We Mapped Roman Britain - With NO Maps

[@pwhitewick]

If you would like access to behind the scenes weekly Videos with Rebecca and I and other perks, you can support this channel here: Join this channel to get access to perks: / @pwhitewick OR www.patreon.com/PaulandRebeccawhitewick

[@neilthehermit4655]

Thanks for another great video. - The change in scheduling has really worked for you, the quality of writing, editing and presentation has improved... It was very good before, but oh boy I like the new look !!! 👍

[@christopherrudolph8459]

...with Rebecca and me.. "Me" is an object of the preposition "with."

[@Andy_Babb]

I would love the occasional longform video bc this channel is fantastic

[@Benjamin.Jamin.]

This is BBC quality. And that you've done it without a team of researchers, catering, and producers who do goodness knows what is incredible.

[@Beatlefan67]

It's better than much on the MSM as some of the academics are so bloody-minded ('I'm always right' type of person. Best I don't let on how I have heard this but it was from a reliable source)

[@tomkelly9801]

it is an insult comparing with BBC. State owned propaganda channel

[@jesscots]

This is much better than anything BBC could or would produce and delightfully unbiased!

[@abstractdragon5453]

Paul, you and Rebecca made the right choice to slow down and dig deeper. These new videos are absolutely fantastic- great information, told in a story, making it's relatable. Well done. It's time to quit your job and make your art - you're a film maker, you have the gift.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

They are a film making team. The hard part will be making a living from it.

[@totoro123]

Fantastic documentary. This should be on the TV! I'm glad it isn't though, because I don't watch TV any more - as the documentaries are not as good as this any more 😂

[@pwhitewick]

😂😂. Thank you.

[@jamescobban857]

You should consider Nebula or Discovery as additional outlets and income sources.

[@yutehube4468]

That's right.

[@North_West1]

The videos are great. His YT started as weekend adventures with his wife.

[@Beatlefan67]

We don't either and we agree with you!

[@stevemarshall3481]

Can we all take a few seconds to appreciate Paul and Rebecca for the excellent camera work and professionalism in presenting videos like this for us to enjoy, I'd love to see you both get rewarded with your own TV show, surly someone out there has links to SKY, BBC or ITV to make this happen......... oh, and may I say, well done on another fascinating video 👏👏👏

[@brianartillery]

Excellent video! Far better than a lot of the stuff put out by most TV companies nowadays. Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for the fabulous video today about the Roman Road - With NO Maps. A thorough trip indeed. The preparation for this video must have been exhausting. But I’m sure people watching enjoyed it as much as I did. Will be on the look out for follow ups on this subject. Enjoy the week ahead, and again, thank you for your labors on this subject. Cheers Paul and Rebecca! ❤❤😊😊

[@urbangeeze1348]

Paul, I love the direction your work is taking. Your research is second to none, & spoken most eloquently, with excellent graphics. I'm learning things never taught at school, & hope this is turning out really successful for you both. Looking forward to more of this from you. Stay safe, Regards Urban Geeze.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Boss. Very kind

[@philroberts7238]

Great story-telling and genuine academic research from a couple of self-described non-academic story tellers. Congratulations!

[@hedleythorne]

This is TV quality and highly informative. Shared.

[@TKevinBlanc]

It makes no sense how much this American loves your channel - especially these documentaries. Great work!

[@TomMaynard--TCM--]

It makes perfect sense to me, a fellow American. What's not to love?

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

Excellent video. I am pretty sure I use to have that book on Roman roads with the fold out maps. I bought it at a jumble sale in around 1969 When I was 10. I think I paid 1d for it, and my mother told me off for wasting my money. I wish I still had it today.

[@mkendallpk4321]

Bravo! You took your time and made a video that was not boring at all. I enjoyed it very much.

[@markstott6689]

Another very interesting topic. I love maps and always have since i was bought my first OS Map aged 9. It always fascinated me that it showed the course of a Roman road to the north of my home town of Otley. It runs south westerly across Blubberhouses Moor to Thatch Ling. It disappears for a short way before turning SSW and heading towards Ilkley (Olicana).I've walked some of it but to my untrained eyes I couldn't make anything out.

[@cerealport2726]

Back in the late 70s, early 80s, We used to be able to get "strip maps" from the local Automobile Association if you were planning a trip. They were essentially pieces of map put together in a booklet. it was a lot like an Ogilby map as you had no real wider reference of where you were, except a chunk of land on either side of the road you were supposed to follow.

[@cerealport2726]

I thought these had gone the way of the dinosaur, but I stand corrected, such maps are still provided, albeit online. Wonders never cease.

[@sianwarwick633]

There was also a 'reverse' map, (published by AA road services ?) that showed reverse routes, and distances from North to South

[@cerealport2726]

@@sianwarwick633 I think they are a pretty cool idea, and am surprised that they still exist, though maybe it's just my part of Australia, as we are a few decades behind the rest of the world!!

[@marsZpants]

Those were (are?) called trip tik by the AAA in the US- super handy!

[@hainanbob6144]

I'm absolutely amazed at how 'new' some of this information is. When I was a schoolboy, (a long time ago), learning about Roman roads I had no idea that the knowledge was so fresh. Great video, I loved every minute of it.

[@adrianlee2910]

Stunning work. Frankly, breathtaking in its professionalism and detail. Words fail me. There simply is nothing of this exceptional quality of KZbin. You two are now unrivaled and have succeeded in setting the benchmark for all those who come in your wake. The next step has to be your launch on television. I would seriously considering getting an agent to promote your work further. You are the very best of the best.

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ClearlyPixelated]

I'm blown away by how fantastic this is. The production value and research is second to none. Well done!!

[@namnnamnson2969]

So well done! Facts, storytelling, photography & editing, everything lineup in a logical manner, like most of the roman roads you're talking about does. You have used your interest for this subject deep inside your hearts and made this video a hell of a good one! I look forward to see more, my curiosity just like yours, never stops.

[@mikeakhurst1855]

Great content and brilliantly delivered, keep it coming both of you. 😊

[@robinhayhurst5943]

I do like the way you're clearly spending longer on the edit, making them look even more professional! Only complaint... more canals...less roads please!

[@philroberts7238]

It would have been an awful lot shorter if it was only covering the Roman canals in Britain!

[@sianwarwick633]

@@philroberts7238 a possible video ?

[@outthere9370]

Sadly, Paul can't walk on water! 😱🤣😂

[@janh1720]

Wow - fabulous set ot WWII tank-traps from a Stop Line just by the level crossing at 2:43!!! Getting rare to survive in that condition... Oh, and another lovely video - thank you! ^_^

[@chriswilkin2112]

Great video as always. On a seperate note, at 2:40, another piece of history you passed over was the remains of the ww2 anti tank roadblock remains on the bridge surface. So much intact history around us.

[@BumblebumBear]

One of the best channels on you tube

[@TekeHorse]

Wonderful video. I used to be a cartographer in the American military years ago. I have Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos, though my Greek is terrible. I loved the wonderful resources you mentioned - now perhaps I ought to track them down.

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Excellent documentary. Very interesting.

[@hublanderuk]

After the level crossing in the video I have driven on that Roman Road this was when I was working at Crofton Beam engines on the electric pumps it saved walking all the tools over the canal.

[@DeneF]

That street on Rhodes island was the 'Street of the Knights', I lived just round the corner from there actually in the castle (old town). Now there's some incredible history!

[@TomMaynard--TCM--]

Good golly, you two have certainly spent your time well! What a fabulous video, with wonderful background music, and a fascinating tale unfolding ... simply terrific! Thanks!!

[@BSWVI]

Canadian dollar exchange makes this look very mean, but it is meant as thanks for a perfect blend of enthusiasm and research. Subscribed!

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you Barbara, very kind

[@edwardleigh-wood1540]

Thanks

[@yannschonfeld5847]

This is not just some stuffy documentary. As mentioned elsewhere, there is a great deal of care and dare I say love of the topic attached to your country. Your filming of so many nooks and crannies in great detail allows the viewer to feel that we are actually following you. And, you are such a lovely couple.I share your love of Roman Britain and since I lived in Brittany for 30 + years (Western Brittany) so Roman Brittany as well but which is alas much more neglected.

[@CoatsandGaiters]

The standard of your productions is through the roof Paul & Rebecca. If one didn't know any better one could think they are watching the Discovery channel. The hours/days your putting into these clearly shows.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Truly great video .... the waffleometer went right off the scale .... It was sold to me by some bloke called Marinus so no surprise there😅😅😅 Thoroughly enjoyed this one you packed so much in and all to a very very high standard. Well done to you both and have a great week

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks David.

[@simoncroft9792]

Quality of the filmography is fantastic, I take it this is what stills, graphics and rostrum photography is now called! Full credit to Rebecca , this is as much work as the filming, let alone the editing!

[@MrDazvere]

Bloody brilliant documentary! Superb! Well done!

[@wendarampton1888]

This is the most informative of all you videos of roman roads you have done. It was the best. Well done for all your hard work in producing this. Thanks Steve & Wenda

[@davefrench3608]

Really good you two. Roman roads have always held a fascination for me, the one crossing the canal is worth a look.

[@eb4661]

Very educational, thank you! 22:43 fun-fact, those caterpillars are known as “målorms» in Norway, “measuring-snakes”. Here it measures an arms length, as a reminder that measuring have gone a long way since Roman times.

[@WILD35]

I'm still learning about old maps and loving the soundtracks nice and powerful ❤

[@stuartbridger5177]

Never mind the Romans, some cracking WW2 mine sockets on the canal bridge at the start.

[@pwhitewick]

Mine sockets??

[@stuartbridger5177]

@@pwhitewick yes the concrete squares with the circular holes that are arranged in a grid pattern on the bridge are WW2 vintage. They are sockets that held anti tank mines as part of the defensive stop line, built hurriedly in the summer of 1940

[@geoffreycodnett6570]

@stuartbridger5177 Glad you explained that. The mention of "tank traps " earlier in the comments had me looking for large concrete blocks around four feet square by the same height and in a line. These are a feature completely ignored locally, intended to prevent easy movement from the west coast of Wales inland. There's even a small concrete and brick look out and gun slitted shelter still visible. Interesting to be in the area the government considered expendable short term. Sarn Helen isn't far away with its exact course at the area unknown heading to Carmarthen.

[@johntaylor2489]

To echo some of the comments already made, what a wonderfully produced video. If I had tuned in to the BBC and caught this...... Thanks and well done.

[@kmhtaylor]

Excellent piece! I have a fascination with the 'Roman Road' and it's construction, it's inauguration, it's terminus and all points in-between. Thank you!

[@Rapidoslug]

Finally obtain an excellent copy of Ivan Margary’s Roman Roads of Britain after seeing how much you reference it and living on the south coast, going to now start exploring.

[@longhunter1951]

A really riveting episode, so full of fascinating information and beautiful scenic video photography which highlight the strenuous efforts you both undertake each time we view one of your presentations, marvelous! Thank you, Steve

[@carlthor91]

Paul, the strip maps are an old idea that is still in use today. In the heyday of the CAA and AAA, their trip ticks were assembled like that, also modern marine navigation systems display either course up (strip map) or North up, like a globe or chart. Best wishes from Northern Canada.

[@trebuchetsupportsquad7909]

Rebecca, not being in the video could be a factor. We all love her expressions when thrilled with a find. Her enthusiasm goes well with your serious nature. What a team!

[@mrlister2000]

Your videos continue to be amazing, especially this one. What makes them unique, and by far the best, is that there is no "agenda" behind them. Telling a story exactly how it is. Thank you

[@stevenpotter3812]

Paul , Rebecca , don't ever retire .

[@seanfaherty]

This is the kind of content the internet was supposed to bring us.

[@SCOTTBULGRIN]

This is right up my alley. I love see old maps and history. Thank you for your efforts in this video.

[@sonia4641]

Great research and presentation and storytelling. Love these videos resulting from deep delving , and bridging the gap between the academics and us interested ordinary folk. ( I know that's not adding anything to what others are saying, but wanted to say it anyway .....). Thanks!

[@bobskool]

Brilliant work. A noticeable step forward in production quality.

[@charliebalch3023]

I never comment on videos. But that was quality viewing. Round of applause 👏 Well done.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Charlie. Much appreciated

[@davidmarsden9800]

The Open University used to use an Ordinance Survey one in their courses years ago. It was one of those specialist maps that the Ordinance Survey does or did like the Geological map of Britain.

[@robertstorey7476]

Yes I have seen the ordnance survey one.

[@mauricewatts2380]

That was great. So much research and so well put together. Thankyou

[@peterlaker2234]

Thankyou so much I thoroughly enjoyed this and all of your work but the content your creating now is second to none. As below I would rather watch this than a tv production with bias to whoever they are funded by. I find it astonishing that your creating this with just the 2 of you . I've been a long time subscriber and when you said you would take a little longer to make better content I had no idea this was coming. huge production companies with masses of employees and big budgets don't even come close to this. Please don't stop. I also find it fun to figure out where you are on my maps and follow the story through maps my end. Thank you so much

[@grumpyoldgit9498]

Totally engaged. Almost forgot i was watching a seriously good content creator & not a wealthy production company offering. Thank you!! Keep up the great work..

[@pwhitewick]

You're going to enjoy next weeks video!

[@fabled-pilgrim]

Great research and love the production value. Coming across your video was excellent timing as I embark on some Roman road research and had been asking this very question myself. Thanks! New sub coming your way : )

[@allanchurm]

i do so like this channel the way the story is told as well as the information

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Thank you so much for a very enjoyable and informative documentary. You raise many fascinating questions about the origins and evolution of mapping, and Roman roads in particular. How was it possible for the Roman's to construct such an impressive network of - for the most part - straight, long-distance roads connecting towns and other settlements, seemingly without accurate maps? I do hope you continue your researches on this fascinating topic.

[@rsfaeges5298]

Your channel is a recent discovery for me, into which i am being drawn, engaged by, enjoying, and appreciating your video'd storytelling re your researches. 🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome aboard!

[@mikepowell2776]

Wonderful piece of research on a subject most even interested parties probably rarely consider - the provenance of assumptions. Excellently presented, too. Errors in maps are still being perpetrated. In Bilbao maritime museum there is a stained glass map of Northern Europe and the British Isles showing trade routes over time. Cardiff and Newport have been transposed. The duty manager actually swore when he checked what I’d pointed out in an atlas. On the OS tourist map of the Cotswolds ‘Three Choirs Vineyard’ is spelt ‘Chairs’ whilst the 1:25,000 map showing Marlborough indicates that the rivers Stour and Avon are linked where their sources should be, making a vast area to their south an effective island. Again, many thanks for your work and enthusiasm.

[@calebwright6151]

Amazing look at the Roman Roads of Great Britain Paul and Rebecca this has been more informative interesting than anything that the big broadcasters put out. As usual I’ll be awaiting your next video

[@Hairnicks]

Absolutely fascinating, loved every minute of it. Thank you once more.

[@mapavus]

New to the channel. Very good! New sub.

[@DrivermanO]

Having grown up in West Sussex and having Stane Street on the doorstep, so to speak, I have always found Roman Roads fascinating. Stane Street round the back of Bignor Hill is very atmospheric! To the point. May I suggest you read a book called "The Debatable Land" by Graham Robb. Its about the border lands between Scotland and England around the Solway Firth and his life and its history. However, at page 185, part 4, he explains much of the map history that you have done here, but he comes to a very interesting conclusion, which I think you will enjoy! As you can see from your Ptolomaic map, Scotland is at an odd angle. He comes up with a theory that explains this, and also identifies Roman forts and towns that have been misplaced/misidentified! I found it very logical and persuasive, and I'm sure you would too. May I also say that I find your videos very well done and interesting. I have been a subscriber for about 6 months now. PS. I knew I had the book but its taken me ages to find it!

[@cjg1970]

I walked over Bignor Hill yesterday. On an OS map it's a bit odd until east of the villa. I noticed signs of terracing on the footpath to the left of the road.

[@christophernoble6810]

The Graham Robb book is definitely well worth a read. I borrowed it from my local library.

[@DrivermanO]

@@cjg1970 If you go up the hill from the villa, and then over the top towards Chichester, you will be able to walk down the Roman Road on the edge of a field.under an avenue of trees. Well, that's my memory from 1974! Moved away since then.

[@branofattrebates2847]

Great video thankyou guys for your amazing interest and incredible research to bring the distant past to life . What else would be interesting is a step by step roman invasion tour from where they started to how they moved throughout the British isles. Love your work 👍👍👍 subscribed .

[@HANKTHEDANKEST]

It's funny seeing the similarities between ancient means of learning the ways about the land and modern ones--dots and straight lines, and definitely not-to-scale. I suspect that after a bit of calming-down with some orange slices and some fetal-spooning, a modern transit map would probably make some bit of sense to a Roman. Not sure if you could get him on the Tube, though.

[@JISJ1964]

Thank´s a lot, really interesting to hear and see how central Britain was in the Roman Empire.

[@Bruce-1956]

I think you'll find most of Scotland wasn't part of the Roman Empire. So no Britain wasn't central in the Empire.

[@antonioveritas]

I think that actually Britain was viewed as an outpost of empire by the Romans. If you were a Roman soldier, being sent to Hadrians Wall was the equivalent to the Soviets being sent to Siberia!

[@Bruce-1956]

@@antonioveritas it wasn't Britain, Scotland was never conquered by the Romans.

[@antonioveritas]

@@Bruce-1956 I agree with you. But notice I said being sent TO Hadrians Wall, not beyond Hadrians Wall! Hadrians Wall was the northernmost part of the Roman Empire. As you say, the Romans never conquered Scotland!

[@jameswalksinhistory3848]

Far more out there than is recorded -Totally enjoyed this

[@taloire43]

Excellent video Paul and Rebecca and very informative. PS: stylish hat Rebecca.

[@raigarmullerson4838]

Love the content. Cheers from Estonia

[@peterfriedlander]

Fantastic video Paul, one of your best. You inspire me to make a 22 ft by 1 ft format map. It would be very suitable to carry as a scroll on two wooden spindles on a journey. I could keep winding it on as I walked along the road. Perfect.

[@pwhitewick]

Actually thought about printing one for this video!!

[@steveperry6624]

Thanks to the painstaking efforts of these forebears over many centuries, I am able to use the OS map of Roman Britain, colour coded and showing rivers, routes & tribes.

[@paulbennett4548]

Thank you for a wonderful story, the amount of work and love that you both have for history is amazing.

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Paul

[@davie941]

hello again Paul and Rebecca , really good and interesting video as always , i could have watched another hour of this , really well done and thank you both 😊

[@chrish5319]

Thank you that was fascinating and the effort you put into the editing really shows (that is not meant to be a criticism of previous videos). You have given me a long list of reading topics.

[@pwhitewick]

Cheers Chris. I think there are a further 9 topics from this I coukd video about. The Roman Hoax will definitely be one of them.

[@davidhcobbald3632]

Absolutely outstanding, fascinating video! Thanks a lot guys!

[@StormwatchDruid]

Very interesting, Thanks Rebecca and Paul.

[@peterharrington8709]

Superb! Your best yet and that is saying something. I would have been quite enthralled with 90 mins of that TBH... more detail and a little more time for stuff to sink in? Honestly though... WOW!

[@phillwainewright4221]

Years ago, I had a road atlas of the UK. The majority of it was as you'd expect, but at the back were 'transit maps' of all the motorways, with junctions labelled with main destinations. Every map was a straight vertical line, every junction was the same distance apart. I've not seen one like it since!

[@pwhitewick]

Entirely useful... until you get lost.

[@denisripley8699]

Yes Phill, I had one of those atlases too. Notional London Tube maps bears little relationship to to real above ground relative topograhy.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Has anyone taken / researched LIDAR scan of England and compared these pictures to existing documents to accurately plot the known Roman roads against GPS plotted locations? PS - learned a few things today. Appreciate the video!

[@tonylucky2724]

Saw your poll. I'm watching it now. School year end os very busy. Running a plumbing company. I'm working on racecar... blah blah excuses... Great job! It's a welcome wind down to a long day.

[@MarqEnglish]

Fascinating Video Paul and Rebecca, great job on the Edit.

[@scottthomas3792]

Sitting here in central Kentucky ( winter scene outside) watching this....walking on roads a couple millennia or so old must be amazing...

[@tobycowman]

Brilliant Video. I will follow up on my tracing of the routes. Great summary

[@Freethinker225]

What an amazing teacher to have!

[@rdstedall]

I'm really enjoying these longer form videos. As many have already commented the quality is extremely good. Keep up the good work!

[@coop_coop007]

Excellent, fantastic quality, thanks very much,

[@smallsleepyrascalcat]

Very well done! This is on a very high scientifical level. It's obvious you put a lot of research in the matter.

[@IlSqueak]

This was Great! Sorry for not watching it on Sunday / Monday as normal, but it's been a busy week. I like the Long format vids, but now I need to Schedule a slot to watch them (to answer your community poll question).

[@pwhitewick]

Thank you, we are trying t mix them up a little.

[@Sim0nTrains]

I swear Rebecca said 'KZbin members' in a somerset accent or it sounded like it lol. Honestly this has been a great informative video

[@pwhitewick]

She does a decent Bristolian ever so often

[@Sim0nTrains]

@@pwhitewick used to have a manger at work who had a West Country accent who was from the Bristol area, which is how I picked up on it.

[@martindooley4439]

Proper quality content Love the channel

[@markblackford7271]

How good was that and how much work must have been taken up to make it. A truly professional piece of work and thoroughly enjoyable

[@pwhitewick]

Thanks Mark.

[@nothinglikeasongbird]

Absolutely incredible work here. A great docco. Never been gladder for Tom Scott's newsletter.

[@pwhitewick]

Welcome to the channel 😊

[@wabisabi6875]

Daniel Boorstin's book "The Discoverers" covers the history of geography quite well.

[@ravens2082]

Awesome documentary!

[@DeneF]

Great video. Thanks.

[@eekee6034]

22'x1' sounds quite normal for a scroll; perhaps even a little on the small side. That in turn reminds me of something I saw in the Innovations catalog in the late 80s or early 90s: a road map of Britain which was nothing less than a motorized scroll. The argument for it was that in an ordinary road atlas, it can be hard to find your place after turning the page. Turning the map into a scroll eliminates that problem in one axis, and motorizing it saves a lot of effort when you need to look at another section. Obviously, it didn't take off, but the memory of it has stuck with me all these years, and now I'm convinced that the Peutinger Map -- or rather the map which it was copied from -- was indeed a travel map. :) As far as I can find out, 1 foot wide by 22 feet long is a normal size for a scroll. At 1 foot wide, it wouldn't be too large for an official with a comfortable carriage to look at as he went along. The scroll form also offers a possible explanation of how one end came to be damaged; it was exposed while the rest was not. But perhaps I should follow the example of Ivan Margary and not be quite so categorically certain. :) He's a good example to imitate for sure.