For those who don't know, you ride a 'cock horse' to Banbury, because The Cock was a posting inn in Stony Stratford, so you would hire a horse there to ride to Banbury. Also, both The Cock and The Bull were (and still are) in Stony Stratford and as this was an important coaching stop on Watling Street, there was a fierce rivalry to between the two inns to get the latest gossip and scurrilous tales. Many did not believe the tales because the were 'Cock and Bull stories'!

I am someone who has PTSD and I find your video help we slow down, I love the English country side and it let's someone like me to see the country like it is. Thank you very much I know it is a lot of work. You are doing a great job, keep it up.

“Not cutting the grass, “ lmfao brilliantly simple humour, made my day thanks

YES all is right with the universe. Kevin and Aslan have posted a new video.

I’ve found that persons with parochial attitudes often struggle to empathize with those who possess an adventurous spirit or calling. However, their lack of empathy didn’t stop the likes of James Cook, Charles Darwin, or even Jacques Cousteau…and it certainly doesn’t stop Mr. Kevin Shelley! I'm so glad you are an explorer with chronic wanderlust who is driven to discover new places and perspectives! I shudder to think of a world where everyone stays in one place the whole time…snore. Fun and safe travels, Kevin!

Hi Kevin, I have been with you since the beginning. I found you while battling cancer and you helped me in every episode. I escaped with you when you found Aslan. I remembered being as excited and as nervous as you were. As I healed during the next five years you were there exploring the canals and you took me with you. Thanks for being there for me.

The day after Thanksgiving here in Kansas. I get to relax and enjoy another video of Aslan and you cruising the canals. Thank you so much for allowing me to come along with you and enjoying all the lovely English countryside.

Hi Kevin! This particular canal is proving to be sight seeing paradise. Thanks for sharing.

Lovely to see my boat in this video. Really enjoyed watching this

Banbury was an amazing place. I loved the boatyard and shops. Thanks for the journey.

Enjoyed this video ,perhaps because it bought back memories ,for when i came to travell to Banbury by my brother's boat in 2000 ,👍

I love the occasional historical diversions that arise from Kevin's commentary. That Banbury Cross was clearly Victorian and it seems it was put up to celebrate the marriage of one of Queen Victoria's children. The original cross (if it existed) seems to have been taken down in about 1600. An alternative interpretation says there was no "cross" at all but a crossroads. Now I'm going to have to add Banbury to my bucket list. I hope I get good weather.

I understand the ‘at home’ bit. I grew up with my dad in the RAF so we moved a lot in my childhood. The only time I ever felt at home was the short time we were able to live on the boat. My husbands health meant we had to come into bricks and mortar, been here in Wigan 20 years , still find it difficult to at 75 I think my boating time is behind me now but they were great. Look after your health Kevin , continue to keep the rest of us going 😘 Joan. Happy Christmas. And Thank you

Lovely video, thanks for the tour of Banbury 😊

Another enjoyable lunch watching Kevin navigate Aslan through gorgeous countryside and beautiful villages. Happy Friday to you!

I love it that we are a country that keeps as much as we can of our old stuff. The get rich quick boys would like it otherwise but I love it that they don’t always win. Banbury looks nice and olde worldly…….loved the visit.

Thanks for this video. Love that you get excited about being able to visit a proper supermarket. Thanks for letting us experience what living on a narrow boat is like.

I find your films relaxing and very informative thankyou for your efforts in putting them on for us to see

You already have the best job in the world! Keep up the fantastic work.

As a citizen of Planet Earth, and new to your channel, may I say how much I enjoy the videos and your relaxing style. Thank you!

Lunchtime on Friday. Time to down tools, grab a sandwich, and visit with Kevin and Alan . great way to break up the day.

Lovely. I enjoy your videos so much Kevin.

another milestone in the tales of Aslan's journey: Banbury -- the charm of the place comes through as you share points of interest -- the historic boatyard, clearly a place of huge significance in the narrowboat saga -- perhaps you'll consider locating in Banbury for your retirement years, Kevin -- as always, eager for next week's post!!!!

Kevin, your videos are something I really look forward to. What you do matters to some of us. In terms of the haters, give them nothing. Don’t react at all. They thrive on any reaction you give them positive or negative. Looking forward to you stopping by all the pubs I remember as a lad in Oxford. Stay Strong!

Kevin I would like to tell you how much I appreciate, Travels by Narrow Boat and Country House Gent. I have been watching you for years and do so appreciate your video's, and the hard work it takes to produce them. I was a pastor and counselor for thirty-four years. In the people pleasing business, the burnout cycle runs about every five years. I personally was burning the candle at both ends. I was counseling, doing funerals, helping at highway accidents, counseling married couples who were falling apart. I was teaching, preaching, comforting those who were dying, and then comforting the family after they had passed away. I could continue with a huge list, but you get the idea. To sum it up, I was extremely burnt out. I dreamed of purchasing an RV and just traveling alone around Texas. With so many responsibilities and with keeping my family rolling along, I found no escape. Late into season one, I accidentally found you. Please know how thankful I am for the escape you provided me. I watched on Amazon and then KZfaq and traveled with you. The peace your episodes brought me was (and is) what I need/needed. After counseling and teaching for all those years, I found a former pastor and counselor of pastors that helped me put my troubles to rest and see myself as God sees me. I am so thankful and grateful for Dr. Jimmy McLeod and for you. Hear me sir, your labors have not been in vain. Thank you for being you. Oh, and I'm still watching. The episode tonight closed with you telling us that "a viewer" wanted you to get a job. That's just an opinion, and my opinion is just the opposite. Many blessings to you, and I hope you are at peace and having a wonderful holiday season. Blessings Chuck

Great ending... hahaha! keep up the great non-work...

I always think, we’ll lm stuck on this planet so l will have to make the best of it 🥴and Banbury waterfront looked totally different when l passed through in 1974 .

I was imagining you really enjoying that museum. And please don’t listen to those jealous assholes Kevin! You do you and you do that very well. Carry on. Lots of us enjoy what you are creating 💙

Loved your words in this Vlog, home is where you want to be whether that is France, canals or Timbuktu 😅, no competition, no we are better than you, just live life and enjoy ❤❤❤❤

I enjoyed that tremendously. As an American and a big fan of Inspector Morse, Banbury is mentioned often and it's very nice being able to put a place with the name. Loving this series so far, the north Oxford looks like such a wonderful canal to travel

Great video.

Your comment about feeling at home in France and I can totally relate to.

I agree fully with the humans on planet earth too my friend man love this guy

Thank you for another half hour of total relaxation! I don't know why it soothes me so much when you're so busy with all those locks etc. The person who was verbally abusive is probably just jealous of your lifestyle, that's all! :)

I was not expecting that you would be taking us to the Tooley Boatyard. How cool! There's such artistry in your street scenes, I just love them.

In Florida you would have gators in a canal like that.

Thank you again Kevin for a fascinating journey; almost as fascinating, I suspect, as a Passage to Bangkok 😊

I lived in Maidstone for about 25 years. It’s not very nice now but I’ve been gone for 45 years! 🤪

I’m from Florida, but I remember someone reading me the Banbury Cross rhyme when I was a child so it was very nice to see the actual Banbury Cross. Thanks for another great episode.

Thanks again CHG! Very enjoyable video, hope you enjoyed your guava biscuit! Very interesting to hear your take on your sense of belonging,...from here you seem quintessentially British! Yet you feel at home in France...you are truly unique, and that's one of the reasons this channel is so special. I enjoy your commenary about as much as the scenery you film...and that's saying a lot. Cheers, until next time.

Another fine episode. I just watched your episode from a while ago when you talked about getting fired from the Ice Cream Shop. It made me laugh because I had a similar incident at a place of employment in the late 80s'.

Awesome views as you head to Banbury and beyond. Thank you for sharing your travels with us!

Thank Mr Brindley for making it " canal like " Kevin. The unique wooden posts are really for dogs to pee against ' many a sodden mooring line ' was had by all ! Keep safe warm and dry Kevin safe journeys.

It certainly is a beautiful landscape. Life in nature. Thanks for sharing.

Banbury is colorful and charming. Thanks for taking me there. Loved the museum and your warm and witty banter 😊

Love your life ! 😅😅 I love mine ,too !

Hehe the end bit of the video was funny, liked the way you ended the video funny stuff, 😂 still catching up on all episodes, shame Amazon didn't put more episodes on! but you have a new subscriber anyway 😊

Thoroughly enjoy your videos. Especially the old narrow boats, walks around town and assorted animals.

To heck with that commenter! Producing weekly videos IS work and we’re happy you bring us along. Take care Kevin.

Since I got caught up with all your previous videos, even the short uploads, I didn't know how I would make it a week without new one. Got so busy re-watching, I missed today's! I guess that is the ticket. Back to Amazon Prime and youtube for my CHG calming time each night. Friday is a special treat now. (I eagerly await your memoir.)

Hello, Surenda from Texas

If you could only narrowboat to the Pyramids, Kevin would be off like a shot ! 😄

I think that feeling of not belonging is ubiquitous, people are the thing that makes you belong. All the best.

I really enjoy watching your videos thank you for sharing them. Have a great weekend Hi from the Algarve Portugal

Wonderful video Kevin, loved it. Bought one of your Tee shirts, very nice mate.

As soon as you said, 'a pint of cider'. I remembered I have a few bottles of home brewed cider in the kitchen cupboard! Cheers, my old matey. 🍺 Thanks for the reminder. Hahaha.

It's nice to have you back. I love the rural scenery of Britain. Greetings from US! 😍

Your contributions to mankind a greatly appreciated! That is all......cheers ❤

Thanks for this latest video and a look about Banbury. Igt's been a few years since we were there in our then NB Zenith. I always enjoy your travels.

Another gorgeous little town! Thx Kevin and don't let anyone give you any bull!

Just what I needed, a block of calm! I've been saving this episode till I had a block of time that would be perfect for it. Only took four days after it went live... Oh, and I thought I had posted a comment on your last video welcoming you back to YT... Glad to see you and Aslan again!

I Kevin that was very interesting vlog and lovely scenery all.the best for now 😊

Nice one Kevin, another slice of the narrowboat kind … a nice cap on two previous vlogs I watched and a welcoming addition as always … thank you.

Beautiful vlog! Thanks for a relaxing and much needed break.

Here is a stunning video of how life is like traveling the waterway's of this country... There is nothing else anyone can add.keep up the good work .. keep safe and well..

I am really enjoying your Oxford Canal trip. The South Oxford is my favourite canal and I think I will find myself watching this series "on rotation" to get my South Oxford fix!

Thank you for another great video. I live along the Connecticut River, US and spent most my life on the water. But your old thyme brought me way back. My grandmother sang that rhyme to me about Banbury Cross. I have family in England, so it's part of my heritage. Thank you for beautiful footage and seamanship.

I don’t think that it is the flags and borders that keep us separated, it’s those who prefer to let our differences separate us rather than accepting us for who we are and focusing on our similarities. The flags and borders are the result of those divisive attitudes. That’s my take at least. Keep up the good work, Kevin, I really appreciate your honesty and relaxing videos. Cheers from Kevin “across the pond.”

Wow looked like a traffic jam in Banbury! I do love it when you give us some history & views from the villages you visit. As to that comment you said you received, I believe that's nothing more than a heckler. We're all very happy with the job you're already doing!

Best finish to any of your videos yet! Love your work.

What a beautiful place. I would love to visit there someday. Great video as always Kevin.

Saw you chatting a Uncle Albert he is a long way from the Thames ☺️👍

Luv those old diesel “thumpers.” About 65 years ago my parents had a new house built in a new neighborhood with a farm about a block away. The farmer had an old John Deere tractor with one of those “thumpers.” I was so amazed that such a slow RPM motor could do so much work.

Bonjour Kevin. Lovely place Banbury i must visit sometime you covered it well and you were treated and spoilt by the local pizza parlour not bad to taste local grub. CRT not cutting the grass i guess i will be on my kayak a bit more often than walking, if walking take my clippers eh.. I seen you on the walk to rosenarrow boats you commented about over growth i must cut a few bits back on my walks but it is very thick branches along there that take your head off if uou dont duck. Have fun on your next section enjoy the real canal canal i hope like the last section. All the very best kevin the brinklow kayaker...😊

Thanks for the tour, Kev.

It's always a pleasure to travel the canals with you, Kevin. Thanks for another quality vlog.

Kevin A small correction. Bradley and Stanley Ferry do indeed make all the lock gates for C&RT but there are other workshops that make lock gates for other non C&RT canals and rivers. Jeff

Another wonderful video from you!!!❤❤❤

Such a blessing to watch your videos. So relaxing and enjoyable after long week working in court system dealing with bad guys. Thankyou so much. ❤😊

Thanks for the tour.

Great video! Thanks for the look around Banbury.

Fab episode, my favourite of the series so far! So much I could comment on (positively of course) but I won’t bore you……Thank you! 😊

"And did those cows, in ancient times..."

Another enjoyable watch - thank you for all your videos we love watching them. Keep on going as everyone has said; take no notice of the keyboard warriors so brave behind a keyboard and have as much knowledge as a cowpat.

Really enjoyable cruise and sight seeing. Looking forward to more.

wonderful trip Kevin & terrific videography too. Lovely scenery & Banbury is quite a lively, thriving place.

" OH MY GOD YOU GOT TO SEE THE ELUSIVE AND ENDANGERED IRT EMPLOYEES YOU LUCKY BAS TARD " MWHAHA HAHAHA KEVIN YOU ARE THE BEST

So interesting has always yes I also expected a bigger impressive Cross . Lovely country side thank you for your efforts Kevin tc now the oldies 😉👍

In anticipation of the comment to be shown next week. You have a very hectic and at times strenuous full time job keeping us all in wonderment of your achievements and something I look forward to every week.

Thanks Kevin for taking us along on this beautiful adventure cruise, it's been quite a while since I've been down there but it's still a lovely place and I'm glad that you took us there. By the way, you have a full time job and I'm sure that it's not an easy one to do to keep us all entertained. Take care and all the best. Stevie

A nursery rhyme, 'Ride a Cock Horse', has made Banbury one of the best-known towns in England. It has been suggested that the 'Fine Lady' of the nursery rhyme may have been Lady Godiva or Elizabeth I. More likely it was a local girl who rode in a May Day procession. The original cross was pulled down at the end of the 16th century.

Great video!

Another lovely episode! I recited the old nursery rhyme to myself when I saw the title, and was intrigued to learn that yes, this was *that* Banbury. Rolt's book is a very interesting read.

Kevin, there are many different jobs. Yours could be categorized as a promoter for tourism of the English countryside. I would imagine most travelers are unaware of the hidden beauty. Thank you for sharing and bringing joy to many, especially those, like me, who are no longer able to travel.🙏

Grimsbury Wharf was at the end of the Canal arm that used to be the main line before Heneff way was built and the Canal was diverted under it. Water points above and below the lock hence the confusion.

oh wow, this was a while ago, all that wonderful greenery.

Kevin, you can take the boy out of England but you can’t take the England out of the boy. You are truly British , your cooking for instance.

We spent August doing the route you’re following in this series. Can’t wait to see what you think of the Thames - I think you said in an earlier episode that you were heading there. You may wish you’d kept your gangplank for the ‘interesting’ moorings there. Absolutely LOVE your videos, please don’t give up the day job.

A delightful way to start off my Saturday after Thanksgiving here in Texas. But as a child in New York, I never thought there might be a true story behind that little song. Thanks, Kev. Be well.

Another great video, cheers. Glad you found time to look around Banbury, it's not a bad place, really. I moved there around 30 years ago, from the 'grim' north, lol. The villages and countryside are beautiful, doubt if I'll ever leave. Looking forward to following your progress as you head south.