Walking the Hackney Brook | London's Lost Rivers (4K)

[@estherdoyle8175]

Loved this John, all around my home area of Holloway, Tufnell Park and even Finsbury Park when I was married. I worked for a while at a printing press importing company on Ashburton Grove. I remember the day the receptionist ran in saying that David Dein, the Arsenal chairman, was in with the boss. I didn't believe a word of it till she showed me the limo in the car park with the DD number plate. Whatever could this mean, we thought, the boss is a Spurs season ticket holder. We found out several months later when we were all laid off as the boss had sold the premises and the ground underneath it to Mr Dein. I'm a Spurs supporter anyway so never had much time for the Arsenal, but being made redundant by them was really rubbing salt into the wounds.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for sharing that painful story Esther - it’s things like this that get so easily omitted from the narrative of big developments

[@lesliegprice6652]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it's always been of interest to me since the Brook overflowed with flash flooding in the late sixties and inundated my parents basement flat on the corner of Grazebrook Road and Lordship road, long gone now it was demolished in the early seventies, you also walked down Grayling Road where I lived as a child in the fifties and early sixties, again demolished when the school was built , but so much of your walk took us through areas that were familiar from Holloway Road , where I used to work for a time,the Odeon cinema where I used to often watch films, Listria Park and Manor road where I had friends, Abney Cemetery , Clissold Park and Amherst Road and Mare Street where we used to shop and visit, finally the River Lea which has been part of my life since a kid as my Dad used to fish there and we walked on the Downs and Marshes, the Hackney Brook was my manor , thank you for sharing this walk it meant so much, catch you on the next wherever that may be ,cheers my friend 👍☮️☯️

[@robbojax2025]

What I love about these lost river walks is the side streets that I would never normally go along. More like hidden London.

[@ronaldm8235]

Hello Robbo. What a great walk.

[@lindalong5052]

well, I'm blowed. I lived in Burma Rd N16 near Clissold Park for nearly 20 Years, and just down the rd in Canonbury for 5 years before that, and I never heard of the Hackney Brook. I was very aware of the man-made New River as it runs above ground in Canonbury and down the back of Essex Rd Library and there's a lovely little park with ducklings on the river every spring. and you can easily trace it back up under Petherton Rd, through Clissold Park and Finsbury Park then up to Tottenham. That might be an interesting route for you, John,if you haven't already done it-I've only just discovered your brilliant channel. Currently suffering a knee injury and not walking anywhere so I'm enjoying your walks vicariously and about to subscribe. Thanks so much

[@kimrowley3285]

Another wonderful walk John. I'm eight months into writing a book about my 19th Century forebears who were spread across London from St. Pancras to Canning Town. It's a story of the lower working class; costermongers, carmen, labourers, Agar Town and Seven Dials, the workhouse and a girl who was hanged in the 1890's for murdering her sister. My mission is to place these people within their landscapes and you continue to be a huge influence and inspiration. Many thanks for that.

[@highpath4776]

I would expect some of mine to crossed with yours, one was a builder and moved to Golden Lane, London. Others were in Marylebone and Holborn

[@Pierlover]

I always enjoy the river walks and seeing parts of London I don't really know. Interesting that you mentioned 'The Diary of a Nobody' (a very amusing book, by the way!) - many years ago, I was wandering around Kyoto, Japan and came across the Lupin Café, with illustrations of characters and scenes from the book on the walls! How bizarre is that?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

wow that's a great find Douglas - wonder how they got there

[@luggylugworm]

Good walk, missed out Marc Bolan's childhood home on Stokey Common though

[@adrianude5189]

As a man from South London, I am so fascinated with North and East London. Thanks for the history.

[@lizstevenson7801]

Thank you for this walk, it was lovely. I was quite choked up seeing this as it bought back many, many wonderful memories of growing up for me and visiting relatives in this area. Playing in Clissold park as a kid then taking my own kids there when they were little, my late sister lived in Amhurst Rd all her married life, so that was a tear jerking moment for me too. I really enjoyed this one so much as I have lived in Qld, Oz for almost 50yrs now. Thanks 😪💕🇦🇺

[@gphunk1995]

Watching this film one year on. Somehow it had passed me by. Arsenal’s fortunes have indeed changed. What makes your films so great John, is that they will become great historical documents of our time. Looking forward to the next one.

[@chroniclesofahalfwit]

I adore these river hunts, it’s sooooo easy to get lost in the sprawling concrete jungle, without thought for what lays beneath, and the tales of old, tales of a time confined to history. We must never forget who we are, and from where we came. Another outstanding video 🙏🏻

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks

[@blossie33]

Great walk John, I had a rough idea of some of the places the Hackney Brook went through in the N16 area. If you turn right in Northwold Road just past the Tower Theatre there is a strip of grass area behind the small housing estate where there is a manhole cover in the pathway - you can distinctly hear running water under it which I'm sure must be the Brook! On a different note, the old flats in Gibson Gardens along with Abney Cemetery were used in the Amy Winehouse video for the song Back to Black.

[@joebenge3920]

Loved it, John. I've been waiting for this one for ages! My Dad grew up in Stoke Newington in the 1940s and 50s, and he said that the area where the brook flows by the railway line on Morning Lane used to be watercress beds back then.

[@StephenGrew]

Thank you for a great walk.😄

[@formdemon]

Another joyous walk. I love these 'lost river' walks. Always informative and completely entertaining. Thanks John!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks formdemon

[@william-jnr]

Aah John, another great walk around my old manor. I used to go to Saturday morning cinema (Flash Gordon et al) at the Odeon as a wee nipper, then, as a naughty teenager I went there on Friday nights for some late-night kung-fu movies. Also, I recall riding my shiny red Chopper when I was about 10 to Highbury Stadium one Saturday and, after kick-off, the man on the turnstiles said he'd let me in for free but I couldn't take my bike in. There were some travellers camped outside by their caravans who said they'd look after my bike. I said ok and went in and saw Liam Brady, Pat Jennings et al win in fine style then I went outside, collected my bike from the very friendly & lovely travellers and rode back home with a huge grin on my silly face. Fantastic times! Thanks Mr Rogers x

[@howdymartin6258]

John - my father did his general nursing training at Hackney General Hospital in the late 1950's - he said Saturday night in Casualty was like Beirut on a bad day but it packed a lot of experience into a very short time. And your last port of call, Old Ford. A few of my chums from art college migrated to some subsidised artists housing in Old Ford after graduation. One of the students who was already in residence was an eccentric young man who specialised in ceramics. The general opinion was either he would sink without trace or become very successful... his name? Grayson Perry.

[@stephenspilsbury1975]

Love the walks John…..I’m a brummie boy but watching a walk through history of parts of old smoke super interesting when u call it….👍

[@blossie33]

I'm a Brummie too 😊 but now a Hackney Borough resident!

[@zennor_man]

My eyes popped when I saw the opening shots of the place of my birth so many years ago....even the shot of the barbers shop where I had my first haircut altho it was Frank's then.....As I lived for a number of years alongside the Lea in Wheathampstead I am taking the liberty of renaming it the Tufnell Brook....cheers!

[@lizblows7101]

Super as usual. Thanks John

[@margaretgreenwood4243]

My Dad, was a Master Lighterman, who kept barge horses under the arches beneath Stepney East Station (steam engined trains from Dagenham to Fenchurch Street- which I used to go to work in the City as a secretary/typist). In the 1950s he built a Tug boat (The Gypsy) on one of the banks at Old Ford Lock. Designed it and built it. A self taught engineer. Amazing, gentle, loving Dad ❤

[@nonamebill7421]

Both Marc Bolan and Helen Shapiro grew up on Northwold road. And I've also heard that Professor Green as a connection to the road. So that's 3 people who have had UK No1 singles who have a connection to Northwold road. Fantastic video, I was born and brought up, and still live in Homerton. And I knew the brook run across mare street and down Bohemia place. But didn't know much else. I never noticed some of those dips in the road before just off Morning lane either, but I'll be sure to look out for them next time I go to Tesco on Morning lane. I've walked so much of the path of the river, and never knew it.

[@juliewilliams9441]

Hi John,looks lovely in London, i really enjoy joining you on line whilst you walk 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for coming along Julie

[@Michelle_moonlover]

I've just discovered your channel and I'm enjoying it immensely. I was born in Hackney and grew up and worked, lived in some of the places shown. I live up north now so it was nice to take a "walk" down memory lane. Also learning more history about the places that I didn't know. Lovely thankyou 🙂

[@rickwills4281]

Sunday evening and a river walk....always a great combo!

[@bnic8254]

Well Street is where Tesco was first established from a stall that sold everything for a penny I believe.

[@philj4574]

Another wonderful walk John. Glad you noted the quietness of the streets. I walked part of that route in September 24. You do notice how quiet London streets are. My wife always says that she doesn’t like London and it’s too busy (we don’t live in London) and I tell her how, yes the certain places are but lots of it is very peaceful and quiet most of the time.

[@effyleven]

I enjoy just listening to these videos, say, if I am having trouble getting off to sleep (tinnitus). The mellow tones of John's voice turn his distinctly London accent into somethimg warm and comforting. Thanks, John.

[@darrenrobson5977]

Fantastic John, love the street names Grayling and Dace the river must of been full of them a long time ago and the confluence at the end just beautiful.

[@luxford60]

Another interesting video. The confluence of the River Lea and the Lee Navigation is actually slightly downstream of Old Ford Lock, the (more or less) natural route of the river is the one you see coming in from the left with the footbridge over it.

[@carolwhite9294]

Did the Lee have lesneys plastic factory or it mit have lesney toy factory.

[@carolwhite9294]

There was a red called the Lee converasy rd ?

[@musehic1953]

Another interesting river hunt. Informative as ever. Even the voice over when your mic died was a nice touch. 👍 as always appreciated.

[@seanmurphy5770]

Thanks John,remember seeing one flew over the cuckoo nest in the Odeon on Holloway road back in my old days,when i lived in Highbury,be safe mate.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Great Cinema Sean - beats me seeing the Phantom Menace there

[@seanmurphy5770]

@@JohnRogersWalks Still a great cinema,i hope it will always survive for future generations John.

[@heathcliffearnshaw1403]

21:57 Clissold Park : my mum ( 1916 - 2014) said that as a child she would see wallabies in Clissold Park

[@highpath4776]

I think they were quite the thing for smaller country houses - there used to be some in the Horniman museum gardens in South London

[@ivanhockenhull2604]

Arsenal FC really having a tough time, lately. I support Man City, myself as well as Salford, so I can relate to your dual club loyalties, John. Video was wonderful. I always learn something new. Thankyou. 🇯🇪

[@robertbarling5601]

Brilliant video John. It took me back to when I was sixteen and went to Hackney college. Lunchtimes were spent at the pembury tavern. Great memories, thank you so much. Bob.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for sharing that memory Bob

[@kidreality]

Fantastic walk John, I believe if you go to the northern boundary of Clissold Park you can still see one side of the riverbank in the undergrowth dipping down towards Greenway Court.

[@JTTW1455]

A fair lot of greenery along that walk. Enchanting, thank you

[@maggielarkin9314]

You make me feel very homesick for London and I was born and live in Ireland!!!!..another wonderful video John....see you next week...cheers

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Maggie

[@highpath4776]

Very nice places in Ireland, if only it was not so wet

[@barrytcook1]

My father was born and grew up in queensland road which is adjacent to the Emirates. The house was at the bottom of queensland rd where it turns sharp left as a cul de sac. It was still there last time I took a visit there. The pub at the top of queensland road was "The Favourite" and was demolished to make way for the stadium.

[@shane19959]

Thank you for this walk. I always enjoyed Bruce Grobbelaar's pre -kickoff antics at Highbury stadium . All the best to you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Shane - we certainly was a character

[@waynejacksonofficial]

Hey John... Great timing Mush...

[@geourgiou]

Another wonderful walk, nearby you have 3 London boroughs, islington, camden & haringey. Thanks for posting.

[@peterbradburn9115]

Fascinating

[@keithpomeroy9113]

John Love your films, they really give me a calming comfort. I am originally from Hackney, moved to Devon some 18 years back so watching your films ignites nostalgia. Great work John I’m a big fan.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks very much Keith

[@jackpayne4658]

Re that small ecology park - I'm pretty sure it's the old site of Thames Water's Drayton Park main drainage depot. I worked there as a 'flusher' in the early 1970s. I might be quite wrong, though - it's a long time since I walked those streets.

[@lindamckenna81]

Great walk, you find beauty and magic in the ordinary. Well done because you feel a part of the journey not just watching it.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Linda

[@lilhoggy2074]

Great walk!! I believe it can also be heard gurgling away on Downs Park Road before instantly turning down into Andre street and then again near that little green bit of land on amhurst road near the five points junction - unless it’s pure coincidence but believe they also follow the line of the river.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for the info Dave

[@ashleysgaze]

Magic John. Your ‘river walks’ are always full of insight(s) and a little intrigue. Thanks mate!

[@musehic1953]

Something to brighten up my hospital stay. 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Very sorry to hear you’re in hospital- glad the video helps in some way

[@musehic1953]

@@JohnRogersWalks always👍

[@terryflynn1956]

Another great River Hunt shame we didn’t get to see the Hackney brook after such a long journey. The horse and cart story is interesting at Highbury. . Shall look out for books you have mentioned. Thanks John . 😊👍

[@biddylisduff]

Excellent film I've just found! My Dad's old stomping ground, Tollington Road /Holloway /Hornsey. The story about the buried "Horse and Cart" under the Northbank stand is exactly what I was told about a different London site entirely.. Off Temple Mills Lane, Stratford former waste ground /landfill was developed late 1970's/early 80's, I was told a Horse and Cart were found during excavations, but the story went a bit wild with tell of a Plague Pit and the Cart collecting victims to put in mass grave on this site. I can find no reference to a Plague Pit or other human remains found. An urban legend transplanted and embellished!

[@CthulhuInc]

perfect video for sending me to sleep - cheers john! always a great way to relax! 😊

[@JohnRogersWalks]

So glad you enjoyed it - this was a special walk that I often think about, in fact I was showing my wife part of the course just the other day

[@karenbright3737]

John I’ve been ‘walking’ with you since I found your videos in March 2020, well I sit in my kitchen, usually eating lunch and you walk! I enjoy your choice of music and the stories. I also enjoy the memories of places I visited as a child/ young adult. Thank you 😁

[@morriganwitch]

Did Nunhead Open Day yesterday love that place tho south London is quite mysterious to me xxx

[@john80c]

A great video John. The flat roofed houses seem to only be in London, I find them fascinating. Loved the Emirates Stadium close up, I've only ever seen it from the Leeds-London train as it whizzes past.

[@xqqqme]

Here's one of your "international viewers" who already knew exactly who Alan Sugar is, the success story of his Amstrad brand of computers and his hosting of the British edition of "The Apprentice." And I also knew he was once the chairman and part owner of Tottenham Hotspur (which you didn't mention). How would this resident of New Mexico know this? Because Alan Sugar also owns a Cirrus airplane (perhaps more than one, since he spends some time over here in Fort Lauderdale, FL) and I once did a video interview/testimonial with him for Cirrus and did my homework before meeting him (And whaddya know? Look how we've circled back around again to video production and post!)

[@garymcguire8529]

Have found some interesting facts about the Chelsea Creek. Was originally called the Stanford Creek, NOT Stamford. Coming from the name sand ford, in keeping with this area being called Sands End till this day. The upper part of this creek was later called the Kensington Canal, and ran along side the Brompton Cemetery to Earl's Court.

[@timhubbard8895]

Great video, John! You started your video about 3 blocks from my street! Upper Holloway is my home patch! have always been interested about the brook. I have Nicholas Barton's book and you are quite right, the description of the course of the brook is very vague especially in the Nags Head area. I live probably closer to the northern branch of the brook from Wray Crescent playing fields. There is quite a steep dip in Tollington Park, (at the Hornsey Road end) which is pretty consistent with a stream or a brook passing beneath. There are parts of the Andover Estate where there are signs of subsidence. The northern branch has a road nearby called Newington Barrow Way. This northern branch has more definite and obvious signs than the Holloway source branch.

[@williamsdaf]

Fantastic John. You're a star. The voice over at the end was just as good as the mic (if not better) Bit of variety always works. My old man would have loved this one. Being an Arsenal and Highbury stalwart of the early 1950s. He was in 'lodgings' in Tuffnell Park at that time and he passed in May at the age of 102.

[@davidjohnson00001]

Great film John. Helps to cheer me up.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s good to hear David

[@urbanfox53]

Fascinating stuff, thoroughly enjoy your videos about our capitals glorious history, sadly many types today are not the least bit interested.

[@alisonmorris140]

Brilliant walks wherever that may be. Love that catchphrase. Have a good december walking all over the place ali m

[@sallypassmore8748]

Really enjoyed that walk John. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Sally

[@gparry42]

What an inspiration these walks are, thanks once again John !

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks for that Gareth - I love making these videos

[@richardcwmason4492]

Another great video - I stayed in Hackney Wick last year and really liked the area,

[@mamnisel4815]

A lovely way to start the week John with the Hackney Brookgoing through parts of London I've never been to!!!

[@philburdett]

Good stuff sir (despite me being a long-suffering Spurs fan!) - used to play quite a bit around Stoke Newington, (Weaver's Arms mainly, don't know if that still exists?) - good to see a few recognizable sights & little memory trips...

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Phil

[@adelegeorgemcneil1218]

Good luck John stay safe 🙏🤗🌟🌟

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Adele

[@adelegeorgemcneil1218]

@@JohnRogersWalks you are welcome john 🤘🌟🌟🌟🌟👍

[@GreyGhost.]

Another gem maestro ... many thanks from a very sunny Newquay.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Paul

[@lloydevans1552]

Thank you. My week is now complete

[@JohnRogersWalks]

wonderful to hear Lloyd

[@maaxpoower9037]

You create some of the best content on KZbin....makes me want to move back to London!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Maax

[@aprilmeeker9697]

Fantastic walk tonight. There was some amazing architecture there and that graffiti art! Love it.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks April

[@richardelliott99]

Great video, John. I might be wrong, but the name 'Well Street' appears to come from the decent family butcher's shop, Wells of Well Street, across from the Tesco. Maybe they were once tasked with maintaining a well for the brook, there! Interestingly, the Lord Napier pub in the Wick has been reopened by the same company that owns the Star of Hackney Downs, which you'd have walked past.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s interesting Richard - the Star Company also run my local - The Heathcote and Star

[@peterjackson4132]

Another great video John, thanks. It reminded me of a time we used to camp in Hackney back in the 80s. I can’t remember where it was we lived on the south coast in Worthing and used to go on the bike to gigs and we’d camp. Anyway all I can remember is going down a long road leading to the site, going over a bridge. There was a canal running alongside. I remember sitting outside the Hackney Empire people watching as we smoked a cigarette or two.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

that's a great way to see a different side to London Peter

[@peterjackson4132]

Sorry John, my comment had nothing to do with your walk. I was just reflecting on my past. Although I no longer smoke but do go to gigs, I haven’t been to a concert for nearly 2 years because of you know what but I plan to go to a gig in Kings Cross in a couple of weeks. When visiting London now I love walking around. I’ve only been following you for a few weeks and you have already filled my mind with future plans. I’m 70 this year so I need to make hay while the sun shines. Thanks again matey.

[@biddylisduff]

@@peterjackson4132 I reckon where you camped was Eastway Cycle Track and Campsite, off Temple Mills Lane. Near Hackney Marshes to one side, other side Leyton. You approached from a long road, over railway bridge and round bend. I lived nearby for 20 years on and off!

[@peterjackson4132]

@@biddylisduff thanks for that.it does sound familiar, it was a long time ago. I remember it was a long way to Wembley (the old one)

[@andrewmarchant3554]

You are always fascinating, John. It's like living in a different world.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Andrew

[@damedavidfrith55]

Thanks for another lovely trip around London 5⭐️

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much David

[@medwaypeninsulaMR]

Hi John - A very enjoyable 45 mins and as always entertaining and informative. Cheers Kev

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Kev

[@philiphaigh8349]

First class thank you, x

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Philip

[@kerryannestevenson6099]

I love going on these walks and marvel at the amount of knowledge you bring to them.Thankyou as usual.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for watching Kerry - glad you enjoyed it - Tom's book was a massive help

[@ianmaddams9577]

Wonderful lost river walk Thanks John all the best 👍🏻

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Ian

[@Mudhooks]

Thank you for this. On Google Maps, someone has posted photos along the Capitol Ring along the East side of the Lea. You can clearly see the sport that you pointed out. It does, indeed look “magical” despite the sewer pipes and the modern buildings. It’s interesting that places that were sacred so many hundreds of yours ago still manage to have the essence of what once was…

[@Mudhooks]

“spot”, not “sport”… Yeesh.

[@ronaldm8235]

Bloody hell I never knew the Hackney Brook was there. This is crazy! I now live up the top of Tufnell Park in Kentish town. I went to Tollington park school and I think Holloway Road is Roman?

[@AntonyGoodall]

Great video John. I lived in Highbury (Riversdale Road) 1999-2000 ish. You've brought back some memories and as ever inspired me to look into the detail around me. I seem to remember the Arsenal Tavern being painted black at the time I was living round there?

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Great work, thanks John. (just watch it).

[@daveconyard8946]

Thank you John Keep safe and well Look Forward to next Brilliant Post 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Dave

[@stuartshipton5612]

Great walk, and welcome back after the summer break!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Stuart

[@talcottlevy1216]

At last you have walked down my street, I feel like it has been blessed 😂

[@ronaldm8235]

Hello John. I retraced your footsteps today from Benfleet to Leigh on sea! Also I was born in Holloway!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s a great walk Ronald - nearly headed back out there myself today

[@andyadventures2841]

Great tour John 🙏

[@jamesianbarber]

a great video I do love a Rive Hunt - have a great week John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks James

[@gladysjohnson2320]

Love 🙂the story on history of the walks very interesting to know.

[@tonywalker5681]

Another good film, John! Thank you!

[@garymcguire8529]

How about doing a walk along Chelsea Creek, and walk over Stamford Bridge?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’d be great Gary

[@mtaha6517]

I like ur passion of search

[@drew4773]

Thank you 🙏 as always great to watch 🤘💚

[@Nick-mq9on]

Thanx John, good stuff.

[@ralphwinter6421]

Thanks John, Fascinating walk,, cheers mate..

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Ralph

[@jacksomb1]

What a great walk. Many thanks for such an interesting video. Thanks John.

[@julieblackstock8650]

I love the lost river walks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

There should be a few more before the end of the year Julie

[@julieblackstock8650]

@@JohnRogersWalks Lovely. Look forward to those.

[@daraorourke5798]

Fascinating stuff !