Walking the Lost River Peck | London's Lost Rivers (4K)

Walking the Lost River Peck | London's Lost Rivers in 4K
In this walk we go in search of the course of the 'lost' river Peck that gives its name to Peckham in South London. The Peck is said to rise near One Tree Hill in Honor Oak and then flows above ground across Peckham Rye before re-entering its culvert as it flows through the streets of Peckham just to the west of Copeland Road. Our walk then goes past Peckham Bus Garage to Kirkwood Road and picks up the course of the river again at Asylum Road near Queens Road Station. The river most likely flows beneath Brimmington Park but we continue along Asylum Road to look at the Licensed Victuallers’ Benevolent Institution Asylum. The walk takes us along the Old Kent Road to the point where the Peck crosses the road and heads along Ilderton Road to make its confluence with the Earl's Sluice near Bermondsey South Station.
More info:
Caroline Gardens Chapel History maverickprojects.co.uk/asylum/...
Course of the River Peck - www.peckhamsociety.org.uk/?p=....
Timestamps
0:00 Intro - One Tree Hill
2:21 Oak of Honor
4:58 Brenchley Gardens
7:25 Marmora Road
9:00 Homestall Road
10:19 River Peck
14:37 Peckham Rye
15:54 Rye Lane
16:18 Copeland Road
17:40 Blackpool Road Peckham Bus Garage
18:11 Brayards Road
18:26 Kirkwood Road
19:51 Lugard Road
20:20 Queens Road Peckham
20:52 Asylum Road Peckham
22:41 Old Kent Road
24:16 Ilderton Road SE16
26:44 South Bermondsey Station
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Dream Escape by The Tides
Little Drunk Quietly Floats by Puddle of Infinity
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[@Eb8able]

I have lived in Peckham for 38 yrs and have learned ( thanks to John) some very interesting facts about my neck of the woods. Wonderful.

[@DavidB5501]

Scutari and Therapia are places in Turkey associated with the Crimean War, when Britain and Turkey were on the same side. (The modern names have changed.) Florence Nightingale worked in a hospital at Scutari. So I guess these roads date to that war, like roads named after Mafeking, etc, date to the Boer War.

[@mickbrown8249]

know some Areas , but folk with real history make it even more pleasurable many thanks ..Shropshire ..

[@xqqqme]

Good to know those are Turkish names, David...from what I'm learning of British place name pronunciation, I was afraid they'd be spoken as "Scree" and "Tarp" 😆 But then....wouldn't "Mundania Rd" be named after the Kingdom of the Banal?

[@damedavidfrith55]

Best way to spend time on a Sunday evening 🍰☕️

[@henryjohnfacey8213]

My friends and myself worked on Peckham rye. Cleaned the river and lake out, one of the girl staff looked after the ducks and the geese. The old sheds used to store the football equipment goal posts was a chapel built by Italian prisoners of war. The old farmhouse that stood in the park was was on the smuggling route to London. Yes there was an asylum on asylum road. Near the old gas works was a pub called the Kentish Drovers. Great video

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for sharing those memories Henry

[@heathcliffearnshaw1403]

The Jutes of Kent probably originally called it simply The Beck ( German for stream)

[@quickclipsbyjmj]

My cousin lived in Peckham Rye when she was studying Law. Great to see the area. As for Queen Elizabeth 1st, she'll have been popping into Lewisham to get a few bits.

[@justgnatjones]

Born and bred in Peckham and never knew about the River Peck! Thanks John, very interesting and informative.

[@HarpalSingh-sy8ev]

Great video John. Nothing much to say about the Asylum Tavern other than its a mad house in there 😊 😊 😊 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Nice one Harpal

[@robbojax2025]

Another relaxing and interesting walk. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks Robbo

[@jennythescouser]

I think the general consensus is that the Boudica battle was somwhere on the A5 around Towcester (pronounced 'Toaster') or somewhere north of there. Which makes sense as the Romans were returning from Anglesey after 'sorting out' the Druids. Also, now I can't get the 'Only Fools and Horses' episode out of my head with the 'Peckham Spring' - lol

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I'm going to have to find that episode now Jenny

[@jennythescouser]

The episode is called "Mother Nature's Son" - 1992 Christmas special.

[@howdymartin6258]

I honestly did not know Peckham was that lovely - thanks John

[@richardclark148]

Great walk John lost rivers and water courses are always interesting and London seems to have so many which victorian developers tries to hide but their traces persist in the landscape

[@mtiice]

Please never delete this video!

[@carmongers]

Wow, I lived in Therapia Road as a youngster, climbed One Tree Hill, Brenchley Gardens, and played on Peckham Rye Common. Went to school at Dog Kennel Hill and later to Bessemer Grange Primary School. There were lots of Bomb sites to explore as well at that time.

[@CorvoFG]

A fine commentary while I make cottage pie. And you almost walked past my house!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

brilliant image - thanks Jason - hope the pie turned out well

[@lloydandlesleymorgans305]

Always loved walking John but finding your channel has given me the intention of focusing my efforts and making plans. Many thanks

[@d4nn7b]

Nice to see you in south (sarf) London! The wood you were referring to was in fact the Great North Wood, that extended from Deptford to Croydon along the Norwood ridge.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that correction Daniel - I had that in my head but couldn’t reconcile it with being south of the river

[@d4nn7b]

@@JohnRogersWalks You welcome. Hope to see you on the River Effra walk one day?

[@davewalker5706]

Just finished reading This Other London, can’t wait for the new book John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks Dave

[@julieblackstock8650]

re totem pole 2014 --Carved by Morganico from a dead plane tree earlier this year.. It's an impressive , with four larger-than-life humans crafted into the main body. . It's said the wings represent William Blake's vision of angels of Peckham Rye; the eyes behind the legs are inspired by Gustav Klimt, and the duplex head represents the duality of human emotion.12 Nov 2018

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for finding that Julie

[@morriganwitch]

I guessed about the totem pole and the essence of spiritual ascending visions put forwards by Mr Blake . Thank you it deserves a visit xxx

[@lizstevenson7801]

A pretty walk with a chance to actually see the river at times, well done and thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Glad you enjoyed it Liz

[@stevegasparutti8341]

As a Peckham born lad, your video has brought back great memories - thank you. I have heard that the Peck ran down the west side of Peckham Rye Park and common rather than the middle where it was diverted to add to the charm of the victorian gardens. on the western side you can see a clear dip where it ran. My informant could have been wrong however.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that info Steve

[@mickeythompson9537]

What a fantastically green part of London you've filmed!

[@Redf322]

South London is really green.

[@HoofinBob]

big thanks John loving your walks, very nostalgic. I sent to my old mate from peckham here in Australia [Ex Paratrooper]. we had a great zoom chat over your walk with a cuppa. beautiful stuff mate.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s brilliant to hear - thanks so much for sharing with your friend

[@mikethedigitaldoctorjarvis]

Peckham Rye !...joins along with Del boys Peckham Spring !

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I definitely need to find this episode Mike

[@mikethedigitaldoctorjarvis]

@@JohnRogersWalks "Mother Nature's Son" is the eleventh Christmas special episode of the BBC sit-com Only Fools and Horses. It was first broadcast on 25 December 1992. In the episode, Del sells tap water as Peckham Spring.

[@darrenrobson5977]

Nice one John, such a Bonny river looking for the source of a river and river hunting now that is truly living the dream. A triple bill of lost rivers is right up my street.

[@msmudga]

Brilliant walk and love hearing the history of SE London. Interested to know your thoughts on Telegraph Hill and why it was such a short stay - it's a great place IMO!

[@shauntodd7123]

A fantastic wander John and i look forward to the Earls Sluice.

[@davefave4351]

How weird. Last weekend I had an appointment in Surrey Quays and, time being on my side, took advantage of my Oyster card, did my bit for the environment and took a bus. The P14. To Peckham Rye via Queens Rd, Asylum, Ilderton To Bermondsey New Rd... I hadn't been in the area for twenty odd years when I was a courier, picking up from accounts in the Peckham area, with a company based in Honor Oak... An excellent, informative video as usual.

[@OnWalks]

Beautiful river walk, so peaceful 😍

[@pjgathergood6987]

Another great walk, John - and ANOTHER that I've had to add to my "to do" list. I've walked, explored and photo'd various chunks of it, but not as a dedicated River Peck walk (and One Tree Hill is now certainly on my list). One thing I love about walking and exploring London/Greater London (or indeed wherever else really) is "piecing the huge jigsaw together" - exploring somewhere new (or even the delights of getting slightly lost-ish) turning a corner, then realising you're now in an area you've explored before and even know quite well.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Pj - you’re spot on about exploring London, it never ends

[@4thEyeVision]

Thanks john for taking us on this lovely walk

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure 4thEye- thanks for watching

[@ianmaddams9577]

Another lovely walk thanks for taking us with you John . Hope the ankle is feeling better 👍🏻

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Ian - the ankle seems to be in good shape

[@janiemack4141]

Another great walk, John! Always like to watch your walks while I enjoy a drink and wait for supper to be ready. The old oak was spectacular!

[@mamnisel4815]

Your walks soothe the soul John,and as this one is both ìnformative and interesting as always!!!

[@vjary8142]

Great bit of local history

[@harvey22]

John, thanks again for such an informative walk. I really enjoy the historical information you provide. And I must say the weather looks wonderful there in London! Here in Reno we've had two weeks going on to three weeks for 100 degree days -- really saps ones energy. I look forward to your next walk -- "wherever that may be"! Cheers from Richard in Reno.

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Ahh... Lost river hunting, my favourite type of Urban walks!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hope you enjoyed it Lois

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

I did indeed 🍻

[@gparry42]

And another interesting walk, thanks John !

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Glad you enjoyed it Gareth

[@robertbarling5601]

Great as always John. Looking forward to the next one. Bob.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Bob

[@2H80vids]

Funny thing John, which maybe highlights my lack of local knowledge: I've heard of "One Tree Hill" but knew nothing about it, other than being somewhere in South London. I had never really thought about it but kind of thought it was like an address ~ 1, Tree Hill, with Tree Hill being the street and №1, presumably, the first house on that famous street. Ho hum - we live and learn.😁

[@vwright1021]

I've come across a few other 'One tree Hills' on my travels ...one nr junction 7 of the M5 and one on the North Island, New Zealand ...dare say there are more. Lets hope the weather doesn't inflict a 'SevenOaks' incident.

[@LONDONIA2072]

meditative marvel. Thanks John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Kate

[@ArferNower]

Thanks John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Arfer

[@disenchantedwanderer9033]

Another lovely video John, many thanks. Maybe the Peck is connected to The Peckham Spring, bottled by Del Boy in an infamous episode of Only Fools and Horses.

[@elvissgrandma3215]

Have you ever used dowsing rods to trace hidden rivers, John?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

never - a dowser was going to help me find the holy well in Wycombe back in 2004 but I've never revisited the idea since then

[@sianwarwick633]

So green 💚 green, leafy green . Excellent. The Earl's sluice - sounds interesting. Nicolas Barton, Lost Rivers of London. Tom Bolton...

[@sianwarwick633]

So hard to find here, and I am impatient. I might have to come buy the books there - John, I have found your missing carabiner... the latest from Pêcheur de Trésors... released today, 4:54 . C'est ou on pourrais le trouver ! Vous parlez assez bien le français, non ?

[@imranzazai7404]

London is so beautiful city.

[@walkingTVwithadog]

Back on top form. Excellent video

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks

[@musehic1953]

Nice relaxing , interesting video [as always] to end the day .

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks

[@musehic1953]

@@JohnRogersWalks My pleasure.

[@ivanrainbird2416]

it was so lovely through park seeing the trees and lake etc very surprised didn't think peckham rye was like that thanks john

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure Ivan glad you enjoyed it

[@daveconyard8946]

Thanks John Keep Safe 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Dave

[@johnedwards3760]

Fascinating video, John. I never knew the Peck flowed to Bermondsey even though I grew up where The Den now stands. The area was called "Mud Island" then because the houses were sinking. At the time this was blamed on the nearby canal and shoddy 1870s builders. No-one ever mentioned the confluence of the Peck and the Earls' Sluice - I wonder if that could have been a factor?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks John - that’s an interesting idea, wonder if I come across anything when I walk the Earl’s Sluice

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Delightful walk.

[@GreyGhost.]

loved it John ..... thanks.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Paul

[@StarWarsJay]

That was a good one. Thank you John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

glad you enjoyed it Jay

[@formdemon]

Compulsory Sunday viewing!

[@2Sugarbears]

That was fun. Thanks John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

glad you enjoyed it Diana

[@dhdeamele9826]

Take care too. It was a nice walk.

[@keithcheeseman567]

loved it... memory lane for me, as i played and lived in the Forest Hill and One tree Hill area as a boy in the 1960's. My mums maiden name is Peck.

[@adelegeorgemcneil1218]

😊 sunday walk lovely 💯😊👍🤔

[@lloydevans1552]

Lovely video tonight, thank you

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure Lloyd

[@peterspencer396]

Always good! Sunday best!

[@megarusso]

The waste ground next to queens road station, was a day centre up until summer 2020.

[@CYPRUSINSIGHT]

Ooh looking forward to thus, tea and hobnob at the ready.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

fantastic - hope you enjoy it

[@markames3688]

Nice walk, thanks.

[@TheMiz_0]

I love this kind of stuff thanks for sharing ❤️

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure thanks for watching

[@herewegowalks3588]

Wow, I need to walk here! Thanks for the video.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure

[@hikingdenbiking6245]

Essential Sunday viewing, Another great episode.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Den

[@garycross228]

I actually remember the Grand Surrey canal just before it was filled in back in the 70s. I don't know how the river Peck crosses the canal. I used to live near the Earl Sluice at Chiltern Grove many years ago. Strangely, I was in the area the same day as you, Monday 28th June. I had just finished work at Blackhorse Road and I had to go to a store in Rotherhithe New Road, I couldn't drive there because the police had cordoned off part of the road, so I ended up walking along Surrey Canal Road and used a pathway by Millwall football ground that was built on part of the disused railway line that used to carry onto the Bricklayers Arms depot. Thoroughly enjoyed you walk and hope you continue the journey to the Thames. Retracing the Surrey Canal is very enjoyable, I have done it many times and there are still lots of relics surviving from when the canal was still in use.

[@7arboreal]

Really interesting and tranquil, thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure Annette thanks for watching

[@Tom_J23]

Thx for video John!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure Tom - hope you enjoyed it

[@waynejacksonofficial]

Thanks Mush.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Wayne

[@morriganwitch]

Hi John we ve been out today in Rochester interesting to see the development going on . We thought of you xxx love the oak xxx

[@tonymac4656]

Another great walk john all ways look forwards to your uploads thanks 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks Tony

[@dewiclarke4062]

Hi, watling street goes all the way to Holyhead on Anglesey. There's a marble arch there too!

[@DaveFord]

Brilliant content again John. Thank you so much - really enjoyed it.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks Dave

[@Wayner71]

Your videos usually pop up when most needed. Cheers.

[@clivelangham435]

Great stuff! Really enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Clive

[@MRoderick89]

I love the factual parts of your walks its really interesting thanks for yet another amazing video John 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks for watching Michael

[@MRoderick89]

@@JohnRogersWalks your welcome mate 👍

[@desmond223]

Asylum Tavern is a great little pub. Very friendly

[@williamrobinson7435]

I missed out on this 1st time around; thanks for the heads up John! I too am a sucker for lost or hidden rivers, it's good to know how The Peck links up with Earls Sluice and The Thames. Nice one John! ⭐👍

[@mungmungie]

At 04:59 I'm shocked that the name is spelled "Honor Oak." Though that spelling is commmon in Canada, it still makes me wince. At one time, we actually pronounced all those vowels!

[@theoriginalbabycub]

As I understand it many English words that we now spell with a U originally had no U hence why the US, in particular, still do not use the U as the English colonials took the original spellings with them and those words did not evolve. I think the inclusion of the I was a consequence of the move to standardise English although I'm not sure on this point. This may also be the case with -ize and -ise but again I'm not sure.

[@sibaker4018]

Ahhh that's Sunday evening's entertainment sorted☝

[@JohnRogersWalks]

hope you enjoyed it Si

[@sibaker4018]

@@JohnRogersWalks great as always John, theres some great walks down my way Faversham and whitstable some great artists etc worth a look👍

[@shesthecockneywalker6760]

Your fantastic John. Happy Sunday

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Cockney Walker hope you've had a great day

[@ralphwinter6421]

Great walk John, cheers mate..

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Ralph

[@ericlackford6718]

I was told by my grandfather that the final battle was somewhere near Forest Hill, about where the Horniman museum is today. Of course that is an unsupported rumour that I heard at least 60 years ago. The landscape 2000 years ago would have been fascinating. What about the river Effra? ( West Norwood)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s interesting Eric. The Effra is certainly on the list

[@toddboothbee1361]

Great walk, and I love seeing Brushfield street again. Looks like AGOLD is gone now--used to sell traditional London fair--dusty cans and jars of foods all strange to an American. Thanks for taking me back to a small stretch of my boyhood I spent on Brushfield Street in the early 00s. The street looks newer, but I don't.

[@sneadhern]

I`d just like to say thanks john, for these fantastic videos great viewing!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure - I love making and sharing them

[@john80c]

Very enjoyable John. I believe 2 facts about Boudicca [1] her last battle was fought at Mancetter near Warwick and [2] she is buried beneath Platform 10 at Kings Cross Station.

[@chrisrainbow2393]

A very interesting and pleasurable walk John. Thank You.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure thanks for watching Chris

[@Suho1004]

Another great walk! I always particularly love hearing how places intersect with narratives. In the case of the Boudica myth, I would probably call that more of a legend. Legends are generally tied to historical time, and they deal with things that might plausibly be true (even if they aren't); myths, on the other hand, are often located outside of history and deal more with symbolic than literal truth. Of course, I don't want to give the impression that there is some clear, unambiguous line separating the two categories. After all, both myth and legend (along with folktales) are etic categories imposed on narratives by scholars, and in actual practice it is not uncommon to see stories with a blend of elements. If I had to choose between myth and legend, though, I would say that the Boudica narratives have more in common with legends than with myths. I don't mean to be a Picky Peter--I just like talking about stories and thought you might find the comment interesting. Thanks again for taking us on this walk!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That’s very helpful Suho - I’ve often wondered about distinction

[@RajSinghKhalsa]

John you passed close to 204 Bellenden Road, which was the site of 90's channel 4 comedy series "Desmonds" barber shop. Just a interesting peice of modern history

[@JohnRogersWalks]

fantastic, I had no idea Raj - many thanks

[@lamiaitaly2549]

Great stuff. Would love to know more about the local history so hope there will be lots of comments

[@steppingrazorsoundplatesystem]

Sunday now complete.

[@philburdett]

I recorded a couple of albums at the wonderfully named Shrunken Heads Studios in Peckham & visited the site of the Blake 'angel tree' - fascinating area - the studio was opposite a pub called 'The Pyrotechnicist's Arms'...(really!) - great walk as ever, sir! Brought back memories & was informative...a good combination!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Brilliant bit of colour again Phil - you could map London through your music

[@philburdett]

@@JohnRogersWalks New album out next month...it follows the Thames from the East India Docks to the mouth of the estuary (kind of!...) - Your walks are featured in one of the songs & I've recommended your book in the credits too....I'll send you a copy when it is pressed up if you like...

[@ttv2951]

Fantastic walk right through my old stomping ground (second time you've done that 😆)once again my eyes are open. looking forward to the new book.

[@jamesjohnmoss8130]

This one was beautiful, close to my old home, and full of memories, everything you produce is really great, the Wandle (sic?) for example, but this one, super?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks James

[@ivanhockenhull2604]

Absorbing, John. Loved the Boudicca stuff and that Anti-Aircraft position from WWI well, my cup runneth over. Babylon! Ace, John. 🇯🇪

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Ivan

[@MrJohnQCitizen]

You mentioned 'daylighting' with regards to the peck. What is daylighting? Also is there a link to the finished UN film? Sounds very interesting

[@rockywestable]

a movement to expose burried rivers

[@JohnRogersWalks]

here's the UN film John kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGXWe62Arb2ghNk

[@tobywoodcock9053]

local legend is it (Boudicca's last battle)happened nr Mancetter (not far from me) on the old Watling street (A5) on the Warwickshire/Leicester border ... there was an old mile post/fort ther too.

[@desmond223]

Also John on Cossal Walk, you could have in fact reached the junction of Queens Road by crossing through the nature reserve!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I did wonder Desmond- in hindsight that seems the likely course of the river