Russell Square Revealed
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Күн бұрынRussell Square in Bloomsbury, WC2 is one of London's largest squares- and one that's packed with history too- including, amongst many other things, links with the RMS Titanic and the development of the atomic bomb... and in this video, I'd like to share those intriguing stories with you.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:55 Early History
05:00 The Titanic Connection
08:11 Imperial Ghosts...
09:38 Bloomsbury & The Bomb
13:34 Plaques & Memorials
17:45 Cabs & Cafes
19:15 Russell Square Tube Station
21:41 Outro
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Links for this video:
The Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel
www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
The Galvin Bar & Grill
galvinrestaurants.com/restaur...
The Imperial Hotel
www.imperialhotels.co.uk
The Brunei Gallery
www.soas.ac.uk/visit-soas/bru...
The Old Horse Hospital
www.thehorsehospital.com
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Thanks so much for watching!
Stay well, and please be sure to stay tuned!
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Credits
Maps:
Harvard University Map Collection
oldmapsonline.org
David Rumsey Maps
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Other images:
Pig Footage: Videas CL (via pexels.com)
Old Imperial Hotel image: alondoninheritance.com
Charles Fitzroy Doll image: London Remembers
Kirsty MacColl image: theartsdesk.com
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Music:
Friendly Day by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Boreal (Asher Fulero)
Sweetly My Heart (Asher Fulero)
Forest Lullabye (Asher Fulero)
Arab Egypt Music:
Music provided by ALD - No Copyright Music
Video Link:
• Arab Egypt MUSIC - Fr...
The Planets, Op. 32 Mars the Bringer of War, Holst (Copyright Free)
Music provided by Classical Music Copyright Free [tinyurl.com/visit-cmcf]
• Holst - The Planets, O...
Ghost Dance by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Machinations by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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Prelude No. 20 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: chriszabriskie.com/preludes/
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Bumbly March - Music to Delight by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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New Year’s Theme (Quincas Moreira)
The Thought of You (TrackTribe)
Amazing Plan - Silent Film Dark by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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You Had to Be (E’s Jammy Jams)
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@MadMax76er 11 ай бұрын
What a crime against architecture that replacement Imperial Hotel was😢
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
😆
@broadsword6650 11 ай бұрын
The problem with brutalist architecture is that, unless it is really well maintained and cleaned, it looks awful. And sometimes, even if it is cleaned!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
@@broadsword6650 Very true... there are some examples of the style I do like, but as you say they have to be well maintained.
@pigoff123 11 ай бұрын
I agree with you
@johnholt890 11 ай бұрын
@@broadsword6650sorry all the maintenance in the world wouldn’t rescue that monstrosity and what a glory it replaced total crime.
@adhaincroi 11 ай бұрын
My mom worked at the Russell hotel in the 50s as a teenager. I took her back for Christmas in the 90s and she was devastated to find the Imperial gone. She said the two standing together were two of the most beautiful and majestic buildings she ever seen. She said the old turkish baths though beautiful were a den of "inequity" and would be regularly raided by the police. Much to the amusement of the staff who knew them to be a hangout for Londons gay community. Often the staff would have cleared them out as soon as reception reported the cops were coming. Since a large number of the staff themselves were also gay. The cops would be left empty handed.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
A truly wonderful comment and fascinating insight. Thank you so much for sharing.
@benhassan11 11 ай бұрын
I stayed at the Kimpton Fitzroy hotel a few weeks ago and it was a cesspool. It was disgusting. Russell square was a true third world country in June 24 2023. Will never go back to London, Repulsive in everyway.
@sollyolly9547 11 ай бұрын
Nice story, thank you!
@chriswoodford4331 9 ай бұрын
The ‘60s were an era of planning vandalism.
@Spectrescup 8 ай бұрын
I was walking through Russell Square at about 3am about 25 years ago, when despite the pitch dark and my terrible eyesight it became apparent that behind almost every tree were men, er, 'kissing'.
@mattashman4040 11 ай бұрын
I was born in Russel square and we lived in the Peabody building in Herbrand Street, my dad planted all the cherry trees that now grow along the street, 55 years ago
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
That's beautiful Matt. I'll be sure to look at your dad's trees next time I'm there. Stay well.
@darriendastar3941 11 ай бұрын
Exquisite, as ever. One bit of trivia that you might like is that the only person to escape serial killer Dennis Nilsen (after Nilsen had tried to kill him) was a student at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, which used to be on the north side of the square. He was so disorientated and confused by what had happened that he went straight into college after the event and initially tried to explain away the red marks around his neck by saying he'd zipped up his sleeping bag too tight. He was a very brave man who went through a lot to testify against his would-be killer.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Excellent comment, thank you. I would very much like to make a video on that subject, although it’s pretty grim… and true crime doesn’t seem to do too well on this channel 😉
@darriendastar3941 11 ай бұрын
@@Robslondon I'd definitely watch that video! I suppose it make sense, though that true crime doesn't do as well as your other videos. One of the best things about your videos is the history and interesting stories and trivia. All of your videos have an 'insider' feel them, whereas true crime videos are everywhere. Personally, I think your take on some London crimes are uniquely excellent - the Tin Pan Alley fire was simply the best report I've ever seen or read. Perhaps people don't know enough about the crimes to know exactly how *good* they are? You might be a victim of your own excellence here.
@borassictime918 11 ай бұрын
What I’ve always found curious about Russell Square itself is how its level is quite a bit lower than the surround road and pavement. I assume the roads and pavements were built up over the years and that the Square is the original ground level when the area was developed in the 18th Century.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Very good point.
@thereunionparty 11 ай бұрын
Some fascinating insights into Russell Square and its surroundings. I lived nearby in a student hall of residence in the late 70s and didn't know most of this information. I was wondering why I wasn't familiar with the taxi shelter and then you pointed out it didn't arrive until 1981. Such a shame about the original Imperial Hotel. I often used to marvel at the grandeur of the Hotel Russell, not realising that its near neighbour was once a similar structure. On the subject of famous connections, this one might be somewhat fleeting but I think it's worth mentioning. In the early 60s the Beatles stayed at the Hotel President in Guildford Street when they first came to London to audition for Parlophone. There is quite a famous poster of the Fab Four walking side by side along Guildford Street towards Russell Square, with John Lennon looking across the road at the Hotel Russell. I believe the sculptor of the Beatles statues at the Pier Head in Liverpool used this particular photograph as his point of reference when creating the statues.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Fantastic comment, thank you so much. Yes, I think you are quite correct about the Liverpool Beatles sculpture connection with Guildford Street; excellent, excellent spot!! 😎
@Spangletiger 11 ай бұрын
Your videos are always well researched, crammed with detail and always entertaining but this one is, I think, exceptionally so! Is there any other square in London with so much history?
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Bless you Spangletiger, thank you so much for the kind words!
@paulbagley1020 11 ай бұрын
Another triumph in historical research. Well done, Rob!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much Paul 😊
@adrianrose7703 11 ай бұрын
I agree. It’s the first I’ve watched and I think it’s brilliant.
@AlexWindsor 11 ай бұрын
I used to play piano in the Imperial Hotel - very impressive and imposing inside and out whilst simultaneously having the cheapskate feel of an airport lounge. I always wondered what the story was behind this - I remember seeing the old statues in the courtyard on my cigarette breaks. When it was coming up I was praying, please let it have been bombed in WWII, but no - I am shocked but not surprised. Only in London would they commit such crimes against architecture and history. Thanks for another great video Rob!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Brilliant comment Alex, I enjoyed reading that. Apparently it was demolished due to lack of bathrooms and unsound structure…. but I reckon they could’ve tried something to save it at least 😕 Oh well, stay well and thanks again.
@kellydalstok8900 11 ай бұрын
During the sixties lots of towns and city demolished nice buildings and replaced them with hideous, soulless, modern ones. People wanted to do away with the stuffy old past and modernize towns, and they finally had money to do so after the scarcity just after the war. Art nouveau/Jugendstil was also a movement that wanted to rejuvenate things, but they had an eye for beauty.
@robbojax2025 11 ай бұрын
As always a well presented piece of London history.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much Robbojax
@paulwilson7234 11 ай бұрын
Couldn't agree more with you.
@binarydinosaurs 10 ай бұрын
Tremendous, i've always liked the little cab cafes and the square in general. I'm probably the only one who thought the horse hospital should've been called a Horsepital though.
@Robslondon 10 ай бұрын
Lovely comment, thank you... love the idea of a Horsepital! 😀
@adamcotton2121 3 ай бұрын
RS is the best area in London. In the summer, you fall asleep to the song of the leaves. Love from Canada.
@Robslondon 3 ай бұрын
Very true
@marshaprice8226 2 ай бұрын
I was fascinated to see pictures of Bedford House, the duke’s statue and the early development of Russell Square because I am familiar with them from Georgette Heyer’s Regency novel “A Civil Contract”. One of the main characters lives in Russell Square. Conversations in the book talk about Bedford House and its demolition, the duke’s agricultural interests and his statue with the plow, and the size of the square and the houses that have been recently built around it. There is also a mention that the artist Sir Thomas Lawrence lives nearby and that when the Czar of Russia comes to have his portrait painted, a Cossack stands guard at the front door. Thanks so much for a most informative video!
@Robslondon 2 ай бұрын
Lovely comment Marsha, thank you!
@keithwesley2471 11 ай бұрын
I have stayed one night at the Russell Hotel with my godmother back in the 1950s. Many years later also dined their courtesy of Forte! Worked nearby in the National hospital and with a colleague we visited the Imperial Hotel Turkish bath in the mid 1960s. That was a very impressive and decorative set up. Fond memories of the area in general.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Brilliant comment Keith, thank you!
@markshrimpton3138 11 ай бұрын
Frank Lloyd Wright, said that “a doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines". He died before the concrete monster that is the Imperial Hotel was built, otherwise he might have recommended planting dynamite! Surely one of the most hideous looking buildings in Britain.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
🤣
@marinabessarabova4972 Ай бұрын
It's my dream trip from Heathrow to Russell Sq and then to Tavistock hotel nearby. Though on one of my arrivals stayed at the Russell Hotel. Perfect location-- easy to walk to the British Museum, Theatre land is not far off... and ... bus 168 will take you to Camden and Hampstead Heath, the area melts my heart. Has always melted.
@Robslondon Ай бұрын
Beautiful comment, thank you ☺️
@JTonson 11 ай бұрын
Well done, excellent as always. But Oscar Wilde never spent the night in Russell Square. When he was released from prison he was taken to the home of Rev Stuart Headlam, one of his bail guarantors, in Upper Bedford Place (the house was demolished by London University). From there he caught the boat train to Dieppe. One memorable character who lived in Russell Square but who isn't commemorated by a plaque in William Roxby Beverley, the greatest scene-painter of his generation, who designed the fabulous pantomimes at Drury Lane and was known as the architect of fairyland.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thanks… you’d better tell Camden Council as they state Oscar’s history on their information board 😉
@thewrecker3140 11 ай бұрын
A first class video, so many interesting facts surrounding Russell Square. I particularly liked the memorial to Ewan MacColl. Your reference to the beautiful song " Sweet Thames Flow Softly" happens to be one of my all time favourites and in my opinion the greatest love song ever written about my hometown London. Thanks Rob you nailed it again.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Much appreciated, thank you 😉
@smburr1 11 ай бұрын
Ah the memories. Resided at the Academy Hotel Gower Street during the late 80s and would have my evening meal at the Russell Square Hotel….seems such a long time ago now but happy times😍
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
😄
@daphnegeorge7481 11 ай бұрын
I often go through Russell Square on my way to the British Museum. I love it. The trees, the space and the benches are a magnet for peole wanting to chill out or rest their feet for a bit. It has a lovely atmosphere.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Nice comment, thank you.
@damascus6478 11 ай бұрын
On my first two trips to London in 1992 & 1993 I stayed at a B&B in Russell Square so this takes me back. I have been to London about 25 times since but haven't revisited Russell Square. It was (in 1992) a beautiful and quiet corner of London and I really enjoyed staying there. BTW, good job on the grotesques, almost anybody would have called them gargoyles. Interesting timing, Russell Square station was closed due to lack of staff Friday.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! Lovely comment 😉
@angelaschwentker 11 ай бұрын
That's what I love about London - there are stories everywhere you turn. And even underground :-) Thanks a lot for this one, Rob, it has brought back some memories. I think I stayed in Bloomsbury last in 2006 oder 2007, definitely after the 2005 attacks, so it's been a while. But it seems like not too much has changed.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
It’s a pleasure; thanks for the lovely comment!
@rodericfindlay4147 11 ай бұрын
Another well-researched and very interesting video, beautifully put together with very artistic use of music and silence. When Russell Square was new, it was looked down upon by the inhabitants of Mayfair as a place where new money lived. Interesting that the lawyers settled there.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Lovely comment rodericfindlay; thank you so much for the kind words. Stay well sir.
@richard8626 11 ай бұрын
I stayed just down the street from Russell Sq. about two years ago. Had many a nice breakfest at the cafe inside the Sq. And wander about it a few times. This Video brought back fond memories of that trip. Hope to see it again in a couple of years.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Lovely comment Richard, thank you
@RS-su3un 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Rob, I have spent many evenings wondering around the area as work used to put us up in what is now the Grange White Hall Hotel, on MontagueStreet. The whole area feels like it has been lifted off the pages of Mary Poppins and had that civilised feel to it. It was was staying there in the 1990’s that cultivated my passion for the British Museu. All those times I stated there never knew the real rich History of the area. Thank you for sharing
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Lovely comment, thank you so much- and yes, know what you mean about Mary Poppins! Thanks again and stay well.
@popefang 11 ай бұрын
One of my heroes - Ewan MacColl. Inspirational songwriter and activist, I was fortunate to spend two days with him and Peggy Seeger in 1978 when they toured Australia, I even got a banjo lesson from Peggy!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Oh wow! What a memory to have 🙂
@douglasthompson296 11 ай бұрын
Hi Rob, i wont bore you too much with my memoirs of activities in Russell Sqare 🧐 surfice to say it holds many memories. The Italian cafe inside the Square is surely older than the 80's as i used to get my frothy coffee (ok a capp uccino these days) on my way back to Euston station. Thanks for the info on the modern Imperial Hotel, i genuinely thought it was a rebuild after war damage, i live and learn. Cheers DougT
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Lovely comment as always Doug, thank you! I imagine the Italian cafe is indeed older; just been with the current family since ‘81. Stay well mate.
@huwlewis9059 9 ай бұрын
Sorry am so late to the party - in catch-up mode on KZfaq. One of the funniest things I’ve seen happened at Russell Square tube station as I was travelling to work. An elderly American couple were boarding a tube to Heathrow with a pile of suitcases. The lady got on the train, the man handed the bags to her and the doors closed leaving her on the train with the bags and him on the platform. It was rush hour so busy and no-one was able to help (or bring London, everyone minded their own business!). I had to get off at Holborn so never knew the outcome!
@Robslondon 9 ай бұрын
Ha ha! I’ve seen that happen on the tube too! And I saw a bloke get his head clunked by the doors once too- painful! 😉
@havingalook2 11 ай бұрын
That was excellent. I know the square well. I didn't know the story tough of the Turkish Bath. I have walked by that pavement marker 1,000,000 times and wondered where the Turkish Bath is. I now know, thank you. I have had afternoon tea in the posh Russell Hotel ( as I knew it called) and mates stated there, so I did get to see into the rooms. Very nice. Didn't know the Titanic connect though. So informative your presentations are. Well done.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Really nice comment; thank you so much!
@CouncilOfWolves 11 ай бұрын
Im glad I came across this little gem. I worked and lived in the Royal National Hotel on Woburn Place in 1980/81. I was only seventeen at the time and have great memories of Russell Square. Seeing this just brought them back to life. I never fully realised the historic connections at the time but youth is wasted on the young. The Marquis of Cornwallis pub on Coram Street was a local hangout for us hotel workers. It was 66p for a pint at that time if I recall. Cleo Rocos from the Kenny Everett Show was a regular there before she joined the show.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Brilliant comment, thank you so much for sharing, I enjoyed reading your memories 😊
@CouncilOfWolves 11 ай бұрын
@@Robslondon thank you 👍
@john1703 2 ай бұрын
"Up, up, up past the Russell Hotel, Up, up, up, up to the Heaviside layer..." Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, T.S.Eliot. Russell Square Tube station is a Grade II listed building. It has three lifts, which are all fifty-passenger lifts built by Wadsworth. There are no escalators but the platforms can be reached using a spiral staircase with 176 steps.
@Michael-wr1yy 11 ай бұрын
Brilliant history lesson. Thanks, very well put together, I was a Londoner and I knew little of the history you have told.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
That means a lot to me Michael, thank you. Stay well.
@broadsword6650 11 ай бұрын
Excellent video, Rob. I really enjoyed it and, as a fan of both Ewan and Kirsty McColl, it was especially touching to see their memorials. On the subject of cabbies' shelters, I guess you are familiar with fellow KZfaqr Tom The Taxi Driver? He has mentioned the shelters in the past but never gone into their history as such. If you need it, he could perhaps help with your video.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Many thanks :-) Yes I know Tom the Taxi Driver, he runs an excellent channel. I was a cabbie myself until a few years ago!
@carolegeorge1604 2 ай бұрын
In 1982 I lived in Bedford place. 12-14 to be precis. They were 2 of the old big houses that had been converted into Nurse's accommodation. I worked at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital which was just around the corner. I remember that we all used to walk to work in our Uniforms which a bit old fashioned. We wore white starched hats and aprons and the American tourists used to always stop us and wanted to take pictures of us with them.I used to love living there. There's nothing like the sounds of the city and the underground trains. Thanks Rob it brought back some lovely memories. ❤
@Robslondon 2 ай бұрын
Beautiful comment Carole, thank you- I enjoyed reading that. Hope you have a nice weekend :-)
@gillie-monger3394 11 ай бұрын
I've stayed in the Imperial a couple o times in the 80's. My wife and I used to take weekend breaks in London occasionally. We loved sitting in the window seats of the various bars / cafés watching people hurry past to and from work whilst we just sat there enjoying being lazy for a day!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Beautiful comment :-)
@johnsharp8632 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for another well researched and presented video of my home town. I worked in an office on the corner of Russell Square and Woburn Place for 6 months from October 2005. One of the ladies in the office had been leaving a bank in Woburn Place as the bomb aboard the bus exploded. Though not herself injured, she was still traumatised when I met her a month or two later. I don't ever remember seeing the old Imperial Hotel, but what a beauty it was. I have had meetings in the current hotel and the interior is just as bad as the exterior. I had never thought of the origin of the term 'all Doll'd up' but your suggestion makes perfect sense. I was always curious about the 'Turkish Bath' sign on the pavement, so thanks for explaining that one too. Keep up your splendid work.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much John. Let’s hope your colleague is keeping well nowadays after that dreadful experience. Stay well my friend.
@benhassan11 11 ай бұрын
Are you proud to be from this repulsive town? Lets talk about all the suicide, human trafficking and child exploitation.
@Project.Womble.London Ай бұрын
This was so good. I loved the story about Chicago Mae. Fantastic I’m researching Russell Square at the moment and this was packed with brilliant and unique info 😊
@Robslondon Ай бұрын
😉
@Rachel-bo3qg 11 ай бұрын
Packed full of information, excellent. Liked the glimpse of Rosie at 4.17 ❤️🐶
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
😉
@ChrisSmith-ls7mb 11 ай бұрын
Hello Robert An excellent vodeo. We have been to Russell Square a couple of times. We visited Russell Square as fans of Sherlock. This is where Watson meets Mike who then introduced Watson to Sherlock. We love Russell tube station. An actress Celia Imrie who is related to the Russell family. I remember seeing her first in To the Manor born. Thanks for the great video. Take Care Chris and Sandra of Canada
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Gosh! Brilliant facts you've shared there Chris and Sandra, I didn't know about those links! Many thanks; wish I'd included them in the video :-) Stay well.
@user-tn1oh3he8c 11 ай бұрын
Wow, how have I just found this channel, very informative and very interesting, not once throughout the 23mins was I thinking of clicking off, from a London lover, pls never stop
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Truly appreciate your kind words; thank you!
@kerimbozkurt3301 11 ай бұрын
I have been there many times between 2010-2015, even saw a fox near the park at one night but never knew about these stories, especially about the Titanic, thank you 😊
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much :-) Appreciate your kind words.
@cj4607 11 ай бұрын
I just returned from spending three weeks at the Royal National Hotel. Loved the Bloomsbury area.
@thewrecker3140 11 ай бұрын
Largest hotel in London.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Yep 😉
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Nice comment, thank you
@PaulMcCaffreyfmac 11 ай бұрын
It's nearly 50 years since I was there every day but lots of memories here, not least the place where I had my first bank account. At 4.22 is a shot of 1 Woburn Place which in '77 was a Midland Bank, then later it turned HSBC and as I found out by letter all customers are now classed as HSBC customers of their Tottenham Court Road branch. I hadn't been there for years in person so remained blissfully ignorant and unaffected. A shame not to see any of the relatively new (when I worked for AIWA there) Brunswick Centre which I'm sure I have seen in many films. My other two big memories are how relatively easy it was to get to the Sir John Soane Museum - coincidentally I now live in Northfields, not far from Walpole Park where his 'country' house is - and a little art shop (I can't remember exactly where now) on the way to Holborn but East of Southampton Row, where they sold original cartoons. I wish I'd bought more bu I still have a couple of original Honeysett works which am very pleased to own. Sorry to go on. Thanks again for your hard work and most entertaining video.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Brilliant comment Paul, thank you so much- really enjoyed reading that. As for the Brunswick Centre? Well, I didn't include that here as I think it's worth a video in its own right; will see what I can do ;-) Cheers and stay well.
@karltalbot2597 11 ай бұрын
Thanks mate, another great video that reminded me of the time I stayed at the Russell hotel as a lad.👍👍
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Lovely comment, thanks- would love to hear your memories of the hotel 😉
@thetragicyouth 11 ай бұрын
What a lovely slice of history - kudos to you, Rob. In the 1960s, the Judy Garland Fan Club held their meetings at the Hotel Russell, and in November 1964 Judy herself attended one such gathering at the hotel and gave an impromptu performance of two songs ('Make Someone Happy' and 'I Wish You Love'), accompanied on the piano by the Australian entertainer Peter Allen who was dating Judy's daughter Liza Minnelli at the time.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much ☺️ I had no idea about that connection, very interesting!
@dawnchorus7167 11 ай бұрын
Fantastic video Rob. I've stayed at the Kimpton a few times and it really is a luxurious hotel. Bloomsbury is a wonderful place to visit. Also, I had no idea the Imperial used to look so much grander originally, what a pity.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Beautiful comment, thank you so much. Nice thoughts, and I really appreciate your kind words dawnchorus. Stay well my friend.
@j.j.1064 11 ай бұрын
Hold your horses!! All you naysayers!! Here's another take!! What an amazing sojourn. Whenever I visit London I always get the tube on the Piccadilly line and get off at Russell square. I've been many times but after seeing this I feel as if I truly "haven't been there" in spirit. What a wealth of information. My first visit was 15 years ago and strangely enough what impressed me the was contrast between the two hotels I took some amazing photos which I still have of the brutalist modern architecture which "garnished" the vista before me. In fact I felt a kind of juxtaposition of emotion at the same time. One of horror and disgust and one of intrigue and secret fascination and admiration. It's like putting a set of headphones into the painting of the mona lisa. Not ancient "meets" modern. But ancient collides with modern and the result is a nuclear "fission" of outrage and disbelief at the audacity and dare I say courage?, knowing the fallout?. A kind of metaphoric "nuclear explosion" that scars the area producing a mushroom cloud of question marks in the mind of every person that stands in front of it. The fact that I took so many photos of it and little else attests to the fact that just maybe? Just maybe??... that was the whole intention in the first place because I never forgot the name "Russel square".❤
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Great comment, thank you!
@nigelphillips1385 11 ай бұрын
I always stay in the area when in London. Fascinating stuff thanks Rob
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
You’re very welcome, thank you so much 😊
@bjoernaltmann 11 ай бұрын
I used to work close by in what used to be the Daimler Car Hire building (nice Art Deco facade) on Herbrand Street. I came across the old Imperial Hotel when researching the area. What a shame. Probably about time to knock down this 1960s monstrosity. For most of my time at Russell Square, the remain8ng hotel was called Hotel Russell. They shouldn’t have replaced that with the name of a fairly unknown chain. On the plus, they did refurbish it quite well. - One of the first scenes from the new Sherlock Holmes series was set in Russell Square.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Excellent comment, thank you. The old Daimler building is superb.
@janebays8952 Ай бұрын
I worked at the President Hotel next to the Imperial and across the road from the Hotel Russell. The President Hotel was a favourite hotel of many of the pop stars of the time. I was a waitress and served the Beatles and Brian Epstein, Freddie and the Dreamers and Garry and the Pacemakers. Cilla Black and her manager stayed there along with an American singer called Brenda Lee. The most outstanding person was Chuck Berry who was very difficult to please sending his steak back to the kitchen 5 times. Amazing to think my grandsons went to a concert of his within the last 10 years. Russell Square is one of my favourite places and I was lucky enough to stay in the Russell Hotel several times. It is very impressive.
@Robslondon Ай бұрын
Fantastic comment Jane, thank you- I really enjoyed reading that. Chuck Berry was a great musician, but yes... I've heard he was a very difficult person! Thanks again and stay well.
@christinebrady9701 3 ай бұрын
I always stay on Bedford Place when I visit London. I love walking through the squares and the proximity to Covent Garden and Seven Dials
@Robslondon 3 ай бұрын
Nice comment, thank you.
@Deleba333 11 ай бұрын
This video brings back many memories as I worked at number 41 Russell Square in an Architects office back in the mid to late 60s. The office was Charles Lovett Gill & Partners who was guilty for the rebuilding of the Imperial Hotel, I still can't get to grips with how fugly the rebuild is. At that time I knew nothing about the beautiful original Imperial Hotel or why it was demolished. Jumping ahead 5 years, I had swapped the Rapidograph for drumsticks to become a professional musician and had just signed a contract with CBS. They booked my group into a Recording studio for a couple of weeks and into the Hotel Russell, this was my first experience in a "posh gaff", and needless to say, we made the most of it. I left London and the UK in 1982, so I really can't get enough of these videos. I've probably learned more about London since I left, than when I was living there.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Fantastic comment Deleba333, really enjoyed reading it that! Thanks so much for sharing your memories. Stay well.
@BoredInNW6 11 ай бұрын
Nice work! One small correction: at 0:22, you mention University College London, which is indeed close by, but the building you show isn't part of UCL. It's Senate House, headquarters of the University of London, a fascinating Charles Holden pile which deserves a video in its own right! One thing I remember about Russell Square gardens is that because of the heavy foot traffic there, they're home to some of the most brazen squirrels in London. They'll practically mug you for food. I never ate at the taxi shelter, but co-workers recommended their bacon sarnies.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thanks… I thought it was the administrative building? Oh well…. Thanks for the kind words!
@BoredInNW6 11 ай бұрын
@@Robslondon Senate House is mostly library plus admin. My point is that it houses federal parts of the university, not UCL. I could write a long and boring rant about tensions between the colleges and the university, but that's only of interest to the people involved. Oh, and I've just thought of another link between Russell Square and the bomb, albeit fictional. Back in the early 1980s, the BBC broadcast a TV series called Oppenheimer, about the Manhattan Project, and one episode was filmed at Senate House, standing in for some US government building. You'd be amazed at how many films and TV shows have used the place!
@martinhowe1422 11 ай бұрын
Another excellent piece Rob. Regarding Senate House, the Uni was one of my customers a few years back and many staff told me that in WW2, Hitler gave explicit orders to the Lutwaffe not to bomb the building. Apparently it was earmarked as the site of Nazi central command once the UK had been conquored.
@BoredInNW6 11 ай бұрын
@@martinhowe1422 interesting! During WW2, there was an air raid lookout post on the roof of Senate House: if you get up there, you can still see the wiring for the phone they used. I can't imagine how exposed the lookouts must have felt, way up there, watching bombs fall around them (Bloomsbury certainly took some hits).
@nicolek4076 11 ай бұрын
Thank you, Rob, for another miniature gem.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
A pleasure as always Nicole; thank you so much for watching :-)
@museonfilm8919 11 ай бұрын
AHA, that explains it - I live in Bedford, and there is a Russell Park!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Ah! There you go! 😉
@annereidy7981 11 ай бұрын
Thank you Rob, that was so interesting. I wonder if you have thought of doing, or have already made a video of Georgian Period, Frances Burney's London, including the location of the once famous Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens?
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
The Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens; yes excellent idea! Will note it down 😉
@RichardHartl 6 ай бұрын
Excited for this, back in 2009 after landing at LHR took the tube to my hotel at Russell Square. First part of London I ever visited
@Robslondon 6 ай бұрын
Ah! Thanks Richard, enjoy ;-)
@RichardHartl 6 ай бұрын
@Robslondon Cheers! From Toronto, Canada. BTW it was the Imperial Hotel, I was expecting you to say it was destroyed during WWII but they tore it down!? Many historical buildings in Toronto also suffered the same fate unfortunately in those years
@Joncl 11 ай бұрын
I used to stay at the Penn Club, Bedford Place, which is sadly closed now. So Russell Square has always felt a homely place for me. Thank you.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Nice comment, thank you 😊
@butchknapman3939 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Rob for another super video, well researched over a range of topics a good start to Sunday evening
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Appreciate the kind words Butch, thank you!
@williammorrison5678 11 ай бұрын
Great Great job Rob all the way around, love the old hotel and the cab stand plus your pigeon mascot.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
That means a lot to me; thank you very much indeed! :-) And thank you too for noticing the pigeon mascot; his name is Tooley ;-) Cheers and stay well.
@andycopping7220 11 ай бұрын
Loved this video, you have a great style on editing and narration, keep it up mate. I learn some amazing titbits
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
That means so much to me Andy, thank you 😊 Really appreciate your kind words. Stay well.
@michaelsummerell8618 11 ай бұрын
Absolutely fascinating. This is the first of your videos I've ever watched Rob, and off the strength of this video alone I've subscribed to your channel. I'm going to have to go and binge watch your other videos now! Keep up the good work!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much Michael, that means a lot to me. It’s good to have you here 😉 Stay well and I hope you enjoy my other videos.
@richardcoombes9491 11 ай бұрын
hi rob i just love this vlog of rs as i worked at senate house for 18 years so i know the square very well and in august ibe working on the corner of bedford square for at least 7 nights in the evening thanks for a lovely vlog
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
It’s a pleasure Richard, thank you for watching.
@richardcoombes9491 11 ай бұрын
@@Robslondon cheers rob ive already hit the bell for more vlogs keep up the good work rob well done
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
@@richardcoombes9491 Much appreciated! Cheers ;-)
@richardcoombes9491 11 ай бұрын
@@Robslondon my pleasure rob
@jamesjohnmoss8130 11 ай бұрын
Yet another great video, please, just keep them coming!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you, and will do 😉
@paulkirkland3263 11 ай бұрын
Very nicely put together.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Many thanks Paul.
@patricksullivan2261 11 ай бұрын
Another fantastic episode!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Patrick!
@itsjohndell 11 ай бұрын
You never cease to amaze me with your dedication to History and your research (I've never published because I haven't the discipline). Not lost on me that you timed this to be on the Anniversary of the Trinity test in 1945, first detonation of a nuclear device. And Leo Szilard was the real Father of the bomb. Oppie made it work. (BTW, get a ticket to see Oppenheimer in either 70mm or Imax, it's phenomenal. I had a bit to do with it and have seen the final cut. Odeon Leicester Square?) And if I may, if you are into collabs, you might chat up Tom The Taxi Driver when you do the green cafes, he's got the knowledge and better an EV cab! Cheers always and keep 'em coming!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Lovely comment John, thank you! Yes indeed, I wanted to get something out there to coincide with the Oppenheimer film 😉 As for Tom; yes he’s a splendid Bloke and I’d be delighted to work with him if the opportunity arose- and of course if he’d be happy to put up with me! 😉
@itsjohndell 11 ай бұрын
@@Robslondon You could tell him what it was like driving during The Blitz...sorry, damn yank smartass🤣🤣🤣
@Who.Knew-The.Salt.MustFlow 11 ай бұрын
Another great video. Thank you. ❤
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Much appreciated, thank you 😊
@SLane249 11 ай бұрын
Brilliant as always, thanks for sharing.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
A pleasure as always! Thanks for watching 😊
@kerryannestevenson6099 11 ай бұрын
Love Russell Square,thanks for showcasing it.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
It’s a pleasure, thanks so much for watching!
@tracyfryer8153 11 ай бұрын
Such a lot of history rob with beautiful architecture still there. Really enjoyed watching that such a lot old and new thank you so much ❤️
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
It’s a pleasure Tracy, thank you so much for the kind words 😊
@sifridbassoon 2 ай бұрын
I'm loving your series!
@Robslondon 2 ай бұрын
Much appreciated, thank you!
@HeimirTomm 11 ай бұрын
Again Rob, a top notch video. Thank you.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Really appreciate that HeimirTomm, thank you my friend 😊
@grogalot2 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Rob for another brilliant and so interesting video.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
It’s an absolute pleasure, thanks for watching
@bsastarfire250 2 ай бұрын
One of my first jobs was in and around the British Museum and I enjoyed this area very much. (mid '80s)
@Robslondon 2 ай бұрын
Nice 😉
@Slycockney 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Rob, fantastic research and there was so much information in there. Absolutely brilliant, thanks once more.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Really do appreciate that Slycockney, thank you ;-) Cheers and stay well.
@CrazyTeacherNick 7 ай бұрын
Dad worked at the Russell, mum worked at the British Museum and I worked in an office opposite the Russel and later for the University of London. We all spent time around Russell Square in different decades. An interesting time of my life. 😁 Thanks for the memories. There are lots of hidden secrets in the area and well worth exploring - but you have to look closely to find them.
@Robslondon 7 ай бұрын
Lovely comment Nick, thank you!
@marlenekingdon482 11 ай бұрын
This was top notch. An in depth look is really welcome.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much 😊
@jacklawrence2212 11 ай бұрын
Great video, Rob, very interesting. Some lovely images you dug up, too.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Appreciate your kind words Jacklawrence, thank you.
@JPB-1976 11 ай бұрын
Love it mate. Very entertaining again. 🍻
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Cheers Jamie ;-)
@jonathanchalk2507 11 ай бұрын
Fantastic mate, more please
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Jonathan... will do ;-)
@tedcoates402 11 ай бұрын
I stayed at a B&B just off Russell Square in 1971. I've been back several times and have great memories. It's a good tourist area.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thanks Ted
@sarahlouise7163 11 ай бұрын
love your videos! 🤩
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Bless you Sarah Louise, thank you so much! Really appreciate your kind words 😊
@chrisball3778 8 ай бұрын
That story about Leo Szilard getting the nuclear breakthrough at the pedestrian crossing was just astonishing- I've crossed the street there lots of times without ever comprehending what a momentous event had happened there. The Tropea cafe is a real gem- the food's really good, very reasonably priced for central London, the service is very quick and, if the weather's nice, sitting outside in Russell Square Gardens is lovely. I often get lunch there if I'm going to the British Museum as it's about halfway between there and Euston station.
@Robslondon 8 ай бұрын
Thanks Chris; really good comment. Cheers and stay well
@petercalthorpe7966 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing Rob , interesting as usual .All the best form down under 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
It’s a pleasure Peter! Hope you’re keeping well in Oz 😉 🇦🇺
@dereham1 11 ай бұрын
So much information, so many wonderful stories … thank you, that was brilliant 👍
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
It’s a pleasure, thank you for watching ☺️
@srfurley 11 ай бұрын
The Bloomsbury area used to be the home of many camera shops in London. Most have now gone but I think Camera City in Little Russell Street is still there. I recently needed to walk from the Tube station to the main road, past the Turkish Baths sign, to catch the X68 bus to Croydon. On the corner there is a plaque to Ms. Pankhurst, but I didn’t have time to symptomatic trad it. I’m not often in the area but next time I am I’ll have to take a better look.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Nice comment, thank you 😊
@damedavidfrith55 11 ай бұрын
Thanks for another cracking vlog and a peak into London life ,very well put together 😊
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
It's a pleasure! Thank you so much for watching :-)
@lindiwright1373 11 ай бұрын
Excellent insightful work @Robslondon..class 👍🏻💪🏻😎
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! 😉
@sharonleong7120 11 ай бұрын
Great content. I love it as well. Thank you Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thanks so much Sharon! 😊
@roberttaylor6295 2 ай бұрын
Gosh! My head is spinning with the incredible amount of research and facts you have dug up about this beautiful square Awesome and entirely enjoyable, including some clever editing like the tile 'Way Out' sign to conclude the story of the bag snatcher! Clever stuff! This was a great video to get the grey cells working first thing in the morning. Thank you. I will pace myself today as I do not to run out of your excellent video company😇! Rob😇
@Robslondon 2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much as ever Rob! I really do appreciate your kind words- and thanks for noticing the small details! ;-)
@michaelturner5443 11 ай бұрын
Excellent vid ....very interesting
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
I appreciate that Michael, thank you.
@TheJassal98 11 ай бұрын
TV quality production. Many thanks
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
I really appreciate that, thank you.
@alandyer910 11 ай бұрын
A superb telling of a fascinating collection of historical connections. Thank you! That was one of your best. And timely with the recent release of the movie Oppenheimer and the interest in the development of the A bomb. Who knew its secret was discovered by Szilard while crossing a street on Russell Square.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Really appreciate that Alan, many thanks indeed. Stay well sir.
@davidsillars3181 11 ай бұрын
Nice one Rob. I find the Bloomsbury lot very interesting. Great images.
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thanks so much David :-)
@SugoiTravelReviews 10 ай бұрын
This video came just in time before my stay at Russell Hotel (now Kimpton)! Was great hearing the dense history of this area. Thanks Rob 😊
@Robslondon 10 ай бұрын
It's a pleasure! Thanks for watching, hope you enjoyed your stay 🙂
@nicholaswalker2494 11 ай бұрын
Brilliant as always Rob.I think Eddie Guerin deserves a video in his own right.Keep up the good work and see you soon 👍👍
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you Nicholas! I would love to have done that, although on this channel true crime doesn’t seem to do so well… so I had to sneak him in! 😉 Cheers and stay well.
@user-yw1oo3ee5o 11 ай бұрын
I have always cut through on my way to the British Museum but have missed half of what you have detailed in this video! Top notch stuff!
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thank you much! Glad to help! ;-)
@mickontherock1 3 ай бұрын
Really interesting especially as it’s part of London I’m not that familiar with. Usual high quality well produced and researched. Well done and thanks Rob. (I’d buy you a coffee but I can’t see your little icon thing!) all the best, Mick
@Robslondon 3 ай бұрын
Cheers Mick ;-)
@roomullan3050 11 ай бұрын
Nice one Rob. X
@Robslondon 11 ай бұрын
Thanks. :-)
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