Ancient Curiosities of Old Ilford - East London Walk (4K)

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Ancient Curiosities of Old Ilford - East London Walk (4K)

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8 ай бұрын

This East London Walk takes us in search of a mystery within the landscape of Valentines Park Ilford. There's said to be a holy well in Valentines Park, named Jacob's Well that dates back at least to the late medieval period and possibly further back than that. We also stumble upon two curious stones that could possibly be related to a Roman casket that was excavated in the grounds of Valentines House in the 19th century and mentioned in Village London.
Related videos:
Cran Brook walk • Walk to the Source of ...
Wanstead Park to Valentines Park • Ruins in the Woods in ...
Ilford the Eastern Queen (2011) • Ilford - The Eastern Q...
Blog post about Jacob's Well insearchofholy...
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Пікірлер: 270

@NostGold 8 ай бұрын

I've watched every single video you have done in the past few years on my Television, this is not a channel to be watched on a phone or tablet. You're a TV star John, me and my missus look forward to every video you put out. You're channel is absolutely amazing.

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

that's so kind - many thanks

@margaretscott2793 8 ай бұрын

On my laptop, full screen, works well for me. Loving all the videos and so much looking forward to coming to London next September and doing some exploring.

@FiveDORRA 8 ай бұрын

Sad comment

@eileenalderman7773 8 ай бұрын

I love watching on my IPad 😊

@jasb8343 8 ай бұрын

Used to go to work using this train station when I was a teenager. Never saw the beauty in the architecture until I saw this video. Amazing how we take things for granted in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to realise that we live in paradise.

@robertdanielpickard 8 ай бұрын

"i'll walk home..things will happen, there'll be encounters, we'll see people" is a really lovely sentiment

@robertbarling5601 8 ай бұрын

Wonderful video John it reminds me of my childhood as my mother used to clean the house of a Jewish lady called Mrs Klein and during the school holidays I used to go with her and play with her son. Afterwards we always went to Valentines park where I would throw a penny down the well, ( I am 71 now) Great memories and I still often go over there now.

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing those memories Robert

@capabilityred3606 8 ай бұрын

Valentines Park, my local park. Brilliant video John. If you ever get locked in the park after dusk, there is a wicket (turnstile) gate on the south side at Melbourne Field ( Melbourne Road) Many times in my younger days I got locked in with my friends as we would play football well after dark and we were oblivious to the park keepers whistle. The good old days. I still frequently wander through Valentines Park, as well as being beautifully landscaped, there is an abundance of wildlife. A great place and a great video. Well done.

@Pierlover 8 ай бұрын

As kids, my cousin and I used to play hide 'n seek in the tunnels at Gants Hill Station until some uniformed station official would catch us and tell us off! No answering back in the those days. (We're both in our 70's now!) I also have a photo of us standing by the well in Valentine's Park - that whole area was much more overgrown and was another great place for hide 'n seek! And, I know I'm repeating a comment I made on another of your wonderful videos that included the park, but once we were jumping over a ditch near the house when I fell onto a piece of wood and got a huge splinter in my hand. We got most of it out except for one little piece which is still in my thumb to this day! Amazing that it's never festered! Perhaps it was the water from the well in the ditch!

@robbojax2025 8 ай бұрын

Valentines Park was one of my childhood playgrounds. I still walk around it occasionally. When I was a kid Jacobs Well was known as the Wishing Well.

@vinnyhowells8132 8 ай бұрын

Hi John, just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the many topical videos you show for so many viewers. I for one do not the opportunity to get out from my bungalow walking as I am highly disabled and struggle so much on my two feet so these insights into London, the suburb's and the history you share for me is a lifeline and fascination into the histories and interleague you narrate such a wonderful story over and share your journeys with us. I sincerely wish you all the very best for 2024 and Christmas season and hope you share with us many more exiting and intriguing videos. You are such a fascinating man amd make a great host for these walks, Haven't read all your books as yet but certainly on my Christmas list so thank you.... best of luck...your fan Vinny x 😃

@richardsuperfine826 7 ай бұрын

Hi John. Greetings from Minnesota, USA! I grew up and lived in Gants Hill for 26 years and used to spend a lot of time in Valentine's Park as a kid. I remember that well vividly. I used to throw pennies in there and used it as a wishing well, like you described in your video. Fond memories!

@SyedWinder91 8 ай бұрын

This is amazing, I was born and bred in east London and frequented Valentines park. Never knew about this well! Now I'm in Hornchurch and exploring the extensive green belt land here. Your TV show (which it is, KZfaq is the new TV!) is top notch, it's amazing learning about our home city in such intimate detail. Thanks for your efforts Mr Rogers 😁 Come to Hornchurch again! There are so many gems in Havering to explore!

@sianwarwick633 8 ай бұрын

KZfaq is definitely the new TV.

@philipjames1916 26 күн бұрын

I spent my childhood between Valentines Park and Wanstead Park. Thanks for reviving my memories.

@markriley4665 8 ай бұрын

I love Gants Hill. What a fantastic piece of architecture and very reminiscent of the Moscow metro as I experienced 12 years ago. Great to have you back John. What a fantastic walk - I don’t know Valentine’ Park but I will certainly be making a trip there

@donlefrigo4027 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this, John. You brought back a lot of happy memories. We lived in Gants Hill in the 90s and our kids were born there. That part of Valentines Park was part of our daily routine walk. Get the babies out to see the ducks on the pond. When they were a bit older we played chase around the huge cypress tree. I wonder if it's still standing. The bagel shop is on Woodford Avenue, next to the United Reform Church. I think it's called the Shalom bakery. I remember the queues outside on Saturday evening waiting for the Sabbath to end and then they would open. They are the best bagels I have tasted. We live in Wales now, but whenever any of us are up in London, we make a detour to bring back two dozen bagels for the rest of the family. They don't last long. I remember the well but just assumed it was part of the pond infrastructure. I don't think there were any signs about it. Fascinating to think it's a well. Did you notice if the aviaries were still by the walled garden - another crucial part of our daily routine to see the quails and budgies and listen to the beeping of the zebra finches.

@aliross8744 8 ай бұрын

The Cypress Tree still stands, as does Shalom Bakery and many other fine places where people of all creeds and colours could enjoy great food, company and culture. Much of the footage shown reflects the forward looking attitude of Redbridge Council and Vision in protecting the assets of history for future generations. Cardiff is lovely too.

@IlfordRetro 8 ай бұрын

The aviary is no more I'm afraid, last there around the late 90s/early 2000s.

@thetimewanderer3355 8 ай бұрын

John this is so mad, I was thinking of visiting this well myself today, as I was on my way back from Colchester. I turn on my TV and you mention me, I'm over the moon. Thank you!

@williamrobinson7435 8 ай бұрын

What a magical place, Valentines Park.. The footage of Gant's Hill tube is wonderful. The idea of a 'Mediaeval Mystery' having so charmingly a real conclusion is also v jolly, I like to believe that the water of the spring is perpetually warmed by The Earth.. Nice one John! ⭐👍

@michaelmallal9101 5 ай бұрын

Valentine's Park is delightful.

@sharynkhan1104 8 ай бұрын

Valentine's park is our local, wonderful wildlife and lots of history. The mansion is absolutely beautiful as is the well. Thank you for the video 😊

@nige_breaks_bikes9782 8 ай бұрын

London really a city of beautiful and often less well known parks …. Couldn’t watch these films on a tiny scene … always TV … ‘ventures and adventures on Topography’ is well worth a listen … sets a great background to these walks .. Nick is quite illuminating ❤

@davidshearer8793 8 ай бұрын

I’d forgotten just how delightful Valentines Park is. We used to take the kids there to feed the ducks, and I remember many happy hours spent watching Essex County Cricket Club when they played there. Thanks John for nudging the memory.

@lilhoggy2074 8 ай бұрын

2:42 there used to be a seriously good 24 hr bagel shop just by where you are standing there and I think rivalled Brick Lane personally! However, there is still another good one on the opposite side of the roundabout on Woodford Avenue.

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Thanks - I'll have to go and find it

@heidismit5261 8 ай бұрын

John. This is A WALK and a ha'f. To be savoured for this week. Thanks!

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy it Heidi

@andrewrobinson3030 8 ай бұрын

Lovely walk around Valentine park. I’m really enjoying reading your book this new London. It’s given me inspiration to paint a picture of the Lea Valley as it might of looked over two thousand years ago years ago

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Wonderful stuff Andrew. I’d love to see that painting if you do it

@23Daves 8 ай бұрын

Fantastic! I lived in Ilford until about a year ago and would walk past that well/spring most days, largely because my dog usually wanted to drink from it (as indeed many of the local dogs do). I had many conversations with other park users about how old the spring and well were, and nobody knew the precise answer, but most seemed to believe it was "ancient". Definitely a strange and wonderful feature in what is an exceptional London park.

@user-ol9gz1wp1b 4 ай бұрын

John You make the world seem a better place.

@JohnRogersWalks 4 ай бұрын

Ah that’s so kind, thank you

@thomaswilliams5849 8 ай бұрын

One of my favourite walks in London is Ilford to South Woodford starting off at Valentines park then crossing Wanstead park and then finishing at Epping forest.

@raymondpenalver7095 8 ай бұрын

Would love to see you do a walk and talk about the history of the Walthamstow Reservoirs now called the Walthamstow Wetlands John 🙏

@IlfordRetro 8 ай бұрын

Even though I know a bit about Ilford, I'm always learning more through your videos. Like many Ilfordians and visitors alike, I've walked past Jacob's Well countless times and not even realised it. And on occasions that I have noticed it, I neglect to find out anything more about it. Thanks for this neat little local wander. I'm also impressed (if that's the right word) that the pitch of your voice from 2011 is exactly the same as it is today - that's continuity editing which is on another level!!! See you up the road one day. Rod.

@Slycockney 8 ай бұрын

Thank you John once more for an enlightening walk. The thing I love most about these videos is educating and at the same time entertaining me about parts of London I'm not familiar with.

@pauldablue 8 ай бұрын

- Really enjoyed this video, followed, i have very fond memories of going to Valentines Park almost 50 years ago with my nan who lived in Fairview drive Chigwell, i think we went to Ilford to pay her rent then having the squirrels literally sitting on me as i fed them in Valentines Park.

@PhilDoleman 8 ай бұрын

Yet again you brought back memories of my times in and around London, John! I used to live on Park Avenue, right along the side of Valentines Park, and spent many hours there. Beautiful place.

@lizstevenson7801 8 ай бұрын

Thank you John, that was really interesting, I have never been there before and it was a beautiful Park. If your at Ramsgate I would like to see a walk at Broadstairs please, from the old jetty and the tiny streets. Our family had two weeks holiday there every year from around 1950- 74, so the memories will be great. I saw my first Mummers play there, I loved seeing the Punch and Judy with the old Polish couple when they ran it, he was a clown and fully made up Harlequin type not scary at all. The classic concerts and the Morris dancers in the grassed area behind the old Council block originally a private Mansion house. I look forward to your walks always where ever they may be. 💕🇦🇺

@sianwarwick633 8 ай бұрын

John, you are so right to recommend the very personnable Thomas Burke's The Outer Circle, Rambles in Remote London. It's a joy to read even now, just over a hundred years later. Thanks for mentioning it as an inspiring starting point for anyone curious enough to begin their own rambles in their city, town or bit of countryside. As an aside, I'm always boggled by the number of rivers, and amount of water that makes up the land in Britain.

@skyboswell 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for another wonderful episode, John. The extra footage from Valentine's Park's walled garden put me in mind of parts of Sissinghurst in Sussex, which I visited for the first time this May. Your demographics ought to tell you that the reason for the majority of your viewers watching via TV (as I do) is likely due to the age group most predominant among your fans. I'm 64, and don't have a Smartphone; I like my TV for the big and therefore watchable images I receive when I tune in. River Graveney video from earlier this year. Digressing, my former songwriting partner wrote a song called Effa when we lived in a house on Effra Road near St Matthews Church in Brixton. I can't remember all the lyrics, and sadly a recorded version is not in my possession, but it did receive a hearing at The Rock Garden in Covent Garden in the early 1980s when she performed it live. I'll leave the lyrics as I remember them on your River Effra walk video. Thank you for continuing to create your wonderful and informative videos, through which I walk vicariously the amazing landscapes that you tread. P.S. How do I get hold of a copy of your first book, signed? x

@christinebeynon9967 8 ай бұрын

You can link your tablet/phone to your smart TV so can watch on your TV and see comments/links on your tablet/phone at the same time. Love watching your channel brings back memories, was born Plaistow lived in Forest Gate and knew every foot path across the Flats through Wanstead Park up to the pumping station by the Roding at Redbridge in the 1950/60s.

@HonestSonics 8 ай бұрын

We used to watch Shakespere in Valentines park. It started in a circus tent in the evening and we'd be lead to each scene around the park, following a guide with a fire torch. Don't think they do it anymore but really special memories.

@TXMEDRGR 8 ай бұрын

I love it when you show us spots such as the well that evokes images of generations of people visiting the spot back into the misty past. Some of our Native American spots such as Poverty Point in north Louisiana evoke the same images for me, which is why I enjoy visiting such locations. Thank you!

@Marabout75 8 ай бұрын

Hi John...nice soothing, peaceful little park walk... Primrose Hill, Camden would be a suggestion... Nice views at the top... 💚💛❤️N15🐓🇲🇺

@christophersmith7460 8 ай бұрын

Used to enjoy the Essex cricket week at Valentines Park with the old furniture van scoreboard that travelled to the out grounds.

@bababooey7576 8 ай бұрын

What a fascinating well and feature in a park! What an absolutely beautiful park and the overcast, slightly rainy sunday weather is so fitting! Your vidoes can only be watched on my big screen!. I love all your videos and the commentary and history and bit of arts thrown in! Greetings from Canada, and thank you for making these videos!

@chrisgreen6259 8 ай бұрын

Lovely autumnal shots in this video.

@user-ck3uu8rj3x 4 ай бұрын

Its funny, i grew up Brentford/ealing/Acton areas. Was a despatch rider in Central London. I couldn't get out of London quick enough. Grey hot concrete and rubbish were all i could see. Now, 40 years later, im finding all these videos, like yours and mudlarking. Beautiful astounding history and hidden jems. Never saw them when i was younger. Pity i suppose.

@dambrooks7578 8 ай бұрын

I absolutely enjoy your walks around what was Essex before it grew up and perfect for Mr. Basvegus born to become a member of London. Thank you most kindly for taking this rambling ❤ Dagenham Heathway rambling?

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Thanks - I definitely have a few more walks planned around Dagenham

@dianastevenson131 6 ай бұрын

"What was Essex before it grew up" - I love that! I was born in what was Middlesex before it grew up, then lived in Kent before it grew up, lol.

@sandrasmith3207 8 ай бұрын

Great video. I used to scratch wishes on laurel leaves and throw them in the well. That was in the 60s. There was no grille the front of the well then. I remember the large stones and I think that used to have metal plaques for memorials or dedications for trees. The trees may well have gone now.

@dd45fs23 8 ай бұрын

Great video John! Glad you managed to find a couple of gems in the total dumps that are Gants Hill and Ilford

@johncarter2573 8 ай бұрын

Nice one john. I was born and bred in this monor. Live long and prosper.

@yasmeenrtubv1841 8 ай бұрын

Amazing you came and explored my part of the world where i live . I never knew about the holy well and roman stones thankyou so much ..

@yasmeenrtubv1841 8 ай бұрын

Ps it's shalom bagels that you were referring to and they are no where as good as brick lane beigels

@michsmi8297 8 ай бұрын

I very much look forward to your Ramsgate walk. That is certainly one location I would like to see you go.

@nwlondontimemachine9484 8 ай бұрын

We watch you on our TV. Nie to see the old 2011 footage, especially Nick, looking very smart!

@midhunpatel 8 ай бұрын

Walked to see Jacob's well this morning after watching your video 😊 Keep posting

@GarethHowell 6 ай бұрын

I was born in Ilford in the 50's and spent a lot of time in Valentine's Park up until the 80's, when I moved away. In the early days, it still had red squirrels in the trees. As regards Jacob's Well, my memory is that there as no grill on it.

@seekwisdom7757 5 ай бұрын

I watch your videos on my tablet at home & walked your East London videos whilst watching you on my phone. I'll be enjoying tomorrows early morning walk in Valentines more than ever after this video. You're a mine of information, bringing local history alive with beautiful realtime presentation, filming & music. Love watching. Thank you

@barrycoppock 8 ай бұрын

Especially enjoyable and interesting for me this week as my grandparents (my mother's side) lived at Newbury Park. Many a visit from there to Valentine's Park. It as also a lovely setting for Essex's Ilford cricket week. Great to hear that your book is doing so well.

@malcolmrichardson3881 8 ай бұрын

Very interesting walk. A walk on Hampstead Heath would be nice....

@markturner1970 8 ай бұрын

You've done it again John, great video. I spent my early years growing up in Gants Hill and spent many hours in Valentines Park.

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

thanks Mark - I love it over there

@sharynkhan1104 8 ай бұрын

Totally agree John Valentines park is the jewel in the crown 👑

@stevenspraggs4953 8 ай бұрын

first thing i thought was moscow so glad this has come on my feed again i love the local ones the best it is a beautiful park for sure john used to go there on a sunday when essex county cricket club used to play there every year i watch you on my pc thanks for another craking blog all the best steve

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Steve

@h.bsfaithfulservant4136 8 ай бұрын

Thanks again John. It's great to hear how your audience is supporting you away from the phone/TV screens 👍 It's a precious service you provide, with such warmth and enthusiasm 👌

@stephenoliver1437 8 ай бұрын

Nice video for mind and body refreshing John

@domramsey 8 ай бұрын

I always watch you on TV. It's the only way to watch!

@eileendaly13 8 ай бұрын

Lovely park remember watching cricket matches there.Always watch your video on TV!

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Eileen

@christinesimpkin570 8 ай бұрын

I watch you on my television too, John 👌🏻 Expert and brilliantly delivered narrative. You are a must watch....and a must read of course. Thank you 🤝🏻

@scottrogers7917 6 ай бұрын

The bigel shop is the Woodford avenue turn off of the Gants Hill roundabout ! An yes it’s fantastic ! Great video

@pancrazioaquilina7029 8 ай бұрын

Greetings from malta although i sometimes misses a video but i allways enjoy watching you and the narratior you give. There' s allways some surprise in london that we are not familiar thanks take care

@derka90 8 ай бұрын

Ahh, great, a new relaxing, almost-ASMR video ;)

@henrikskerby1762 8 ай бұрын

Excellent video and very informative. Can you do a video around Barking with the abbey etc? Keep up the great inspiring work!

@frikaleoteras 8 ай бұрын

Hi John and thank you for all the videos you've been feeding us all the past years 🖤

@patjackson8649 8 ай бұрын

Telly watcher here as well 😊. I come to the comments section on my phone afterwards. That tube station is perfectly glorious, on our next trip over I definitely want to pay it a visit

@JTTW1455 5 ай бұрын

Lovely thank you!

@harvey22 8 ай бұрын

Very enjoyable video, John. I really liked the narrative as well. Cheers, Richard in Reno

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

thanks Richard - I was really excited about looking for the well, I love just following the scent of a clue

@nelliemelba4967 8 ай бұрын

I absolutely get it when you say you are taken by those little unseen oddities that are right in front of us! Me too! Great video again, John. I watch you on a tv screen, but I don't watch mainstream tv anymore. I enjoy good, original, authentic content makers like yourself, on YT, much more!

@Jabberstax 8 ай бұрын

You'll notice that there are very very few English people in Ilford. The area has changed beyond all recognition over the last 2 decades.

@anthonycliftonjones2564 6 ай бұрын

We all moved away.

@martinclinton6284 8 ай бұрын

The bagel shop you referred to is Shalom Hot Bagels at 35 Woodford Avenue. They are very good. 😊

@Jabberstax 8 ай бұрын

They serve delicious cakes in that shop.

@dinleyg 8 ай бұрын

Fab video again, John - thank you for keeping me company as I work (*_*)

@bigjohndavid1 8 ай бұрын

I've walked Valentines Park countless times. I told my young son that Jacobs well was a wizards house...

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Love that John - you sensed the magic

@EdEditz 8 ай бұрын

@14:05 I think that's a stone age television. ^^ Awesome video John. The best thing on youtube to brighten up my afternoon :)

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Ed

@AFCManUk 8 ай бұрын

Wonderful stuff, John. I just shared your video with Ben Aaronovitch on Twitter, as we've yet to see any of London's ancient Wells and Springs feature in his Peter Grant novels :)

@SilrInspire 8 ай бұрын

i would like to see you making a video around Richmond park :)

@2Sugarbears 8 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed that ramble. Thanks John.🥰

@daveconyard8946 8 ай бұрын

Thanks John.

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

Cheers Dave

@gernaneering 8 ай бұрын

A lovely video John and what gem Valentines park is and i never new how beautiful it actually is, thank you John.

@KarenDrimay 8 ай бұрын

Yes, we watch you on our TV during dinner. But of course I can still find your links with my phone or computer. Or add comments like this. My elderly mother used to be an avid walker. Now she moves more slowly with her walker (rollator), but watching your walks still holds her interest. I like the historical bits.

@dsam6990 Ай бұрын

I was raised in the area but moved abroad a long time ago when I was in my early 20s. The bagel shop in question is on Woodford Ave. I went there a couple of years ago while visiting family, and man, their bagels are extremely good. Their cheesecake is simply above amazing! In fact, I made up excuses to skip breakfast with my family so that I could have a salmon bagel and cheesecake for breakfast every day. I'm so glad I don't live there because I don't think that's too healthy a diet!

@richardpicking4459 8 ай бұрын

The Odeon and The Valentine pub were two great landmarks in Gants Hill with the former hosting many a great band in its time. The great Essex poet Ian Dury played there along with Graham Parker, Tom Robinson and more. Shame both buildings had to be knocked down and developed into flats. Valentines Park is a gem on par with Victoria Park in east London. Was it the inspiration for Itchycoo Park?

@JohnRogersWalks 8 ай бұрын

I’ve heard Itchycoo Park linked a few times but there are a couple of other candidates as well

@philoza1000 6 ай бұрын

@@ListenUp-py1qm upmonster IS Essex!

@philoza1000 6 ай бұрын

@ListenUp-py1qm In fact, he wrote about Essex quite a few times, including 'Billericay Dickie'

@andrewhulson4000 8 ай бұрын

Hi John, How about a walk around the great Water city of Portsmouth in Hampshire, it is full of history ? Fantastic video as ever. All the best for 2024....

@Steveoaudioandstuff 8 ай бұрын

Always the perfect way to end a Sunday John. I can see how your videos would work well on televisions. Your films are indeed as good as much of what makes it to tv these days. You have intrigue, atmosphere, history, pathos, good audio and such a rich visual landscape for us to see nearly every week. I'd circle it in my radio times if it were there (along with THHGTTG and Doctor Who) 😊

@andrewhulson4000 8 ай бұрын

I agree, and so many more people would be able to enjoy them too.....

@stuartwray6175 8 ай бұрын

The TV format is changing; transitioning. Traditional programming in the UK has declined in quality.

@taomahNEGEV 8 ай бұрын

Such a fabulous park for a nice soothing walk.

@Podster133 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing John, great video as always. 👍

@calikimmk 8 ай бұрын

You do have your own TV show! We watch every week on our TV here in Cottekill NY and love your adventures. My husband is originally from Stevenage.

@heleneburgess7674 8 ай бұрын

Fantastic end to my weekend, thanks John for your video efforts, maybe a Bermondsey stroll before the end of the year......whatever you decide I'm sure we'll all enjoy.... 🎄🎄

@eldroubie 8 ай бұрын

The bagel/beigel bakery you mention is Shalom hot bagels on Woodford avenue off the roundabout - it is good 👍

@janetsherwood7210 8 ай бұрын

I say this every time I comment on your KZfaq videos, but once again this one was so interesting & has the most beautiful landscape. I love England 🩷. You represent the wonderful sites with such enthusiasm John Rogers. Biggest thanks ever ~from Tennessee USA.~ Also dreaming I will unknowingly see a site my ancestors saw in times past .🧬 Maybe this video 🤔 (Holden) is my maiden name.~ Your faithful viewer. Love watching your channel's continued ~great success! ✨ 🙂

@robertmaitland09 8 ай бұрын

Yep i always watch your vids cast on to the tv, too good for tiny screens. Merry Christmas John.

@imranmajid1978 8 ай бұрын

I watch on my LG TV! We can read/see the video description but obviously not click it! Love the history and knowledge!

@RamblingUrchin 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for this nostalgic video. I grew up just over the road in the 60s and Mum told us how to write on laurel leaves with a key then drop them in the wishing well. Never heard of it being a ‘holy well’ though, I think that may be recent romanticising, but I suppose if people think it’s holy then it is. Just not ancient. I remember when some charity built a fake wishing well near the pavilion for fundraising - I knew it wasn’t real and your wishes wouldn’t come true like the real one. Those stones aren’t Roman either, they used to have bronze plaques on saying this was ‘Mayors Avenue’, with each tree having a little metal label with the name of an Ilford mayor. I expect they’ve all been stolen now. The Mansion was a clinic at one stage and I remember going there for vaccinations.

@Mistydazzle 8 ай бұрын

Great information - thank you! I found the park location on an old 1863 surveyed ordinance map, when it was Valentines Lodge. The spring is only listed as "Well", and just to the east, before you get to Middlefield Farm (I think the building at 2 Perth Road was the farmhouse), was listed "Stone Coffin found here (A.D.1724)".

@RamblingUrchin 8 ай бұрын

That’s right, I believe my childhood home was on the site of the old farmyard. My grandparents lived on the 'Empire Estate' and mum could remember being taken to see the new houses being built when she was very small. The Roman remains were on the site of the miniature golf course (well that’s what it is in my memory, I don’t know what it is now). I wonder what happened to it, and whether that means there was a villa nearby?@@Mistydazzle

@Mistydazzle 8 ай бұрын

@@RamblingUrchin well, that it very interesting - thank you! I tried to find information on the burial remains, but have not discovered what happened to them.

@bnpandsc 8 ай бұрын

Most interesting video. I really need to find out more about the history of the holy wells and springs around London... some online reading to do during the long Winter here in Finland. As for your new book.. I liked your descriptions and reminders of place. For your pre Christmas walk.. how about a Dickensian London around the East End and docks ?

@williamrobinson7435 8 ай бұрын

Anks also for the excellent production, the music from Lindgren & Elm Lake is coolimundo, and some magical filming, mind you, in a place as beautiful as Valentines Park there's lots of material. It's SO great that the source of the spring is right there, and not under a dual carriageway or such, well WELL! tara- BOOM! So sorry, I couldn't resist that one. 🤣⭐👍

@davewalker5706 8 ай бұрын

Another great walk John. When we used to visit my grandparents in Walthamstow when I was a kid in 70s/80s Dad would go through Gants Hill on the A12 and I always remember the (Odeon I think) cinema that used to be there. Photography is my passion and you done some my own walks near where I live in Essex in the past (and given me ideas for photo walks). Thinking of going to Walthamstow, where I was born next and doing some there. Oh, and your new book is on my Christmas list. Look forward to the next walk, wherever that may be….

@MrBaldypete1 8 ай бұрын

Yep, the Odeon cinema was there. Valentines pub next to it. My cousin and I used to go the that cinema a lot during our teenage years.

@Pierlover 8 ай бұрын

My nan and cousins lived opposite the Odeon right next to the Valentine pub. When we visited we tried to time leaving before they came out of the cinema - in the days when there was only one film - otherwise we were stuck in traffic. I was born in Walthamstow too!