Through Forest Gate to Upton Park - Farewell Boleyn

[@vickipearce9332]

Greetings from Australia. Green Street was my home until I emigrated with my parents in 1955. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@alanculbert5146]

Wow, what a coincidence. My aunty was born in Raymond Road, Forest Gate. She emigrated to Australia in '55 also

[@mohammedalhaideri9173]

Thanks for the video.Sorry about the spotted dog.It was my favorite eating out place 1968 to 1972. Attended West Ham tech college, now called university of east London. Great memories.

[@ahmd-mi9964]

I grew up in the 90s in Stratford, love your videos thank you so much.

[@robertgreen941]

From 8-58 to 9-26 when you were looking over the railings towards the football ground you were standing directly opposite the house where I lived continuously for over half a century, never been abroad, rarely left London, in fact 99% of my entire life so far has been spent on Green Street, when my father bought our house in the early 1950s even the old Boleyn Castle was still standing in front of the football ground, after they demolished it as a kid I used to play on the rubble where it stood, in the 50s and 60s Upton Park was a fabulous place to grow up, I loved every minute of it.

[@robertgreen941]

@Derry Douglas Yes, at the moment it's still boarded up and in a bad way but it has been bought by a property developer who are going to build on the adjacent car park and as part of the condition for getting planning permission have agreed to fully refurbish the old spotted dog building and bring it back into use, but of course only time will tell if this actually happens, I have inspected the pub building quiet recently and can confirm it's in a pretty bad state of disrepair and will take a shed load of money to put right so who knows ?

[@robertgreen941]

@Derry Douglas Good luck, stay safe.

[@robertgreen941]

@Derry Douglas Thanks very much for that link, I'v never seen that bit of film before, I used to love walking along that part of the Thames before it all changed, Bob Hoskins comments were virtually spot on with what happened to those riverside developments, I actually met him once in Shoreditch when he was making the film Mona Lisa, he came across as quite a decent bloke, thanks again for the link, you were right it was interesting, all the best.

[@lawsonrichards7005]

Sad to see the ground going to flats. spent a lot of time there from 85 to 92 . loved the irons. my old mum from canning tn Great vid greetings from wales

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for your comment Lawson, yes so sad to see the old Upton Park go, haven't been down to the Olympic Park on match days yet but difficult to see how they can take the atmosphere with them to Stratford

[@lawsonrichards7005]

John Rogers exactly John. still love west ham . can't get into modern football. No atmosphere out priced me . thanks great work J

[@ottomohr2889]

Thank you John for your wonderful videos of East London. I used to live in Aldersbrook for 16 years an your walk was almost exactly my daily cycling route to Newham Hospital. A truly heartwarming remedy for home sickness since Brexit forced me to leave the UK for good.

[@michaelcooke7263]

John, your walk jogged my memory. After passing the 11+ and heading for St Bonaventure's (aka West Ham Grammar school) , my mum took me on the 25 bus from Goodmayes to Green Street in early 1952 to buy my first pair of long trousers (to a Co-op?) She knew the area because her family had lived in Little Ilford (Manor Park). Such different times!

[@dovefamily3247]

John, the cinema you mentioned towards the end of this video was actually the East Ham Odeon. The Granada, where The Beatles (and Morecambe and Wise) performed, is actually further along Barking Road just before of East Ham High Street

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks for the correction - I only did a brief check when I got home, should have looked harder.

[@monsteranglinguk7513]

hi John yes this correct with the cinema, i can remember going saturday morning pictures at the east ham odeon back in the early seventies. my first ever proper film i watched there was Jaws!! Same time as i first went west ham, behind the goal in the south bank with my dad.

[@markg6860]

@@JohnRogersWalks Buddy Holly also appeared there in March 1958 ... the same night as Lonnie Donegan.

[@robertbridger111]

My sister saw the Beatles there , she was born in 51 me 54 , so in 63 I was 9 ,all I wanted to do is kick a ball about , I was born in Howard’s rd E13 , and lived in vicars close along the portway , I had a fantastic childhood growing up there , great people the East Enders , we moved away in my late teen to Ramsgate Kent , but West Ham will always be in my blood x

[@robertbridger111]

John Rogers , thanks for this film mate , my old manor , cut me and I bleed claret and blue x

[@mafzchowdhury2438]

I miss forest gate soo much lived there till i was 14 🤧😩😭

[@alex-E7WHU]

So did I.. 🤣 Left in 1978.

[@attilahorvath8338]

I left last year forest gate and realized that u can move out of london but u cannot move london out of u

[@davidhagner4064]

I lived on Hally Road and later Stopford road from 1983 thru to 1993. at the time I had no appreciation of the history of the area . Your videos have created a new interest for me , But hey! I could never afford the house that I sold in 93 to move away! excellent videos ! and your enthusiasm is contagious.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks David

[@peterthepainter5332]

Love the video. My aunt was a waitress at the Spotted Dog back in the 70's and my brother went to Stratford School (not in the vid but almost opposite Clapton's ground ).

[@SOUTHALLAlanTMobilityScooter]

I have been to 5 or 6 games at Upton Park- Boleyn Ground, I always found it cosy ! What with Harry Redknapp flying down the wing, SIR Bobby (tubby) Moore playing at walking pace, and always winning the ball. Olympic stadium? It is not as cosy! Used to leave early from Queen's Park. Go to Paddington, then a number 15 bus via Oxford Street, Aldwich, and Commercial Road. I ain't an Ammers supporter but I loved the place.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for sharing those memories Alan - I haven't been to Stratford on match day yet but just can't imagine there's any atmosphere at all around the ground

[@Renfro1982]

Great video as always John. My mouth waters as you browse the book shop. I'll have to remember it if ever go to London again.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Renfro - def worth a visit

[@hashirop3323]

Thank you for sharing your video. I spent four years from 2004 to 2008 in East London i cannot forget my those days i used to buy fruits & vegs from Queens market love from Pakistan

[@JohnRogersWalks]

all the best Zafar

[@hashirop3323]

@@JohnRogersWalks thanks for your prompt reply, John.

[@Zlervo]

It is a real shame about The Spotted Dog pub. I used to pass there on my way to school every morning.

[@mahdichowdhury3939]

Sweet childhood memories of going to Queen's Market during the weekends with my parents.

[@danielstevens6211]

Hi John, great film of home, cheers..I was chatting with Ginny of Ginny's Pie & Mash recently about the impact on the local economy.. She's had to lay off two staff, does everything on her own now..The Boleyn laid on coaches at the beginning of the season - 20 or so takers i'm told..Very few matchgoers passing through, as most come in from Essex.. Tough times, but on a glib upside, my street is no longer a car park..

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for the comment Daniel and very sorry to hear about Ginny's. Oddly it hasn't hit the bookshop too badly despite the extra trade they got on match days. You have to fear for the pub as well

[@lennoxbraithwaite3847]

Felt very sad to see the spotted dog in that state, I used to go to st Bonaventure school as a kid, I would go to woods bakery for cup of tea and a greasy bacon butty, later would frequent spotted dog in my 6th form years. Now live in Cheshire. Thanks for uploading vid, the cinema you showed was originally the Odeon, the Granarder was further down barking road which became a bingo hall, Buddy Holly played there in The fifties. Thanks again for posting

[@pennyhowell5406]

The Boleyn Cinema was the Odeon and the Granada that turned into to Gala Bingo was further down opposite Bartle Avenue and I work there are there for 11 years before or it closed I did find some pictures online of how it used to look like inside and on my Facebook lot people have shared their memories of seeing the Beatles there and other people and bands I stumbled across your channel on KZbin as I started working in Wanstead area and and I'm interested in local Histories and I googled some things and your videos popped up and I've been hooked ever since so thank you John

[@fruitelly268]

My aunt lived in Lancaster rd. She just passed away recently and I wanted to see the area again. She was from Glasgow Scotland but moved up to London long before I was born. I used to love travelling up to visit her every year. I wouldn’t be surprised if you knew her, her name was Janette

[@fruitelly268]

She lived opposite St Antonys church which is at the other end of the street from your old house I think

[@elybum]

the uppercut club was tucked away behind the shops. it was knocked down to make way for the ventilator shaft that serves the euro star. the building your looking at was the princess alice

[@JohnRogersWalks]

+Scott ta thanks Scott- always wondered the exact location. I think somebody's making a documentary about the Upper Cut so that should be interesting

[@elybum]

your welcome, and yes more walk was named after bobby more ,this i know as i grew up up there from when it was built in the 70s. and brooking close is also in the same estate, named after the great trevor brooking

[@alex-E7WHU]

Wasn't it a bingo hall after the uppercut closed..?

[@johnhegarty2898]

The Upper Cut was down the short cul-de-sac almost opposite Post Office close, around 150 years up from the Alice - a little street that never had it's own name, just "Woodgrange Road". While the Upper Cut was relatively high profile and short lived, The Lotus Ballroom, across the road and upstairs on the corner of Post Offoce close was a great night out on Tues and Saturday. Loads of really good musicians played there over the years.

[@bakerloobadboy]

At 2:56 you mention the Upper Cut Club, sadly the building you showed was The Princess Alice pub, the club bring further up the road. Green Street Market was only covered in the 90's which caused the panic and belief that it was to be redeveloped, hence the campaign to save it. Prior to that it was all old market stalls (and horse chestnut sellers). Shame you missed out The Boleyn pub on corner of Green Street (now a migrant workers hostel) The cinema you showed was The Odeon, The Granada is further down the Barking Road and is now a Bingo Hall. The Who shop used to be opersite East Ham station where I remember a sign in the window announcing the release of a video box set "available to pre-order only (orders sent back in time from the future will not be filled)"

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for the info John

[@stevestheboy1]

used to dj at Clapton football club and we used to run a stall at the spotted dog great days

[@stevenspraggs4953]

fantastic watch thank you very much indeed also what coopers said

[@jayhussain7102]

I know I am a bit late but thank you for a great video, I really enjoyed seeing all the locations I have grown up around. Keep up the good work.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jay - I might make another round that way again soon

[@Heathstorm]

I really, really enjoyed that. Thanks !!

[@mozdickson]

Rachel Lichtenstein, Estuary ------ highly recommend that book.

[@martinholroyd6455]

Enjoyed your video...even though im a northerner

[@howdymartin6258]

John - I bought both the Estuary and Essex Serpent books from your recommendations - thanks so much.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

great stuff - fantastic books

[@MrCamparisafari]

Got a chance to see the mighty cherries crush the hammers at the Boleyn and used to visit a mate who lived in plaistow, match days were incredible, been to the olympic stadium , reckon its a curse for the hammers ! Small is beautiful come watch the cherries at the beautiful ugly dean court in wonderfully grubby lovely boscombe, im addicted to your vids John, ps have you heard the new RIDE stuff, sounding MINT

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks See Safari much appreciated. God I haven't been to Bournemouth for ages, do they still do those great weekenders in Boscombe? I must listen to the new RIDE stuff, heard their live set on 6Music last night - sounded great

[@CthulhuInc]

i wonder if CJ is now running the shop, if it is still there - or has she moved on to other things?

[@sturner80]

Was the Uppercut club the same venue as the Princess Alice pub in the 80’s ?

[@nzd3742]

Unfortunately, the Old Spotted Dog Ground has also fallen into disuse now. If you go down the alley between the ground and the pub, you can see the overgrown pitch and the old stand through the gates. A sad sight of what was once a big part of the East London football scene. Home to Clapton since 1888, the ground regularly hosted the final of the West Ham Charity Cup up to the 1920s, contested by the biggest teams of East London and Essex. Thames Ironworks, the club that would go on to become West Ham United, won their first piece of "silverware" in the competition during their inaugural season in 1896 (after two matches against Barking at the Spotted Dog ended in draws, the final was finally settled in the Irons' favour at the ground of St Lukes). West Ham themselves have also played on the ground in a number of friendlies over the years, and also used it to host 'A' and colt team matches for a time. After a whole load of politics over a number of years at Clapton (which I'm not touching with a bargepole), there are now two clubs that bear the name. The _original_ club got evicted from the Spotted Dog and now play in Southend. The _fan-run_ club (which is the one with the funky away shirt) play in Walthamstow. They are hoping to "return" to the Spotted Dog in future. Fun fact: West Ham Park was the site of the first ever FA Cup goal in 1871, after home side Upton Park F.C. conceded first in that opening set of fixtures (they went on to lose the game, against Clapham Rovers, 3-0). I often plot my walks through the Memorial Grounds and Hermit Road (sites of previous Ironworks/West Ham grounds) and on to the old Ironworks site. As a West Ham fan and a local boy, that historical connection between the club and the area is something I take a lot of pride in. While I have no time for the 'GSB Out' lot, who seem intent on getting the club relegated, I do feel the erosion of that connection, with the move to the Olympic Stadium and the never-ending "modernisation" that is apparently required to "stay competitive in the Premier League".

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Again great info. I heard the other day that Clapton CFC are hoping to be back at the Old Spotted Dog ground by January all being well but it's looking good

[@ThePORTYDAVE]

Speaking of Trevor Brooking. I once saw him sitting on a baby elephant outside the Theatre Royal. Mind, I used to drink a lot in those days.

[@MrBlaxjax]

That cinema is the old Odeon. The Granada is further east along Barking road, same side as the Odeon.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Martin

[@MrBlaxjax]

Didn't realise that Coopers Maths had already answered this!

[@johnlynch9446]

Fantastic film John.You really did seem gutted to witness the demise of The Old Spotted Dog. It definitely has proven to be a bad idea ( moving to the 'London' Stadium). You must fear for the traders of East Ham and the surrounding area. Is there any hope?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks John - I just can't believe they'll be allowed to knock down the Old Spotted Dog, I real gem - must be saved. In terms of the traders, Viv in Newham Bookshop said trade hadn't dropped off too much, I think some Hammers fans still go via Green Street on match days. You have to worry for the Boleyn pub. There's a fight to keep the World Cup statue there as well. Has to be hope

[@suzaorange7577]

nice video. l used to live there too.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks

[@nzd3742]

The connection between the area and Anne Boleyn seems now to be based on a myth. The story goes that she once stayed at Green Street House (or lived there, depending on how shaggy the story), which was located where the stadium was later built and became known as Boleyn Castle due to the association. Some sources suggest that the house wasn't even built until at least 1538 (two years after Anne was executed). The VCH has this to say: The estate may have been formed by Richard Breame (d. 1546), who was described in the probate of his will as 'of Green Street'. His connexion with the house possibly inspired the tradition, of which there is no contemporary evidence, that Anne Boleyn lived at Green Street. Breame was a servant of Henry VIII from whom, in 1529-31, the king rented a house at Greenwich, nominally for the use of Anne's brother, Lord Rochford. It was in 1531 that Henry VIII finally deserted Katharine of Aragon, and the legend connecting Anne with Green Street may have originated in a boast by Breame or his descendants that it was in his house that Henry courted his second queen. In 1544 Breame bought from the king the manor of East Ham, but he may have been living at Green Street before that date.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that great info

[@ThePORTYDAVE]

So many memories! I played an Ecology Party event at the Eagle and Child on stage with a crazy punk friend and Patrick Fitzgerald (Safety Pin Through My Heart). We played Van Morrison's Gloria to a bewildered audience. Magic vid (did you know that Arnold Schwarze-thingy lived in Forest Gate for a spell?)

[@leighstreet8298]

Arnold lived above wag Bennett s motorcycle shop

[@thisisjukebox]

Anything we can do to help save (or do something) with The Old Spotted Dog..?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

There is a group/campaign - here savethespotteddog.org/ and here facebook.com/savethespotteddog

[@thisisjukebox]

Thanks John, I'll see what I can do. I'm actually working on a fund for *young* social entrepreneurs to transform a place or space for the good of their local community. Awards of up to £5,000 available. Know anyone suitable from your circles who might have the right kind of idea? This youngunltd.org.uk/looking-for-support/spaces-4-change/ Cheers, Paul

[@julieblackstock8650]

I was born at Forest Gate Hosp in 1966. Hospital is long gone.

[@alex-E7WHU]

Same but 1964.

[@bakerloobadboy]

My cousin's were born there in the 70's sadly like so many old (built to last forever but not as a hospital) NHS buildings they were sold off and converted in flats

[@alex-E7WHU]

@@bakerloobadboy the hospital gone, odessa Rd school gone, the swimming baths look entirely different now too.

[@joedellamura9015]

Back in the Day in our area you were either born in Forest Gate Hospital or in Plaistow Maternity.

[@tomcook7676]

John, I would like to know the Titles of your books and ISBN numbers so I can try to buy them. I have tried to find you on Amazon with no luck. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Here it is on Amazon Tom www.amazon.co.uk/This-Other-London-Adventures-Overlooked/dp/0008294763/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551010720&sr=8-1&keywords=this+other+london The ISBN is: ISBN-10: 0008294763

[@mozdickson]

When you say "replaced with Luxury Flats" and you do say that in numerous videos, do you mean actual premium accomodation, or just warm, dry, modern, secure, EXPENSIVE flats John? And by reasons of location, London is always expensive. Genuine question. Stayed in Forest Gate 2018, enjoyed my stay.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

‘Luxury’ flats is how they’re marketed - although they’re probably pretty standard in reality - after all when so many are sold as ‘luxury’ surely that then just becomes the basic. Although London is expensive there’s also different levels, such as council housing, housing association, shared ownership etc. There was a hope that there would be a higher provision of social and so-called affordable housing on the West Ham site. I’ve made another video here last year since it was completed

[@johnsmith-mq4eq]

The whole is changed I lived in Lancaster Rd 1950-54 Went to Elmhurst Road school round the corner most of the native Brits have moved out thats why many pubs are closing.

[@CIMAmotor]

Yes, it's a travesty what has happened to West Ham. By the way, the Adam and Eve pub was in West Ham near to the river Channelsea.

[@ukfatman1169]

Loving your videos John this lazy Good Friday. My favourite sign ever was on a clock above a dry cleaners on Green Street...”Don’t Kill Your Wife. Let us do it”

[@lameduck3630]

What's the latest on the Spotted Dog pub?

[@bakerloobadboy]

In January 2020 planning approval was given for the redevelopment and thence the reopening of the pub by Newham Council. See this link for details pa.newham.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?previousCaseType=Application&keyVal=Q45OO0JYKTY00&previousCaseNumber=20%2F00088%2FFUL&activeTab=summary&previousKeyVal=Q45ONVJYKTX00

[@JagBetty]

Awesome, I'm thoroughly enjoying your videos, really well filmed. I must say we seem to be kindred spirits as I do a similar thing in the area I live in.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jag - looking forward to exploring your work

[@brokenbritain1930]

I can’t believe we have to have campaigns to keep these places, very sad

[@richardgreen1970]

Hi John, may i recommend Michael wood's series king Alfred the great and the Anglo Saxons,if you haven't already seen it,what a cracking series......BBC store...........good film bye the way.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Richard - not sure I have seen it, read his work on Alfred in In Search of England but not sure I've seen this. Also loved his doc on Beowulf. Will check it out - thanks

[@richardgreen1970]

i agree squire ,history....no matter what period is my porn.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Tom I'll take a look

[@wolvoman1]

Did the spotted dog ever get saved?

[@neil9890]

This reminded me of an old Ian Nairn clip, which recorded 'slum' demolitions in the north. . . . it made my head swim in the same way, because it's hard to believe that they'd even consider destroying a building such as the Old Spotted Dog. The just don't give a fuck.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I know it beggars belief, there is a vicious land grab going on all over London at the moment

[@Viator19]

Who is your football team John?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Liverpool- with a soft spot for Wycombe Wanderers

[@elisabrown3018]

Why are you not a Hammer John?⚒

[@alex-E7WHU]

@3:00 was the princess Alice pub.

[@brianjordan4787]

Correct. The original pub was flattened in an air raid on 19th April 1941. the same night my gandfather was killed.

[@ryanallen8335]

You have a new subscriber

[@elybum]

the only way the spotted dog would ever reopen is if the area becomes gentrified, as the people who now live in the area have no interest in pubs

[@alanelliott2622]

Any hope it could become a pub come restaurant? I'd driven past it a few times many years ago but have never actually been inside and didn't know until John's video it is so incredibly old!

[@tonym3309]

Sadly I have to agree. Remember popping in there over twenty years ago and the decline had already begun.It looked charming from the outside but grotty and empty once you were in.

[@wahrulez]

Beautiful video! come visit us at the old spotted dog (ground ;) )!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks - that'd be great, never been would you believe and I must correct that

[@techreviewer]

John Rogers u should come to Gants Hill and ilford

[@johnpells5992]

Sad seeing West Ham like that have supported them since 1970 👍