In my teens in Kennington there was a charming gentleman, Mr Smith, who lived a few doors away with his wife. I remember him stopping one evening to admire my racing bicycle which i was cleaning in our front yard. Sadly his wife became very ill and my mother and other neighbours would sit beside her hospital bed on a rota basis. Eventually he moved to the country upon his retirement, which was announced in the press. He had been head of MI5. My Dad had visited him at his house a few times and told us that Sir Howard Smith had told him what his job was, adding "but please don't talk about it". After his departure there were a number of vans outside the house marked "Post Office" taking away equipment installed in the house. So... Walcot Square has a slight connection with the world of espionage!

@Robslondon

17 күн бұрын

Incredible comment! thanks for sharing

@Loki1815

10 күн бұрын

@OzPeter: Wasn't this the same Manor that Tony Blair lived? ..and, "Front YARD"?...

@Ozpeter

10 күн бұрын

@@Loki1815 I know Christopher Chataway lived on the corner of our road when he was the Tory party chairman - I once spent a couple of hours in his house fixing his charming daughter's hifi, though now I cannot begin to recall how I met her. As for "front yard" - well, now I live in Australia which is my excuse, but what would I have called it then? "Front garden" springs to mind but the most it would have had would have been a plant in a pot...

Coram fields was well known to the security services in the early 70s. This was due to myself and my friends who played there on most days then , found some maps and forms in an envolope .I took these to my father who was apoliceman at the time . That eveing I was given a long lecture by him about leaving things alone. This was done in the presents of some very scary men. it was soon after that we moved from Kings cross to Depthford Years later when I was in the army my dad told me the guys were from special branch and we moved from there by them . my dad did get a promotion though to desk sargent at greenwich police station.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Blimey!!…… 😳

@user-xv1gn7yk3t

18 күн бұрын

Double blimey!! Well done sir, Great job Rob.

I spy one of the very best Historians on KZread. Nailed it again Rob.

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Much appreciated 😉

@Mark-pf8mm

13 күн бұрын

Rob I think has been watching too much gay porn.

Fantastic video, Rob! The couple in the Ruislip incident, the Cohens, make an appearance in one of Helene Hanff’s books (the author of 84 Charing Cross Road). The wife of Frank Doel, who sold Helene all her books, told Helene the story of the couple coming to a party and the wife had on a slinky black dress. “Oh, you look just like a spy!”, Frank’s wife said. Imagine the jolt that sent! Not long after the Doel’s heard that their friends really were spies.

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Ah! Brilliant, I wasn’t aware of that! Thanks- and thank you so much too for the kind words 😉

What a fantastic recap of the dark side of post-WWII activities in London. While the mod generation was dancing, sinister elements were brewing up schemes that pitted one culture against another. Thanks, Rob, for another comprehensive look at what makes London a fascinating city.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Great comment Paul 😉 Cheers

This was quite interesting, it made me think about how we can walk around certain places in our cities every day without having a clue about the events that took place there in the past, and that applies to any city not just London.

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Thanks 👍

Those number station transmissions sound really creepy 😱 Absolutely fascinating subject, Rob, and a brilliant video. Thank you 😊

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Ha ha! Thanks so much for the kind words Vicky 😄 I reckon they sounded creepy on purpose to put people off listening in 😉 Thanks again and stay well.

@TesterAnimal1

19 күн бұрын

The Ringway Manchester KZread channel geeks out on these stations. Quite interesting.

Tied in very well with Radio 4s Orwell readings of 1984 this weekend. It all seems so dated and almost ridiculous by the gadgetry of today and yet it was in my lifetime. Very interesting and well put together

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Superb comment and thank you so much for the kind words Michael. I know exactly what you mean- it was a different world for sure, no CCTV or smart phones! Didn’t know about Orwell on Radio 4; will look that up. Cheers.

What a fascinating mini doc. Loved it. This comment will self-destruct after reading

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

🤣 Cheers Paul! 📼💥

It’s great to get this background, comparing everything to the great spy movies,which I always like to watch. Thank you.

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Thank you Lois, it’s a pleasure

Omg although a few years before I was born, most of those spies and dead letter boxes are near where I grew up! Loved this video, thank you!!

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

😄 Thanks Caroline!

rob as always well done sir great work thanks for bringing us along

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Thank you as always mate 😉

@richardcoombes9491

16 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon cheers rob

Fascinating as always Rob . Thankyou ❤

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Much appreciated, thank you

Better than ever Rob, as an aside i was flying USAF F111F out of RAF Lakenheath with nukes during Able-Archer. It was a scary time...I still lose sleep over it. Keep up the good work mate!

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Wow…. Incredible comment John, thank you. My Grandad, who was in the USAF, was based at Rammstein at that time.

@itsjohndell

19 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon Your Gran was USAF??? Now thats a story worth a pint or two on me!

@AtheistOrphan

19 күн бұрын

I was serving in the RAF at the time and visited Lakenheath as a guest of the 48th TFW. I remember their fondness for something they referred to as ‘Mountain Doo’! (Mountain Dew).

@cattymajiv

18 күн бұрын

@@AtheistOrphanBecause I'm allergic to caffeine I researched the sources of it, so I read a while back that Canadian Mountain Dew has no caffeine, but that the US stuff has a considerable amount. Beside the unique taste, the caffeine might help pilots, and servicemen and women.

Cracking video once again, Rob. About spies: I hear there's a building full of them across the road from Vauxhall Station. Sssshhhh!

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Ha ha! Cheers Graham! I have no idea what you’re talking about though 😉🕵️

New robs so excited good thing to watch during dinner 😅

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Thanks Fiona! Enjoy 😉

Just riveting Rob! I was glued from start to finish. More of this subject please. Paul.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thanks Paul! There is certainly another video in it 😉

Absolutely riveting, Rob - your content just gets better and better! When you announced the subject of this video last week, I wondered if there might be a reference to 'Ring Of Spies' - and indeed there was! Great stuff.👍👍👍

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you so much Tragicyouth 😄 Lovely comment as always; I’m blessed to have you here. Hope all is well.

Best Sunday treat. Thanks Rob. Sending along a tip $. You really do create some of the best videos on KZread. I look forward to seeing you reach the 1m subscriber mark, for you surely deserve it.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

I can’t thank you enough. Your support means so much to me; thank you for the amazing words.

Superb...what immaculate research 👍 well done. Thank you so much for all this work. Interesting to see that many of your followers have personal connections, extra information or were already reading about this. I, too, remember Ethel Gee and the rest because I lived near where it happened in Portland. Thank you Rob 👍

@Robslondon

14 күн бұрын

Great comment, thank you! Hope you're keeping well.

I missed it last night with having to work but I've really enjoyed it this morning with my cuppa Rob, great video, thanks 😊

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Cheers Rob!

I remember listening to the number channels late at night back in the 80's. Love all things espionage, thank you!

@Robslondon

3 күн бұрын

Great comment, thank you! Very evocative....

Fascinating and so well put together 🎉 Thanks for the hard work! 🇺🇸

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Allie ☺️

As alway, a perfect escape (no pun intended!) from the humdrum of a solitary life to find utterly fascinating information of the city I will sadly not now visit. Joyous stuff, Rob, perfectly researched and delivered! Thank you. Rob

@Robslondon

15 күн бұрын

Ha ha! Cheers Robert, much appreciated my friend. Hope you're keeping well.

@MrJohn768

14 күн бұрын

It seems that like you, Mr Taylor, I find my entertainment in KZread and Rob is one of my regular reads. I don't know London very well but I have found Rob's posts about it so interesting. Fortunately there is a young man that lives in my city, Norwich, that has a similar talent for posting local tales so I have something to relate to. Best Wishes J

@Robslondon

14 күн бұрын

@@MrJohn768 Thank you so much Mr John! What is the name of the Norwich channel? I'd be very interested to watch that.

@MrJohn768

14 күн бұрын

@Robslondon John Atkins has ''Lost Norwich ' which cleverly uses old street photos and shows the present day to explain the history and changes. ' A little bit of history ' tells the stories and history of places around Norwich. 'Norwich Castle and Art Gallery ' has a mixed bunch of videos but some are the history/use of things and customs like weapons, kitchen items,clothes etc which are interesting and informative. I am guessing that you already know the shorts videos on 'Living London History ' Enjoy !! Best Wishes John 👌

@Robslondon

14 күн бұрын

@@MrJohn768 Lovely, thank you!

Absolutely brilliant Rob, your videos are always a joy to watch but this one was just something else, well done fella, fantastic work. Look forward to the next!

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

That’s really kind of you to say; means a lot to me. Cheers 😉

wow, the George Blake story is really fascinating, would make a great action thriller spy movie

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Yes, I can’t believe it’s not been done yet.

@busking6292

9 күн бұрын

Unfortunately it doesn't have a 'feel good' ending as that traitors' only real punishment was having to live in Moscow at that time.

Wow! A fascinating insight in to London’s dark underbelly. It makes you wonder what spying shenanigans continues to this day in the capital. We now have many more countries and regimes that wish us all harm. I hope that our security services remain vigilant and outstanding in their work. Thank you for the brilliant YT video, a fascinating history lesson. I left London in 1994 and probably wouldn’t recognise my old stomping grounds around the West End. Please keep uploading, and thank you again for your episodes!

@Robslondon

17 күн бұрын

Great comment, thank you! And thanks also for the kind words, much appreciated. Stay well.

You are the best on the historical bits regarding the Underground stations after the LTM

@Robslondon

11 күн бұрын

Thank you so much :-)

Nice to see photos of Cafe Daquise (pronounced dah-keez!) which was owned by my godmother & her husband. As a student in London, way back in the 70's, that cafe was wonderful as I got free meals! I only learned about the 'meetings' that were held there a few years ago.

@Robslondon

16 күн бұрын

Thanks! I always thought it was pronounced like that, then I checked online and it told me the one used in the video 🤣 Oh well.

@moonshayde

16 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon Just for fun...there's video of my godmother Joy (aka Juanita) on youtube, performing with her husband Serge & his 2 brothers as 'Juanita & The Ganjou Brothers' They were a famous adagio dance act

I know and frequented many of those places. The Polish restaurant in South Kensington, pronounced ‘Dakees’, was a favourite of mine. You may also wish to check out St Ermin’s Hotel, in Westminster, very near to the former MI6 headquarters you mention. The hotel was a frequent hang out for spies. Great video.

@Robslondon

14 күн бұрын

Thanks Bob!

Thank you again Rob - Great stuff as usual - I remember the cold-war years well and the pathetic media coverage of these spy stories - Your careful and thorough research filled in many blanks for me.

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Great comment, thank you.

Blimey! several locations I used to know very well! A first rate video,i look forward to more like this ..

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Brett. Stay well sir.

More great work, Rob! Particularly liked the atmospheric night footage..! 😲

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you Bryan!

Hello Rob, Hope you are keeping well, Thank you for another outstanding and informative video, Great work Sir

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

That’s so kind of you Dave. Means a lot to me mate; many thanks indeed. Cheers and stay well ☺️

That is one of the best videos I have ever watched, totally enthralling. Cheers Rob

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Wow…. Thank you Sly, that means a great deal to me mate. Incredible words. Thank you.

Fascinating.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you

That was utterly fascinating, cheers Rob!

@Robslondon

22 сағат бұрын

Much appreciated! Thank you

Hello Rob Excellent video. I love spy stories. Well researched and presented. Most be harder to do drop boxes with the amount of cameras in London. We arrive in London a week today. As I had to work today I am now watching the Canadian Grand Prix. Take care Chris and Sandra of Canada.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thanks guys! I was thinking that when filming, the CCTV is everywhere…. Have a good journey 😄

@stevebarlow3154

19 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon Harder but not impossible. There are lots of little passageways in central London that aren't covered by CCTV. Alternatively use quiet suburban streets or green spaces like Hampstead Heath.

This was absolutely brilliant to see . Thanks Rob, for your superb research into this fascinating subject 👌

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Christine ☺️ Hope you’re keeping well and thanks again for the lovely words.

Fascinating. Thank you.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you! And thanks for watching 😉

Interesting enough been watching a few films and tv series over again like 'The Professionals' which I did watch to remind myself the ep which featured 'Trellick' so now this documentary peaks my interests thanks Rob well done :)

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Ha ha! Nice comment, cheers 😉

I look forward to these every Sunday! Thank you so much!

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

It’s a pleasure! Thanks for watching

You are such a great storyteller, Rob!

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

That means a lot to me Dennis. Thank you so much my friend ☺️

Great video, Rob. If you are interested in the 'numbers stations', may I suggest that you check out the work of the 'CONET Project'. My favourite identifying jingle, was the chilling gongs, where the tape had stretched over time, and the sound was utterly hellish.

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

I know it well. I toyed with the idea of using the gongs station but thought it was far too creepy…

@douglasthompson296

20 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon Oooh Rob, you know too much about these things......maybe your just not a KZreadr after all 🧐😎 shhhh you know who

@bryan3550

19 күн бұрын

​@@douglasthompson296 And wouldn't being a cabbie be a great cover for undercover work, guv'nor?

That, for me, is your best ever video. Tremendous work Rob.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

That’s so kind of you to say! Many thanks indeed, much appreciated.

Great and interesting sharing. Thanks Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Hey Sharon! Thanks as always my friend

Another excellent Sunday evening video.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Cheers Paul!

Thanks Rob for a great video. I really like watching your videos, despite the fact there's more chance of me living on the moon than living in London or any other city for that matter, can't stand large crowds or the hustle and bustle. The freedom and peace and quiet of the joint countryside of Oxfordshire/Warwickshire does me fine!! Also I've read about the escape of Oleg Gordievsky and other events that it concerned, truly fascinating and very enjoyable read, highly recommended.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Lovely comment Michael, thank you! Lovely part of the country by the way 😉

Excellent research, Rob. Many thanks

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Thank you Jonathan

One place was Gower Street, another was centre point and another was soho square , where the FA sits. Learnt this as a postman.

@Robslondon

6 күн бұрын

Interesting ;-) Thanks for sharing David

Another great video, Rob. One thing it did was to jog my memory of the Michael Smith trial, where one of the barristers was called Blofeld. Was this REALLY a coincidence?? George Blake caused some serious damage to the UK. Bad man.

@Robslondon

16 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Stephen… yes, Blofeld- Fleming must’ve known the name! 😉

Excellent job Rob. Really enjoyed this one !!

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you so much (and love your avatar!) 😉

Yet another fine and absorbing piece. Fascinating!

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Thanks Jon!

Very Enjoyable ! Thanks for the upload.

@Robslondon

16 күн бұрын

It’s a pleasure! Thank you so much for watching 😄

Thank you Rob for another very well researched and interesting video. I enjoyed it very much. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Scott

Where on earth did you get all this intelligence. Never mind , it’s top secret, for your eyes only . But what an enthralling history. No wonder spies are so popular, London, Robs London.

@Robslondon

17 күн бұрын

😉 Thanks Michelle

Very interesting vid .. Watched with 2 glasses of wine !

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

The best way! 😄 Cheers 🍷

Thanks Rob, looking forward to the next one.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Cheers Neil

Excellent great production thanks Rob

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Much appreciated Conrad. Thank you.

My Sunday treat. Thanks Rob.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Always a pleasure Stephan. Thanks for watching my friend.

Excellent. Thank you.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

A pleasure, thanks for watching

@dzadza7775

19 күн бұрын

A light hand on a dark body of information. Painful to see how for example Blake changed his mind for humanitarian reasons in N.Korea. Painful to know how many were betrayed and shot as collateral of his changing sided.. What is the answer in a troubled world? Do nothing? I think your presentation is so thought provoking and brought new information to the subject. Ill be watching!

A fascinating diversion, Rob! Many thanks as always.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Ah, thanks so much William! 😉

Brilliant as always Rob. Thank you.

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

A pleasure as always my friend. Thank you.

Another great video Rob. Thank you so much. Mervyn

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Thank you so much Mervyn. Stay well.

Great work Rob. Thank you.

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Much appreciated David, thank you

Brilliant as always. Great to listen to whilst cooking dinner ❤

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Glad to be of service! Thanks so much for watching 😄 And great name by the way 😉

Great video Rob, well put together and very informative.

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Really appreciate that Stephen, thank you

Another great video, Rob! Best wishes, Jacqueline

@Robslondon

9 күн бұрын

Bless you Jaqueline, I really appreciate that! Many thanks indeed 😄

This was amazing Rob!

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Bless you. Thanks so much Vicky, really appreciate it

Another great video, thanks for your efforts Rob 👍

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Much appreciated John, thank you.

Surprised that the suburbs were involved. Knew about Dead Letter Boxes but some of the places were surprising.

I love this era of history! Enjoyed the video Rob! 👍👍

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thanks so much! One of my favourite eras too 😉

Another excellent documentary. Thanks very much, Rob.

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Jake. Much appreciated.

Very interesting video Rob. Thanks for sharing

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Thank you, appreciate the kind words

Fantastic stuff Rob! Fascinating.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you! 🤩

Excellent - really enjoyable video

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Really appreciate that Andrew, thank you.

Great video, as always. Thanks

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Jason 😉

Superb video Rob. Thanks.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Much appreciated Keith, thank you!

Thanks Rob… I knew very little about the Cold War spies etc another informative gem… very interesting.. cheers

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Cheers Doug 🕵️😉

Another great video, thanks Rob , isn't it funny what goes on around you ,and you don't really take much notice at the time.😊

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Very true indeed! And thanks for the kind words Rob 😉

just started watching and have given my thumbs up because i know its gonna be good...

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Bless you Sharon, thank you! ☺️

Extremely interesting Rob, probably your best one yet!! Great job mate!! 😊 Today seems to be a spy and detective day.... you put this one out and Joolz put his out too about Sherlock Holmes! Yours is so much better!!

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you so much! 😉

@bobbybigboyyes

19 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon You are welcome Rob, it's brilliant!! 😊

Brilliantly well researched. Thanks Rob.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you Michael!

@michaelj3282

18 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon I even watched Ring Of Spies after you featured it LOL.

great watch - super interesting!

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thank you!

brilliant video!!!

@Robslondon

2 күн бұрын

Thank you! 🤩

Just after George Blake escaped from prison, my Dad (R.G. Blake) was briefly detained at Brussels airport. Mistaken identity. His middle name was George.

@Robslondon

9 күн бұрын

Wow! 😄

fascinating! ☺ thank you!

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Thank you Sarahlouise!

Thanks, that was really interesting!

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Thank you 🤩

Excellent !!

@Robslondon

16 күн бұрын

Thank you!

At the east end of Carlton House Terrace there's an alleyway that leads down to some steps towards Admiralty Arch (alongside the British Council building.) This alley was used as a trap by Russian spies to see if they were being followed by the security services. Another agent would be loitering at the bottom of the steps to see who came through afterwards.

@Robslondon

14 күн бұрын

Ah! Brilliant Eddie, thank you!

Very interesting video.

@Robslondon

15 күн бұрын

Thank you

Fascinating!

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Thanks Rick!

Very interesting, thanks 🙏

@Robslondon

5 күн бұрын

Thank you!

Uplifting comment Mr John, well said sir.

Fascinating, subscribed... Cordialement..

@Robslondon

18 күн бұрын

Thank you! It’s good to have you here.

I am a little late getting to this video, but it’s excellent as always!

@Robslondon

13 күн бұрын

Thank you so much asheland! Good to see you here, and hope you're keeping well.

@asheland_numismatics

13 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon Doing well. Thank you! ☺️

@Robslondon

13 күн бұрын

@@asheland_numismatics Good to hear ;-)

Wow! That’s was so interesting! Once again you have put in so much work on this video. I’ve lived in Kew for 20 odd years and had no idea of the spy connection. Also My Dad - as his parents were Polish - (& later with my mum after they married) often frequented Daquise. How fascinating to think Christine Keeler might’ve been there at the same time. Always love your work thanks Rob 😊

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Thank you Louise! Such a beautiful comment. Hope you're keeping well; and much respect for your Dad 🇵🇱

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Also, hope my Polish pronunciation was ok!

@louisegalczynski5902

19 күн бұрын

@@Robslondon they sounded like it but I have no idea I’m afraid 😂

My favourite spy master is the brilliant Le Carre, especially his personal experiences from, 'A Perfect Spy', his semi autobiographical novel. I love all productions of this book, from the BBC's tv drama with Peter Egan to BBC radio 4's dramatization with Julian Rhind Tutt. But that was based in Europe and it's so interesting to see how things went down, closer to home. Quite a complex thing, spying, thanks Rob, so amazing to hear all the effort involved.

@Robslondon

20 күн бұрын

Great comment Anne, thank you.

Very Intresting, thanks

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Thanks Steve

cracking breakdown.

@Robslondon

19 күн бұрын

Really appreciate that, thank you ☺️