The Original Lost River of London (4K)

This lost river walk takes us back into Roman and Medieval London following the course of two lost rivers - the Lorteburn and the Langbourne. The Lorteburn rises in Aldgate and flows down Jewry Street, Crutched Friars, Seething Lane, and Water Lane to the Thames. We visit a new exhibition space created around a wonderful section of the Roman Wall at Vine Street, and also the Roman Wall at Cooper's Row. Along the course of the river we visit St Olave Hart Street and Samuel Pepys Memorial.
Sources: "A recently identified valley in the City" David Bentley London Archaeologist 5 1984
Roman London, Jenny Hall and Ralph Merrifield 1986
Related videos:
One of the best London walks: Walking London's Roman Wall • Walking London's Roman...
City of London Churches walks • City of London Churche...
Looking for the Lost Rivers of Roman London • Looking for the Lost R...
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Lingering Dream - Hanna Lindgren
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Over the Meadow Over the Stream - Alan Rogers
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Maps:
Geological Survey Map
'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland'
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[@terrydavies.257]

I don't have a TV and haven't had one for years, but your work is television gold and I find it hard to understand why a major TV network has not signed you up. Thank you John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s very kind of you Terry

[@dee74raz]

To be honest the internet is the future. More people watch KZbin than television. Plus your earnings on KZbin is much higher than TV if you can get the views and subscribers.

[@75YBA]

I can’t agree more. Excellent presentation and always fascinating subjects!👍🌎🌍🌏🇨🇦😃

[@janebaker966]

Probably just as well. Might stifle all the originality. But imagine John and Tony Robinson co-presenting!

[@annenewton5403]

Your videos of lost rivers are amazing.

[@davidshearer8793]

Lost rivers and the City of London - doesn’t get much better than this.

[@acmehorse]

Dearest John, sitting here in the Midwest on a very overcast, dreary day. Got the notification of the blog, and wouldn't you know it, the clouds parted, sun shining, sky is blue 💙! John has magical powers. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Amazing- glad to see the rivers casting their spell

[@bradbel]

I assume you mean Midwest USA?

[@acmehorse]

@@bradbel yes ... the weather can change that quickly. 👕😎

[@grahamhawthorn2320]

You are a National Treasure John. What a cracking video.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thank you so much Graham

[@seanjamescameron]

Watching a John Rogers video on a Sunday evening is on a par to the excitement we had as children watching Jim Bowen on Bullseye or The Antiques Road Show. Again another excellent discovering on unseen London, love to have seen that Roman wall myself.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ah so kind Sean - hope you enjoy it

[@keithwesley2471]

Often wondered about the source of 'Perilous Pond' which was a body of water next to the Old Street Roundabout. Filled in many many years ago but well documented at the Islington History Centre in London.

[@anthonypontremoli5943]

William Turner, the botanist who gave a name to the Daffodil, is also buried in St Olave's churchyard.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s a great fact Anthony

[@JTTW1455]

It’s amazing how easily the land gives up her secrets even after centuries of development. Thanks for sharing your passion with us.

[@TweedyPubs]

Fascinating and very evocative! I took a break this week from making pub videos and seemed to be itching to get out of the city... but this video was a wonderful reminder of the density of history and all the magical places we have right here on our doorstep in London! I struggle to think of a better advocate for our city than your good self.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thats so kind Tweedy - hope you enjoy getting back into the pubs when you feel ready

[@johnball1087]

Thanks John, In person I haven't been to London in years, however I'm there every time you release something your a great story teller and guide to our capital long may you guide us.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks John

[@AFCManUk]

Awesome stuff, John. Two lost rivers that I had absolutely no idea existed!

[@AFCManUk]

John, do you still intend to walk the Wealdstone Brook at some point. . . Like you mentioned in last year's "The Way to Wembley ... from Kingsbury" video? :)

[@SM-xf5dg]

John I love your story telling you bring history to life thank you so much someone had said you are a national treasure. Absolutely 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s very kind of you- glad you enjoyed the video

[@TheArquivopop]

Dear John, you are also the gift that keeps giving! Thank you so much for yet another wonderful walk!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure- I love making these videos

[@mostlyindica]

Wonderful, Thanks so much John.

[@rickwills4281]

Yet more secrets from the City of London.......brilliant!!

[@lindasueanderson8024]

That was a classic John Rogers walk..rivers and streets and alleys and round corners..in my favorite city.

[@HonestSonics]

This is a masterpiece John, well done. I've been up to the Roman wall a few times, and even through the screen it has a palpable energy - thousands of years of absorbed history seeping from the brickwork.

[@zcam1969]

that Roman Wall must have been a beautiful structure when it was built and imposing to enemies !

[@forthedisenfranchised4366]

Isn't it amazing that you've also become a living part of the history, by way of bringing the walks to life. Thank you, very much enjoyed.

[@Theoobovril]

Can appreciate the immense amount of research that you have to do, John, in making these videos of yours, all very much appreciated by us all.

[@Beachcomber95]

Thank you John. Really enjoyed this !

[@suewhite6612]

Delighted that your Dad's tune is back to round off a classic London river walk 😁

[@IndaloMan]

First time I have ever heard Crutched Friars referenced in a YT video! I worked on that very street at County Natwest Investment Banking in 1988 developing spreadsheet models #goodolddays

[@brianjrichman]

Watching your videos John, I see so many sights I used to see when I lived and worked in London. I also see so much change and its always a mixed feeling for that change. Thanks for these both good and not so good feelings the videos bring.

[@highpath4776]

As the change happens it for a time clears away the recent past and changes the vista to look at as well as digs down into the past

[@markcowell8096]

John, so good to have you back at your best! I spent so much time, as a young surveyor, working in that area in the 1980's.....the street names came back to me with very fond memories (and the pubs!), although your walk reveals that the City scape has changed so much in that short time. Wonderful!

[@karenevans8426]

Another wonderful piece about London's Lost Rivers.Have watched all the Lost Rivers series. Encouraged me to buy Nicholas Barton's Lost Rivers of London.

[@jonwek4332]

The undescribable moment of passion of being , seeing and experiencing where one is. Thankyou!

[@kellyspurgeon538]

Greeting from Lawrence, Kansas USA. Much like a good book or travel, your walks broaden horizons. Many thanks. Do hope that someday I may set out on my own walk through your fascinating city, wherever that may be. kelly

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Greetings Kelly in Lawrence, Kansas - and I hope one day to explore your fascinating city and the wider state

[@stephenoliver1437]

Thanks John to see the old Roman works which have been kept intakes around the new builds

[@EdEditz]

Fantastic video John. I'll be watching this one on repeat the coming week. I love it!

[@robertmaitland09]

A truly epic exploration of 2 lost rivers, especially a dubious one. Magically intriguing and illuminating, cheers John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Robert

[@sianwarwick633]

So pleased Aldgate is back in the picture, as i know it well, and that you are presentjng even more information about East London. John, please look for something about the 13th C. Minories temple on The Minories, roughly north of Tower Gateway. It would been outside or alongside the Roman Wall, and possibly excavated when there was the rail station at Tower Hill, now in 1840, closed 1853.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Sian. Yes I may be wrong about the boundary marker

[@sianwarwick633]

​​​​@@JohnRogersWalksi don't think you are . I think it may be both. I haven't done any of the reading you have

[@JeanineMarieCompassion]

I live for these videos! Thank you from Arizona!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jeanine in Arizona- that means a lot

[@harvey22]

And I love hearing Dad again!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Harvey

[@marty9011]

A fascinating walk. London is endlessly interesting. Love seeing the Roman wall remains.

[@RobTaverner]

Yet again a superb video John. Thank you. ;)

[@martinfrancis3285]

thanks John, i notice that All Hallows by the tower do a walking the bounds, maybe a good idea for a future series, walking the boundary's of the old parishes.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That sounds great Martin thanks

[@heidismit5261]

John! Nearly 40 minutes. That is very much to my liking. Love the book. Saving the chapter with Ian.S. for a very special moment. Despite every stupid development, London is still a place for very wonderful experiences

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Heidi - I’ll be venturing out with Iain again soon on a very special quest

[@heidismit5261]

@@JohnRogersWalks That is wonderful news. He is so very special.

[@ChrisWoutdoors]

Brilliant John, As a young lad I walked all them streets as a bank messenger not realising the history around me... Exceptional channel....Thank you... ATB Chris.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Chris

[@CarlFlint-vd6ro]

Ah, a similar experience, I was researching my fathers family tree in Bedfordshire and the village of Shillington was previously known as Shitlington. I dont why as its not in a built up area where sewage was an issue. But thanks for a great video John.

[@kyran333]

Great stuff 🎉

[@williamrobinson7435]

I'm glad to hear that you're using 'Over The Meadow & Over The Stream' as your end credits music - it's a MUST. Indeed, a walk, especially in The City takes on a special extra dimension when in consideration of these lost watercourses, and it's high time I did this one for myself; You are an inspiration! Nice one John. 🌟👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Glad you like the track William. It’s a great walk especially with that new section of the Roman Wall to visit

[@Seanchai59]

What an intro. I know you won’t disappoint.

[@jamesbain4351]

Many thanks John, thoroughly enjoyed that 👍

[@CthulhuInc]

so good to see another river walk, john. at points you were absolutely buzzing with excitement! i'm just starting to read your 2nd book now, cheers! love from canada 😊

[@bluceree7312]

That place used to be called the Bavarian Beer House, now the Munich Cricket Club. A re-brand of the same motif, I guess?!

[@bobwatts5662]

I always look forward to another one of your walks. Interesting and informative as always. Thank you John.

[@gingerspoons6078]

Fabulous insight. Thank you very much for taking the time to create and share ❤✌️🙏👊🙏✌️❤️

[@milobell5525]

Wonderful as always. It has to be said that your "I'm just saying" speaks volumes. Jus' sayin.

[@liberty_and_justice67]

Thanks! So enjoy the locations and your commentary 🎉

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thank you very much Liberty - very kind

[@markriley4665]

Great walk John (as ever). We seem to be shadowing each other as I’ve done several walks in this area in the last week. I was in All Hallows viewing Shackleton’s barrel on Thursday and visited that section of wall in Vine Street last summer. I was also exploring the coffee houses around Lombard Street last Sunday and Wednesday. Thanks for your enthusiasm-it’s infectious!

[@stevegasparutti8341]

Seeing an ancient wall underneath a city that is as modern as New York is quite amazing. The only real reflection is that the wall needed putting up, as prior to this, the Roman world was a safe place. Another brilliant video John - many thanks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Steve

[@luapnosboh7421]

The wall needed putin up Steve?

[@ste2442]

Seen a comment further down saying John is a national treasure, and that absolutely nails it . Cheers John , Ste Liverpool .

[@jenniferlevine5406]

That was fabulous. I think I am going to watch this again right now. Hearing your dad at the end made tears come to my eyes I guess because I didn't expect to hear it again. Great video - thank you!

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

Most enjoyable John. Thank you

[@chrisblay]

Apparently Aldgate was the oldest Roman gate. Also known for the Aldgate Pump which I think you mentioned on a previous walk, which caused disease due to the water being contaminated by bodies in graveyards through which the water source ran. Makes you queasy to think about it.

[@johnoleary5293]

The Crutched/Crouched/Crossed Friars used to carry a staff with a cross at the top. I think their monasteries were the medieval equivalent of hospitals, as were many religious houses at the time. Henry VIII suppressed them in 1538.

[@barrytcook1]

another great one ...luvved my time working in london and all it offers...

[@stevenspraggs4953]

thanks john something magical about the river thames for me another fascinating episode as i said in previous blogs you simply learn so much about these brilliant walks you do someone is missing a trick by not making this in to a sires for a sky channel thanks again stay safe steve

[@katyp8503]

Fascinating walk John. I am reading Stow’s Survey but need a map of old London to follow it properly and cross reference. Love exploring London with you from the north of England.

[@taloire43]

Many thanks John, for an excellent video. As a former City person in the early sixties it is most interesting to see a part of the City that I once knew as it has developed over the years.

[@guyavni3206]

You do your videos with love and passion and it radiates to the viewers. Great video.

[@davidseetvsierra123]

Magical...thank you

[@AMcF54]

Another absolute belter of a walk, John. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Although I have mobility issues, you inspire me to have a shuffle round this wonderful city of ours. Thank you for posting the link to the Church Walks - the missus and I will be referring to that very soon, when we take a wobbly stroll round those parts. Keep on truckin'!

[@dodgyg3697]

Magnificent video.

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Wonderful stuff for my walks there in London this Summer - thank you!

[@daveconyard8946]

Thank You John Keep Well.

[@prodigygirl1]

Watching and listening to your channel, puts me in mind of Jack Hargreaves on a Sunday. I love your walks and indeed I am a walker. I live in Buckinghamshire but come from London. I shall be doing some of your walks this year. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@liamclifford4912]

Thank you, John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Liam

[@keithprater310]

Wonderful ,two for the price of one.thank you John.

[@WalksInCamera]

So interesting. Trying to visualise historic London through your very descriptive narration is very enjoyable!

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

An invigorating and very interesting meander along lost river valleys. The exhibition of Roman wall in Vine Street looks superb as does the section of Roman Wall in Cooper's Row. In Roman times, there were probably as many, if not more rivers to be seen in London, as there were roads. And, today, their presence - or absence - still shapes some London contours, as well as the thoughts of the curious walker. Thank you for a very enjoyable video.

[@darrenrobson5977]

Nice one John 👍

[@diannewheatleygiliotti8513]

Thanks!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much Dianne

[@rjsalpha]

Excellent stuff John........love the passion!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks Rjs

[@philj4574]

Another classic as ever. Love detail of the street and church names. Do we know what Pepys St was before it was Pepys St as I assume it was there and had a name?

[@paulmagus2133]

thank you sir

[@patquinn2188]

Everyone a pure gem. Thank you so much.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Pat

[@ashleysgaze]

Some terrific, and deep, topographic work, John. Highly enjoyable, and very informative, as always! ❤

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ashley- love these walks

[@Jpkjr52]

Thanks again John in Chicago

[@TXMEDRGR]

Every one of your walks makes me wish I lived in a city with so much interesting history. I have been inspired by your videos to walk some of the historical streets of my own city. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great stuff TxMed - this practice applies everywhere. Hope you're enjoying exploring your local streets

[@mattcranston9591]

Born in London. In love with London. discovering London. Your walks and information are amazing. I very often follow your walks. Too good. #cheffy

[@kimbarnetson3297]

Hooray, what a treat, what a great video, so much information and your enthusiasm is infectious . Thank you for another amazing walk.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Kim

[@yveshogenkamp7747]

Thanks John you are amazing at telling these fascinating stories.❤

[@yveshogenkamp7747]

I saw you last year in London, and you smiled at me. I only recognised you after I walked past. I've been tour guiding my friends in London based on your stories.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Brilliant

[@paulwilson7234]

Great video.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Paul

[@amandajane010]

Fantastic walk John. Look forward to your videos and are now a staple of my Sunday nights. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Amanda

[@SamsungPhone-kk3ot]

Thanks to your video I have been to London this evening and had a fascinating walk, all the best ....

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great to hear!!

[@VickyAllum]

Thank you John for such an interesting and informative video, i must go and see the Roman Walls soon as i am in London all the time for my photography and love anything to do with Roman London , even though the city of London is full of new buildings there are still some wonderful pockets of old London still to seek out

[@DerWunderkind]

Thank you for your recommendation of Taboo a few weeks back!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure

[@ianlawrie919]

That was extremely evocative and you covered many aspects which incurred much research. I was intrigued by St. Olav’s, there is a current church of the same name, at the southern entrance to the Rotherhithe tunnel. It’s a Norwegian seaman’s mission. 👍👏👌

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ian - I know the church, it’s in my London Overground film

[@brockenshawterence9282]

very intresting this one john

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thank you

[@DavidStewart-sm8ex]

Hello John, Another great walk thank you. How can I get a signed copy of New London.

[@janebaker966]

That was fascinating John. I can't think of another,more original way to say it. In the summer I might try to have a day wandering all round the city of London like that. In Feb I had a few hours in London before my journey the rest of the way home. So I booked online to see the Mithraeum. It's free so I didn't lose any money. It was so strange. I'm an ok map reader but it was like a brain fog clouded my mind and the little blue dot kept jumping about,and I KEPT going the wrong way so I never did get to the Temple of Mithras place. Of course it was raining heavily most of the time and I didn't know it but I was also going down with a cold. Maybe Merlin put an enchanted spell on me. I'm honestly pretty good at getting around using both paper maps and google maps but that day it really was as if my brain was under a spell. For a place that's only a square mile it's a lot bigger than it sounds.

[@harvey22]

Very nice video, John. I love the history and the reference to Pepys, whose chronicle of the Great Fire I read many years ago. Thanks again.

[@highpath4776]

Surviving 70 years in a time of trouble and turmoil, presumably sustained by the avaliblity of Porter ?

[@JonathanLucas-zw7ec]

Loved this walk John...thank you. Was wondering what those old street posts were for, the ones with the stars on them.

[@highpath4776]

Grapefruit atop old cannons sometimes, later cast or moulded , basically stop cars going down roads lanes or pavements , you could probably tether your dog to them (but not horse)

[@ralphwinter6421]

Nice one John, gud walk...

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ralph

[@paulmcc5766]

Another brilliant walk through the greatest city on earth. Enjoy your pint tonight John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Paul - the beer is going down very nicely thanks

[@paulmcc5766]

👍

[@patsie1888]

Thanks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks indeed Patsie - very kind

[@wyvernmodelrailway]

Interestingly, the churchyard of St. Olav's is raised. This is due to the number of graves that has raised the area, hence you need to go down steps to enter the church.

[@andrewtucker3943]

An excellent armchair ramble through the streets of London in good company. Very much enjoyed that, recall wandering through a couple of those streets myself. I have your River Roding walks lined up to watch, that's my neck of the woods, Woodford Bridge. When are you going to follow it upstream, into the wilds of Essex?