Welcome to New London - Whitechapel to River Lea

A walk from Whitechapel through Stepney Green along the Regents Canal to Canary Wharf then to the River Lea at Trinity Buoy Wharf and up to Canning Town via the City Island development.
I'm joined part of the way by Gerry King author of Smoke and Other Tales.

Music: Silent Partner, MK2, Letter Box

-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-
Please watch: "Walk from St.Paul's through Islington to Highgate"
-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-

[hpengwyn]

Just watching this one now, before we started watching. You look younger now!

[whitestone]

Glad you continued with this walk John especially after your friend bailed out.

Canary Wharf was worth the effort if just to be reminded of the dead heart that lies festering within the featureless cadaver of corporate existence.

Being stopped, questioned and no doubt encouraged to move on was a subtle act of social cleansing.

Much respect for your gracious response.

[dambrooks]

I concur completely, it is a strange area now, devoid of humanity in its purpose. However I have to thank you for providing me with a fabulous birthday gift for my lovely partner who grew up next to the River Lee, and will be unrapping a t-shirt of the Sacred River Lee, which I am certain she will love 😊💝

[andrewashdown]

The dept store was Wickhams, held apart by Spiegelhalter’s jewellers - famously, John

[TheCinderellaman]

I lived in 20 Aden house off duckett Street, back in the late 70's and into mid 80's. Absolutely loved Stepney green/whitechapel

[jenniferlevine]

Wonderful video. Lovely snapshot of a moment, which is what you are so good at!

[Electricmoon]

Canary wharf. Really nice raised tropical gardens inside the “Big Easy” restaurant building, well worth a look! Ref: 8.50 mins in.
Cheers Nigel

[tomdearie]

I lived in Stepney Green on the mile end road around a year ago and on several occasions found my self ambling out to Canary Wharf, driven by some sadistic pleasure at being the outsider walking around the enclave. I find it both repelling and fascinating, you cant help but wonder what is going on beneath the surface i suppose, maybe i've read to much Ballard. Love your videos john, great inspiration for my artwork. I dread the day when i've rinsed your back catalogue.

[StarWarsJay]

What a bonus. Not seen this ne before. It just came up on my suggested videos thingy. It's great to see your subscriber spike. Well deserved. Congrats mate.

[tbed]

As a walker and explorer, I am loving your videos. Your commentary, the music, shot choice and edit really show more than just the locations. I can really feel a sense of place. Thank you for these glimpses into another place, which for me, is on the other side of the world.

[deanmatthewclegg]

first one of the older vids I've watched, John - quite a sombre, melancholic piece. Enjoyed it though! Cheers.

[Wayner]

You are right about the peacefulness emanating from the River Lea. It was there in pre-historic times and is still there today. It pays no heed to the petty concerns of man.

[graceproby]

Funny how we true East Enders have all moved out. We were moved from our houses to new blocks of flats that most of us hated and we then moved out even further. We liked it how it was and most of East London was fine to live in and not dank and dismal as some people think. The smog wasn’t just designated to the east end, that was in all cities. Sadly there is no soul there now, just boring buildings, no matter how much they try new designs there is no character.

[mosmith]

Hi John
I stumbled across your video blogs and have found them very enjoyable. Born in Whitechapel in 1963 and having grown up in the East End, watching your videos brings back many happy memoriues. Fishing on the Roding and the Lea, also in Wanstead park on the Ornamentals and the other big lake the name which has passed me by !! Swimming in the canal below Ben Jonson Road bridge where the gasworks once stood and frequenting many of the old pubs in the area, some of which are you. Maybe a video blog of the East End pubs ??
Gavin

[JenniferSW]

I lived in Chelsea for a few years and moved over to Blackwall and found the area was very international, sterile and not at all friendly. I instantly missed the eccentric characters of Chelsea, it felt like I had moved to a totally different city.

[georginadove]

The name of the store was Wickhams and when they built the store, the little jewlers store Spegalhalters in the middle would not sell out

[billburrell]

The statue is still in Whitechapel... Go behind the old hospital to the new part of the hospital and its relocated between Stepney Way & Newark Street.

[drhowslounge]

Hey John, you ever thoiught about doing a short vid out in Barkingside, covering the Dr Barnardos Homes for Girls. If you do let me know and we will join you!

[briancox]

Fascinating walk John Rogers and Gerry love Limehouse Basin I could spend hours there taking photographs which I have done before along the river great place as all ways great video yes John I agree the buildings are horrible .

[morriganwitch]

We ended up there once and it was eerie, and I felt I was in a foreign territory xxx