Secrets of Baker Street

Baker Street is one of London’s most notable roads, famous of course for being the location of 221B; the home of Sherlock Holmes.

There’s a lot more to discover along Baker Street though, including daring tales of WWII espionage, an audacious bank heist, and a 1920s women’s detective school.

There’s a link with The Beatles too, and in this video I’ll be taking you on a tour of all of these historic sites- plus much more…

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If you missed my earlier video looking at London's Station Cinemas, then you can view that here:

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Chapters in this video:

0:00 Intro
01:16 The Birth of Baker Street
02:39 At Home With Sherlock Holmes
05:29 The Baker Street Robbery
09:10 The Hotel That Never Was
11:00 The Heroes of Telemark
13:20 Baker Street Tube Station
16:20 The Wonderpass
18:30 The Women's Detective School
20:16 The Apple Boutique
22:58 The S.O.E H.Q
24:41 The Baker Street Bazaar
27:27 Outro

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Baker Street Station Buffet by Sir John Betjeman:

Early Electric! With what radiant hope
Men formed this many-branched electrolier,
Twisted the flex around the iron rope
And let the dazzling vacuum globes hang clear,
And then with hearts the rich contrivance fill’d
Of copper, beaten by the Bromsgrove Guild.

Early Electric! Sit you down and see,
’Mid this fine woodwork and a smell of dinner,
A stained-glass windmill and a pot of tea,
And sepia views of leafy lanes in Pinner –
Then visualize, far down the shining lines,
Your parents’ homestead set in murmuring pines.

Smoothly from Harrow, passing Preston Road,
They saw the last green fields and misty sky,
At Neasden watched a workmen’s train unload,
And, with the morning villas sliding by,
They felt so sure on their electric tripThat Youth and Progress were in partnership.

And all that day in murky London Wall
The thought of Ruislip kept him warm inside;
At Farringdon that lunch hour at a stall
He bought a dozen plants of London Pride;
While she, in arc-lit Oxford Street adrift,
Soared through the sales by safe hydraulic lift.

Early Electric! Maybe even here
They met that evening at six-fifteen
Beneath the hearts of this electrolier
And caught the first non-stop to Willesden Green,
Then out and on, through rural Rayner’s Lane
To autumn-scented Middlesex again.

Cancer has killed him. Heart is killing her.
The trees are down. An Odeon flashes fire
Where stood their villa by the murmuring fir
When ” they would for their children’s good conspire.”
Of their loves and hopes on hurrying feet
Thou art the worn memorial, Baker Street.
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Music used in this video:

Walk Through the Park (TrackTribe)

I Knew a Guy (Kevin MacLeod)

Music Box (Brian Bolger)

Shamanistic (Kevin MacLeod)

On the Ground (Kevin MacLeod)

The Gentleman Awaits (Will Osborne, 1938)

The Awakening (Patrick Patrikios)

War Drums (Music Box)

Jazz Mango (Joey Pecoraro)

Baynard Medley, 1936 (Will Osborne and His Orchestra)

Ticket to Nowhere Man (Audioautix)

Black Mass (Brian Bolger)

Hovering Thoughts (Spence)

Arabian Sand (E’s Jammy Jams)
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[brianparker]

This is really high calibre documentary making Rob. Your engaging script, choice of clips and historic photos show a very high level of research. All I can say is "well done mate...that's great!"

[-DC-]

Was driving down Baker Street in a truck in the late 90's thinking wouldn't it be great if the Rafferty song started, Needless to say it then started on whatever Radio Station I was listening to a very strange experience !

[domenicochiodi]

I was born in 1956 and lived in Paddington Street just approximately 300 mtrs to Baker Street on the same side of the 'apple' store. This video about the history of Baker Street and surrounding area made me so emotional.
Carry on with your amazing work and enthusiasm.
Out of 10 I would give it more than that!😊

[thewrecker]

Packed full of fascinating information and extremely well put together. Worthy and better than most tv documentaries. Well done Rob.

[bob_the_bomb]

Glad that Gerry Rafferty got a mention :)

[Petecope]

From someone who thought he knew lots about Baker Street and around - well I learnt so much. A great way to end the week. And clearly a labour of love (again).

[roberttaylor]

Just love the deep research and clever editing. As mega Holmes fan it was a great lead into the fascinating history of the street. Thoroughly enjoyed. I'm hooked! Rob

[Faithdenelzen]

My mind goes straight to Baker Street the song by Gerry Rafferty and Sherlock Holmes
Love the station setup too

[barrywa]

What can I say Rob? Me and my mate watched it tonight, and we were both absolutely amazed by this video/documentary. It's got to rank as the best one that we've watched, and as you know, we watched a lot of yours. So much information, stunning information at that too. The additional pics and maps were perfect. A massive thumbs up Rob.

[Britoverseas]

I can only echo the comments already made Rob. Credit to you for the amount of time you spend researching let alone the making of this video. I visited the cinema at Baker Street Station in the 90's to see a version of Lord of the Rings. It was pretty rubbish but I had forgotten all about it until I saw you video. Thanks for the huge effort you put into these. Keep them coming if you can please. Cheers, Lance

[shaunlowthians]

On my annual trip to London, I first head for the Sherlock Holmes museum, then the Wallace Collection. I have to confess, you have shown me things along Baker St. that I have never noticed. Many thanks for a wonderful video.

[aureaphilos]

I've really come to love your videos, Rob. I always feel like I'm visiting London and you're showing me the local sights as we walk down the street. Very personable. Thanks.

[SamhainBe]

I say Watson, I do hope Mrs. Hudson has breakfast ready when we at last get back home...

[acerimmer]

This is fast becoming my favourite channel....I always feel slightly cleverer after one of Robs videos ❤️

[christinamoriarty]

You're a great researcher! I wish you would do an entire video on everything Sherlock Holmes-related all around London. It would be such a treat for of us all Sherlockians around the world who can't get to England.

[JayJosephPT]

I remember the "wonderpass" during the 1970s, an American busker called Richard could be found here most days, used to share a pint with him in The Chiltern pub, happy days!

[TheAnikazone]

I love this. Me and mates since we were like 16 have been hangout, drinking, and partying there in baker street. We still do 8 years later so it's nice to know the history of that place. London is a amazing place.

[MazSwanboroughSmith]

What an amazing street. I had no idea of half that history, except 221B of course. I think Abbey National had a desk with someone who dealt with all the mail for Holmes and Watson. I really enjoyed that, thank you 😊❤🇬🇧

[CthulhuInc]

wow, thanks for this great deep dive on Baker Street, Rob! loved it! 😊

[bonnienichalson]

This was a lovely mini visit to London:) Thank you for your great production quality!