Father was attendant of Orfordness Lighthouse and I spent many hours on the Ness with him during that time and even learned to drive on the roads and tracks over there.

[@jharris947]

A most enjoyable walk....Thank you.👍

[@johnharney6548]

I first found your films when I was in hospital last year, I had heard of most of the places you go to but couldn’t point to them on a map, which what makes it so interesting. I really love your films. Sebald is a wonderful writer and I’m really interested in anything to do with him. Thanks again John.PS I met Roger Deakin a number of times, a sad loss

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I’m reading Roger Deakin’s Notes from Walnut Tree Farm at the moment- such a wonderful voice. Must have been a pleasure to meet him. Thanks for the comment John

[@jim.m75]

Wow, fascinating spot cheers John. And so close to Rendlesham, makes sense.

[@stevegasparutti8341]

Many thanks for another lovely walk. Something special about the Suffolk coast. So much more isolated and undiscovered than the more well known and tourist favoured Norfolk coastline. We had our holiday at Saxmundham this year and loved it.

[@geoffpoole483]

Much of the Suffolk coast is isolated, with the exceptions of Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Southwold and Lowestoft. Lots of fascinating places to visit.

[@seanjamescameron]

What a fascinating place. Will have to watch this a few times to take it all in. Amazing what hidden secrets this country has.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Well worth a trip next Spring Sean

[@seanmurphy5770]

Yes John,when you have been to a very special place,it does feel like that you have been away for ever from civilization,i have had the same feeling when i walked alone in the Orkney islands from Kirkwall to the Churchill barriers on Lamb Holm (About 7 miles) when i was a teenager,it was like going back in time visiting all those wartime derelict installations and no one encountered on my journey,pretty well empty in the 1970's,when i returned it took a little time to readjust to the town again,know the feeling.Thank you for the tour,one of your best,cheers,Sean

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I bet that was amazing Sean - thanks for sharing that

[@seanmurphy5770]

@@JohnRogersWalks No problem,cheers Sean

[@garyfurner1227]

Visited three years ago in July,god it was a hot day,we walked miles round the ness,went up the lighthouse whichwas amazing sad it’s now gone,people need too visit this place,so much history,well done John.

[@Ben_Mdws]

Lovely part of the world - we visited during a stay in Aldeburgh. Smashing memories, thank you John.

[@keithallen4313]

Stunning place to walk round.

[@rickwills4281]

Fascinating visit, really enjoyed that.

[@waynejacksonofficial]

Just what I needed.. full chill! As always. Cheers Mush.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Wayne

[@GWJUK]

We spent two weeks there in April, right next to the castle. I could have seen you out the window at the end of the video across the field. What an eerie place the Ness is though I was transfixed with it where ever I walked when I was there

[@antonchristian873]

A place I keep meaning to visit, One day I will . Thank You.

[@jamesianbarber]

Thank you John - I had no idea this place even existed - Defo a trip up the A12 is needed - have a great week.

[@jonasranson7677]

Astonishing... beautiful & compelling film John

[@denismichaeljames]

Great walk, love those eery, clandestine secrets and history. Ive not been. It’s now on my list. This year I was at Stockton on Tees /Seal Sands. It felt vast and with the petrochemical area along that North East coast and power station. Fascinating walking areas, great for photography, especially with sea and skies. I find them so cinematic and the enigmatic colours reflecting. It can feel quite sci-fi and old B movies. Thank you. See you next time.

[@gwinniboots]

I had a thrilling afternoon at Sutton Hoo a couple of years ago, one of the best places I ever visited. Highly recommended.

[@sallypassmore8748]

That was brilliant John. Thank you 👏

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Sally

[@mctasty6094]

You are such a pro, love the way you put sound an vision together, you make it look easy i admire your passion.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks indeed

[@christyler975]

Totally captivating visuals and thoughtful commentary. Thank you

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure Chris thanks for watching

[@danielboulton98]

Definitely recommend visiting dungerness if you haven't done so already

[@rascal5867]

I love your work John.A nostalgic walk with a history lesson..Boomm

[@sonic-factory]

I love the production of your videos, amazingly chilled, great photography & music, interest insights.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks indeed Chris

[@paulusrailton]

After the nightmare morning I am having, thank you John for bringing me back down to earth again.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

sorry to hear about your morning Paul - glad the video helped

[@minijames2777]

Wow! What a fascinating place. Thanks John.

[@michaelcooke271]

Just fantastic to watch, great commentary. Glad I discovered your channel, such a wonderful rabbit hole to disappear down!

[@trucker-zv4nh]

really good these films. I want to visit these places now. never knew they existed

[@howdymartin6258]

Well done John - so entertaining - and you mention Woodbridge. My Father was born and brought up in the town. His postman was a Mr Eno who kept talking about his son's aspirations to be a musician.... I guess you could say Brian fulfilled his dream! - keep well.

[@roymeadway3592]

Thanks John, another fantastic walk, so much like Foulness where you walked recently, a truly surreal landscape populated by echoes of the past.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

So uncanny; stunning yet terrifying too... Thanks so much John, for the history, your thoughts and the amazing atmosphere that you always manage to capture in spades! Your cinematography here is spot on, the imagery is hauntingly beautiful yet scary too, it's inspiring me to paint yet again.

[@thesceptic1018]

Some beautiful watery east coast light there

[@2H80vids]

What a complete contrast from the streets of the London suburbs John. One of the joys of this channel is the "wherever that may be" element; keeps me coming back anyway.👍

[@TheIainMay]

Atmospheric walk thanks John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for watching Iain

[@MRoderick89]

This video is amazing the way you explained the history of the place totally captivating, and I love the military history, thanks John 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Michael

[@MRoderick89]

@@JohnRogersWalks your very welcome

[@ashleyjarvis954]

Brilliant and thank you. I’d love to visit, and could do, but somehow a place like that needs peace and not literary tourists like myself walking in footsteps of Sebald, Rogers and McFarlane.

[@markames3688]

Beautiful and yes, a lost sci-fi world vibe at times.

[@robert07787183]

Just the most amazing adventures you take me on. Your site is brilliant.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much Robert

[@robjeavons5982]

Thank you john although i was from colchester i used to. go to that part quite often on sundays. Suffolk is a magical place i will return to uk soon. Thanks again. Rob

[@mkfloyd9131]

That keep was built over 1,000yrs ago, what a nation we are, no wonder the Channel is full of tourists. Good vid I so enjoyed my first John Rogers ' Film '...

[@Steveoaudioandstuff]

I have recently discovered your walks and talks John, and it's become pretty much my go-to place on KZbin at the moment. I am really enjoying your skills as a cinematographer, your care with audio and music, how you share your knowledge, and the style that you wrap this all up in. It's beguiling, whimsical, fun, educational, it's just wonderful. Thank you for doing what you do. I'm exploring the back catalogue and was intrigued to see where you started some time ago. You've inspired me to dust off the Brashers and also to head over to your Patreon page to make a small donation which I hope in some way helps. Hopefully, everyone who watches will support what you do. Thank you for making your part of KZbin a fabulous place.

[@markriley4665]

What an amazing place, Thanks for such an inspiring video John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Mark - glad you enjoyed it

[@fruitytea]

I read a children's historical fiction book about Orford castle when I was young. It's intriguing to see the real castle. Eerie landscape, fascinating.

[@Westwoodii]

Wonderfully atmospheric place, and an excellent video to reflect that - 26 thoroughly enjoyable minutes. Sebald would have loved it. On my list.

[@timregester1173]

I have always loved Orford, the village is lovely, the castle keep is good, but never got to the island, it was always closed off when I regularly visited. I will have to do the Island in the spring. Especially as I live the other side of Suffolk so probably as long a trip as John had.

[@mikeyrepublic]

The masts you mention at a 11 minutes were actually part of the BBC World Service Medium Wave antenna system for 648 and 1296 khz.

[@partyboy9719]

Great video brings👍👍 back memories

[@keithjones6659]

An outstanding documentary. Thank you John, and may we enjoy many more adventures together…

[@emmamcnally4159]

wonderful. Thank you. (I was wondering around The Island that day too! What a beautiful day it was... so glad its recorded here.)

[@johnmiller5630]

Intriguing and enticing. Another hugely enjoyable walk John. Thanks as always for sharing the experience.

[@radioboffinG8KNF]

My late grandfather worked there during WW2, he told his family it was a desolate place calling it RAF Awfulness!! However, I think he had a much better time there than he let on. I've been around the site a couple of years ago. The Cobra Mist site never worked properly as it was very noisy. After it was stripped out Engineers commented that it was induced noise on the mains supply coming under the river from the mainland.

[@hikingdenbiking6245]

Another great and interesting episode

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Hiking Den

[@morriganwitch]

Absolutely mesmerising ! Mr Chris and I will definitely visit in 2022 . Thank you and so surprising . Quatermass on Sunday evening xxx

[@JohnRogersWalks]

You’ll love it Morrigan

[@morriganwitch]

@@JohnRogersWalks I like those ‘ odd ‘ places . Dungeness is another xxx

[@suecondon1685]

I love Sebald. Really enjoyed this, a landscape so familiar to me. Haunting and so lonely when the light begins to fade.

[@ianmaddams9577]

This has been on my list of places to visit for a long time . Such a desolate and secretive place we can only imagine what went on there . Thank for taking us with you John All the best for the coming week👍🏻

[@JohnRogersWalks]

It’s amazing Ian, you won’t be disappointed. Many thanks

[@ashleysgaze]

A very strange landscape (or, perhaps mysteryscape) John. And, a very nice evocation of W.G. Sebald. Great stuff! 👍

[@GreyGhost.]

10/10 ... no rivals at this level. Thanks John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Paul - very kind

[@terryflynn1956]

The most eeriest place I’ve seen would not want to stay there at night. Could not see or hear any wildlife . Great film John 😊👍

[@SteigerSteigerfoto]

Love Orford (nice pub there) and the coastline there up to Dunwich etc.Never made it to those intriguing buildings on Orford Ness…

[@mojoden]

All the charm of a Butlins holiday camp.

[@johnhall6993]

Thank you, John: your most atmospheric film yet, I think. It reminded me of Jonathan Miller's "Whistle and I'll come to you": same part of the coast, of course. Definitely on my list to visit next year.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks John

[@stevefleming3083]

Amazing video that gives a real sense of both the beauty and bleakness of the place. Need to get there next year when the ferry runs again. Thanks John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

glad you enjoyed it Steve

[@DannyTP1888]

Thanks John, great video and what a fascinating place.

[@smilevideobritain499]

incredible indeed. thank you

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks SmileVideo

[@dominicrivron2306]

I was reminded, too, of JG Ballard's story, The Terminal Beach.

[@The3Kosmos3]

Such a shingled shoreline, surely seldom seen...

[@kerryannestevenson6099]

By heck John,you take us to some places,always fascinating.Thankyou

[@cassius747]

Hi John. I really enjoy your work! So informative and mediative at the same time. Thanks so much and greetings from Ireland.

[@lilasphotosandvideos43]

A beautiful island and interesting history !

[@neilanscombe7348]

Incredible video John... thanks for sharing. Have a great week!!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Neil

[@kennethgardner3310]

Thank you John nice xplore..

[@alltheteam69]

Loved it. Not been for a few years but truly gutted the magnificent lighthouse had to go. Thank you

[@SirPrancelot1]

Fascinating, thanks. Loved your Manningtree video as well. Please keep on walking round the East Anglian coast!

[@drainspotter4751]

Yet again another great video , I've visited this place a few times, great atmosphere especially the secrets of its past , have you ever done a film walk of Dugness it reminds me a bit of orford , the flatness and the shingle beach , worth a visit especially Derek jarmens house, I'm sure you've been there. All the from kernow.

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Nice one John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Little Acorns

[@trinovantian1]

Amazing place.

[@roberthollands3308]

Can't compete with all the other comments..... just brilliant 👏

[@chroniclesofahalfwit]

What a fascinating place, definitely one for the to do list. Great relaxing video as always.

[@tensils]

Excellent Thanks

[@philipalbon3192]

Very enjoyable thank you 🙏

[@DaraM73]

A quiz! Reminds me very much of where the book, “The Flint Anchor”, was initially conceived (Oh I love a trail of breadcrumbs!).

[@ChrisArnold1975]

I visited Orford Ness around 2006 with the team I worked with at MoD Shoeburyness. Some of the buildings are very much like the test cells at The Environmental Test Centre (ETC - Shoeburyness) where I was based. The radar array at Orford Ness reminds me of Radar Duga in the Ukraine, a few km away from Prypyat (Chernobyl) which I visited in 2019. They're differently shaped radars, but both fascinating places. I'm looking to go back to both as soon as I can get a chance. I took hundreds of photos around Orford Ness but I trawled through every hard drive I've got and I can't find them. Another interesting place, if you haven't visited it before, is The Secret Nuclear Bunker at Kelvedon Hatch. Enjoying your videos. -Chris

[@ralphwinter6421]

Fantastic Film John ,Cheers mate..

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Ralph

[@youcef1451]

wow.Brilliant stuff.

[@mamnisel4815]

What a beautiful,wild and desolate place but stunning for the history and scenery alone.Glad you managed to recover with some liquid refreshment John as it was quite a walk!!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Mam - my legs were a bit sore the next day from the dash over the shingle to catch the last boat

[@lizstevenson7801]

Thank you John, very interesting as I never knew this place existed.💕🇦🇺

[@peterjackson4132]

Thanks John, another interesting video. Your films also bring out some very informative comments too.cheers buddy

[@davidshearer8793]

That’s a big WOW!