Walking. Gossip. Travel.

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  • GeoGuessr (Norwich Version) – Walk 5

    GeoGuessr (Norwich Version) – Walk 5

    I already have a better explanation (well, longer explanation anyway) for this plan. In essence, whilst lockdown is on, I need to find ways of walking nearby to Norwich in quiet areas for my LDWA 100 training. So, I’m using GeoGuessr to pick out five random locations within a certain area which I’ve defined and then walking to them, to see what kind of story I can uncover.

    The five random locations, all fairly close to the city centre, so this ended up being a walk of just under seven miles. Nathan was helpfully understanding when I turned up late as I bumped into (not literally) someone I knew.

    It’s a little difficult to find anything new in the centre of Norwich given how much I’ve been traipsing around it, so the more mundane may become more predominant. But, perhaps there’s something just as magical about these old stones under the road surface than a building that was constructed at the same time. The paving here on Barrack Street is likely the best part of a century old and it was part of a long roadway down towards the River Wensum, although it’s mostly gone now.

    This was the first location, Whitefriars Bridge, which I’ve written about before…..

    This, until recently, was the Del Ballroom on Waggon and Horses Lane which was used until 2013 as a dance studio. Norwich City Council decided that as there was a dance studio nearby, this interesting and quirky building could be torn down, despite some local objections from nearby property owners. I suppose it’s not a hugely historic building, as it was only built in the 1930s, but it added some character to the local area. The seven new properties they’re cramming into the site don’t have car parking provided and no right to a permit, so it’s all quite environmental in terms of not adding cars to the roads of Norwich. Anyway, I digress……

    Our second location and this photo was taken from just outside the rather lovely Strangers’ Hall Museum. The Strangers were Dutch Protestants who were invited to live in Norwich by the city authorities and so many came that they eventually comprised a third of the city’s population. They did much to boost the textile trade in Norwich and also helped the local economic situation, with relatively little evidence of any animosity between locals and incomers. There’s a strong legacy in the city today of Dutch style buildings and it was the migrants that brought over canaries, which is the city’s football symbol today.

    This is the former site of St Benedict’s Gate, also known as Bennet Gate and Westwyk Gate, which was demolished at the end of the eighteenth century. A little bit of this gate survived until the Second World War air raids destroyed it, as can be seen in this George Plunkett photo. Today, the route of the city wall and the outline of the city gate is marked out in brick paving which is always a marvellous idea.

    The line of the wall looking up towards Grapes Hill.

    Our third location, the former Britannia pub.

    The pub was opened in 1975 and closed again in 2000, now being used for housing. It’s really not the most attractive of buildings, but I’m sure that the city council thought that this was marvellous when they approved it in the early 1970s. The pub was built to replace the Sandringham Arms, an interesting Victorian building which had been a licensed premises since the 1860s.

    The Rose Valley Tavern, or whatever name they’ve fiddled it about to now, which has been a licensed premises since the mid-nineteenth century.

    And Nathan had put chips on the agenda for the evening’s walk, which was a most useful idea. I’ve never been here before, so another first, this is Lee’s Fish Bar on Chester Street.

    Full marks for presenting chips (and a battered sausage) like this, they were much easier to eat and this is proper innovation as far as I’m concerned. Also, I discovered that they had given me scraps with the chips, and I very much like them. I was in rather a good mood with Nathan for some time after this little meal. The chips were quite salty, but I liked that, indeed, they catered very well for me here.

    Fourth location, which is Leopold Road. I’m not going to comment on the history of this road as I didn’t pay any attention to it at the time, so that would be a bit fake….

    This is the railway crossing which goes under Hall Road, although the line isn’t there any more, it led into what was Norwich Victoria Station. This was a complete mistake IMO to remove, as the lines connected in, so the city could have trains running into the centre of Norwich, opposite the bus station. An integrated public transport policy. Although, it’s important to note that passenger services ended here over 100 years ago, in 1916, and the station was used primarily for goods transportation after that.

    Nathan was doing the navigation for the evening and he excelled himself (I hope he doesn’t read this, he’ll quote that for ages) in the choice of route towards our fifth location. This is the former city wall at Carrow Hill and George Plunkett took a photo here in 1934 when it was covered in rather more ivy.

    At this point it was dark and we were navigating by torch light down this hill Nathan had chosen, but it took us under Wilderness Tower. I promise that I won’t enter this photo for any photography competitions.

    There are some reasonable views of the city from up here.

    And then by Black Tower, although I accept that there’s not a great deal of detail visible in the photo. I’ll walk by here again in the day to take some more photos I think.

    And we dropped down to near Norwich City Football Club for our fifth location and I’m unsure why GeoGuessr keeps giving random locations around here. I have more photos of the side of Morrison’s than is healthy for someone in their late 30s / early 40s…..

    Anyway, this was an easy way to add a few more miles of walking in, as it’s really not long until the LDWA 100….. The weather was mild, which was fortunate, as it’s annoying to get drizzle when trying to get chips on the go.

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Nathan Hensley)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Nathan Hensley)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    And this third ‘interview’ is with Nathan Hensley, who is doing the event with me, so he has a huge advantage to the other entrants that he has my company, encouragement, initiative and engagement.

    Here’s Nathan as part our training programme.

    This is your first 100, what inspired you to take part?

    Like most great ideas in life this was borne out of a chat down the pub. Your (Julian’s) walking exploits were made to sound like an exciting challenge, and the 100 would be the pinnacle of them all. I liked the idea of pushing myself to achieve something a bit different too, so it all came together nicely.

    What route are you planning to take?

    Starting in Lowestoft and walking to Great Yarmouth, then taking the Wherryman’s Way into Norwich. With a few detours that should make us reach over 50 miles, then we’ll head north out of the city along Marriott’s Way and meander back. Ideally for the final few miles we’ll stay local to Norwich (probably doing smaller and smaller laps of the streets near our houses if I’m being honest).

    You’re walking the 100 route with one of the most professional members of the LDWA, does that give you lots more confidence?

    I am confident that we will keep each other entertained! Knowing us, I think we’ll want to look a bit braver than the other so that will spur us on too.

    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?

    I think it will be easier than Y 100 Sir Fynwy would have been at least, primarily because we’re not tackling many hills. The lack of encouragement from other walkers will probably add a unique challenge though.

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    I’ll make sure I carry sweets and nuts with me at all times, I don’t tend to get hungry on a walk but I do need a pick-me-up at regular intervals.

    You have a support team, what food and drink will you be requesting that they supply you with?

    Some coffee during the night and a bacon roll for the second morning would be fine, though if someone fancies sorting out a fry-up instead then I’d be very grateful.

    Do you plan to have some decadent craft beer during the walk?

    I think it would be silly to rule out that possibility, especially if our spirits drop a bit. It will be important to not overdo it though, and I’ll probably stick to lighter beer as a stout might feel a little heavy.

    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?

    The main thing will be to distract myself. If we can spend the time chatting and gossiping, or I can focus on the upcoming food then hopefully the thoughts of giving up won’t enter my mind.

    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, pigs, or anything else?!

    I’d rather not see a snake if I’m honest, and a night-time cow encounter could be problematic too, but I think I can deal with most of the expected wildlife. This is, of course, if my walking partner doesn’t decide to start saying the word ‘bull’ as I’m halfway across a field…. [can I just note, I was reading aloud the huge sign which said “DANGER – BULL IN FIELD” that Nathan had meandered by, it wasn’t my fault Nathan rushed back thinking I had actually seen a bull in the field]

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Yes and no. I’m looking forward to the experience and hopefully the achievement. I’m less enthused about the inevitable soreness, tiredness and all-round grumpiness.

    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?

    I will be more than happy with finishing within the 48 hours time limit, but I think aiming for 42 hours is achievable and sensible to give us leeway.

    How will you celebrate when you finish?

    With a very long lie-down!

    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?

    Even in these strange times, the walking community has been friendly and welcoming to a relative novice like me. It’s a great opportunity to learn about your limits, discover the places around you and to meet people from different walks of life. I’d also say that unlike a lot of other events, if you pull up short for whatever reason then it’s not a failure or a wasted day, you’ve still been able to enjoy a nice walk!

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Kathy Finkel)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Kathy Finkel)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    This interview is with Kathy Finkel, who is taking part with Dennis Johnson. I very much like the idea about throwing insults to build up a rage, I might try this with Nathan on our walk. That might encourage him on.

    Kathy and Dennis (that’s a V for victory!)
    Is this your first time on a 100?
    No I did the Hadrian 100, it rained all day Saturday and Saturday night. I did it alone but met up with another walker, we found a guy with exposure on Cross Fell and it took us 4 hours to get him to the road and off the moor. I went on to the breakfast stop but was way behind schedule and pulled out.
    You’ve convinced your partner to join the LDWA and take part in the 100, was that an easy sell?
    Yes and no! He’s up for a challenge though. I have sold it on the basis that at worst we can use it as a qualifier for next years 100. I have waxed lyrical about how wonderful the challenge events are…..atmosphere and camaraderie.
    What route are you planning to take?
    Not decided as yet, we live on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, I’m trying to find something as flat as possible, Julie Cribb will tell you how much I enjoy ascents and descents! I’m looking at doing the Lyke Wake Walk twice, that would be 80+ and then walking from the house.
    Are you following a GPX route, a map, or do you already know your route well?
    We’ll do a route I know.
    What training are you undertaking at the moment?
    Not enough!! At least one 20+ mile walk a week and increasing to around 30 miles once a week.
    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?
    A lot harder, the camaraderie helps hugely on the organised walks.
    What food treats are you taking with you?
    Cold porridge with lots of honey and fruit in it, especially as Den will be carrying it!
    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?
    Just do 5 more miles, that and encourage Den to hurl insults at me, the ensuing rage propels me on.
    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, pigs, or anything else?!
    Not fond of cows……..
    Do you have any foot care tips?
    Fresh socks and cooling spray.
    You’re doing the walk with your partner, do you have any other supporters cheering you on?
    We’ll persuade a friend to do a certain amount of back up.
    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?
    Yes, I love a challenge.
    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?
    If we manage 100 it will take us well over 40 hours.
    Do you have any advice for others, one top tip about long distance walking?
    Break the distance down into manageable chunks…….you can always do another 5 miles.
    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?
    Do it, just do it. COVID allowing if anyone wants to join us they are welcome.
  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Tim Ryan)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Tim Ryan)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    This interview is with Tim Ryan, from the Cornwall & Devon group and his proposed route is on Komoot.

    Is this your first 100?

    No, although I was a late starter (and sometimes a late finisher) to the LDWA Challenges. My first LDWA challenge walk was the wonderful “Six Dales Circuit” organised by Staffordshire Group – which I completed on my 60th birthday. I have since completed 4 100’s – 5 if you count last years “virtual”, which I really enjoyed. The above picture is a “virtual” of me at the “virtual” start – wondering why it was so quiet! In reality of course I completed the event from my home in Mid-Devon.

    What route are you planning to take?

    I have a few options open, and a lot depends on local restrictions. However most likely I will be walking the “Exe 100” from home, a route which I have put together from bits of local walks, social walks which I managed to squeeze in to lead groups of 6 last year as well as parts of a couple of long-distance paths – The Two Moors Way and Exe Valley Way. Having started to put this together in case I needed a local option should restrictions demand, I began to see that this is not such a bad route, so why not do it anyhow? It is a circular route which includes the upper Exe valley in Mid Devon, visiting Exmoor’s highest point at Dunkery Beacon and the source of both the Exe and the Barle on Exmoor.

    Are you following a GPX route, a map, or do you already know your route well?

    All of the above. I have put the route together as described and have saved it as a gpx as well as posting it on the Virtual Hundred Komoot site. I am carrying out reccies using a map, on the few bits I don’t know – but will of course take a map on the event. But by and large am familiar with the route. I am in the process of writing a route description should anyone else wish to walk the route.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    Nothing specific just now. I have been on reasonably high mileage since coming out of quarantine, averaging over 300 miles a month the past 3 months. Originally In December because I was leading social walks every weekend and reccie-ing the rest of the week. Since lockdown I have been taking on the various virtual challenges being put on by LDWA and local groups. Something I am very grateful for.

    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?

    Too soon to say. It would be a mistake if I was to think it was going to be easy, they never are. Nor would I want them to be, I guess we do them because they are difficult not because they are easy. Route finding should be easier, but no village halls without a sit down, a warm welcome and excellent food. That is a different challenge.

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Jelly babies will be involved. There are also a couple of potential pub stops (if open). Wouldn’t be the first pubs I had visited on Hundreds. I will have some support at “checkpoints” so should be ok for food.

    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?

    Best not to think about it. But at the end of the day – we do this for fun and enjoyment. If that’s not happening anymore, leave it. Come back another day, do not make any injuries worse. I think this is a good opportunity for anyone thinking about a Hundred to give it a go – without the same pressures that walking with many potentially more experienced walkers may bring.

    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, pigs, or anything else?!

    No none, well not much. I was leading a Ramblers walk a couple of years back when I was attacked by a cow and knocked down twice. So I am more wary of cattle than I ever used to be. But that’s about all. Not keen on packs of dogs, but you don’t get those so much in this Country.

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    Good fitting boots and talc. Don’t skimp on the cost of boots any more than you have to. Get what feels most comfortable (if you can afford them).

    Will you have anyone cheering you on and giving encouragement during the walk?

    Yes I think there may be 2 or 3 of us on the walk (restrictions permitting) and with promise of some support and back-up. As well as witness testimonies!

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Yes, definitely.

    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?

    No not really. I have always tried to get back in daylight on day 2, so about 36 hours – but never quite managed it. Its not that big a deal though, just keep going – you have paid for 48 hours after all. Last year of the event was my first over 40 hours for reasons those taking part will fully understand! And those that didn’t will have heard about. I didn’t feel any less satisfied at that achievement than faster years. I would say the Hadrian’s Hundred was an excellent route and as usual with these events very well organised.

    Do you have any advice for others, one top tip about long distance walking?

    For the Hundred it is “don’t think about it as a hundred miles” – but a dozen or so medium length walks from one food stop to the next. 100 miles is just too daunting a prospect – until you’ve finished!

    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?

    Do it, but have as your primary objective to enjoy it. It’s 2 days of your holiday so have a great time, and good luck.

  • Haveringland – St. Peter’s Church (Cecil Albert Mace)

    Haveringland – St. Peter’s Church (Cecil Albert Mace)

    This is the grave of Cecil Albert Mace, located at St. Peter’s Church in Haveringland. Cecil was born on 21 February 1907 and was the son of Henry Mace and Alice Mace (nee Hawkins). The family lived at 48 Canterbury Place, later moving to 61 Exeter Street, with Cecil going to Heigham Street Infants School and then St Stephen’s Infants School.

    At the 1911 census, the family were living at 61 Exeter Street, with Henry and his wife both being 31 and he was working in the boot trade. The children were Henry (aged 9), Ernest (aged 6), Cecil (aged 4), Walter (aged 2) and Alice (new-born). This census listed how many children had died, which was relatively high at the time, but Henry and Alice hadn’t lost any. I can imagine they were pleased with Alice to at least get a girl in the family, after four boys.

    At the age of 18, Cecil joined the Royal Tanks Corps on 24 January 1924, enlisting at St. Stephen’s in Norwich and being given service number 2208658.

    Cecil married Eva Mary Harrison in 1933 at St. Stephen’s Church in Norwich, although sadly his father had died by this time. Eva was aged 23, having been born in 1910, and she was working as a domestic servant, whilst Cecil’s occupation was listed as a motor driver. The couple were living at 28 Shadwell Street in the city and the marriage was witnessed by Albert Harrison and George William Hensley. As an aside here, I wrote briefly about Shadwell Street a few days ago.

    Cecil joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 902706, assisting the war effort given his previous military experience. Cecil died on 23 August 1947 at the age of 40. Unfortunately, none of the usual databases give any information as to what happened and it’s rare not to have a cause of death for an airman. There don’t seem to be any media reports of the death, which means it’s probably more likely a death from natural causes rather than being killed in a military accident. I’m also unsure why he was buried at St. Peter’s, which at the time was effectively the church on the airfield, given that he was married, but perhaps it all just felt more appropriate to the family.

    The grave registration form for Cecil and Jeffrey Edwards.

  • Haveringland – St. Peter’s Church (Jeffrey Neil Edwards)

    Haveringland – St. Peter’s Church (Jeffrey Neil Edwards)

    This is the military grave commemorating the life of Jeffrey Neil Edwards and it’s located at St. Peter’s Church in Haveringland.

    Jeffrey was born in West Ham (then in Essex) in 1922, the son of Arthur Edwards and Ethel May Edwards (nee Roberts), of Wanstead in Essex. He became a Flying Officer service number 172240, flying with the 157th squadron of the Royal Air Force. His home address was listed as 8 Cambridge Park in Wanstead, which was the residence of his parents.

    Jeffrey was named in Despatches on 5 February 1944 for his bravery, something for which his parents must have been enormously proud of. Sadly, Jeffrey was killed on the night of 22nd/23rd December 1944 when returning from an enemy raid in his Mosquito TA392 RS-K aircraft. He reported to Flying Control that he was having problems with the ailerons and the aircraft crashed at the airfield also killing his pilot Flight Lieutenant W Taylor. There’s a report of the crash at the Aviation Safety web-site.

    The military grave record, with Jeffrey dying at the age of just 22. The probate details were confirmed in 1946, with Jeffrey’s assets of £332 18s 6d being transferred to his father, Arthur.

  • Haveringland – St. Peter’s Church (Bithiah Howard)

    Haveringland – St. Peter’s Church (Bithiah Howard)

    This stone is located just outside the porch of St. Peter’s Church in Haveringland. It’s an interesting first name, I think it’s Bithiah, but there’s more on Wikipedia about this. Although the burial records survive at Norfolk Record Office, the actual church mostly doesn’t as it was rebuilt in the 1850s (other than the tower).

    I suspect that this stone was once above a tomb inside the church, which would explain why it has survived in good condition since Bithiah’s death in 1769 (or more precisely, she died on 31 December 1769 and was buried on 3 January 1770). Personally, I don’t think this stone should be outside, it’s part of the heritage of the church and so would be better off inside and protected.  I’m only guessing, but the stone was probably broken on lifting it in the 1850s and so they just removed it. It’s also missing from the comprehensive list of memorials which the church prepared in 1981.

    Bithiah was born in 1693, but, unfortunately, other than finding her name in the parish death register (and I had to search it manually as the transcriber couldn’t read it), I can’t find anything else. I think there are problems with the transcribing of that first name, there are all manner of variants out there. The nature of the stone suggests that the family likely had some wealth and was perhaps connected with Haveringland Hall.

  • Haveringland – St. Peter’s Church

    Haveringland – St. Peter’s Church

    Initially, not a lot made sense about this church as the road layout was illogical and the building was set back about 200 metres from the road. It’s not entirely normal for a church to be located at the end of a long concrete (or whatever it is) track and nor for there to be such a lack of road access.

    This is though the answer, the airfield of RAF Swannington, which was in use between 1944 and 1947. There were plans to turn it into a larger airfield after this, but those plans didn’t come to fruition and the land was sold by the RAF in 1957 and the land returned to agriculture. The church is just visible on the above map (which is an Ordnance Survey map, just out of copyright) on the extreme right-hand side.

    We pondered whether this was wide enough to be a runway, it didn’t feel quite right in terms of the size, but it was the map which confirmed that this was the perimeter of the airbase. Sections of the runways themselves are still visible on overhead maps, but not to the size that they once were.

    Some of the memorials relating to the airbase.

    Onto the church, I saw this and was a little disappointed as it’s just Victorian (not that everything Victorian is bad, but it does mean the medieval heritage of the building isn’t going to be there). With the exception of the tower, the church was demolished and rebuilt in 1858 by the owners of the nearby, and now demolished, Haveringland Hall. The listed building record notes that the thirteenth century font has been kept, but everything else is Victorian. The church was locked, but I’m not entirely sure that there was much to see inside.

    Ignoring all the nearby concrete of the former airfield, it’s a remote and quite charming area.

    A gateway that has long since fallen into disuse.

    The porchway is Victorian, but that tower looks magnificent. It was noted in a newspaper article in the 1890s that the scale fern that was on the building had now been removed, a decision which was probably beneficial to the structure of the church. It’d have been a shame if that tower was covered in ivy, not just as it would be damaging to the stonework, but because it’d hide the beautiful round tower.

    Some of the Victorian stonework on the side of the porch.

    So, onto the round tower, which dates from the eleventh century. It’s one of the oldest surviving round towers in the country, although they faffed about with the top of it during the Victorian rebuild.

    I think that’s Roman brick.

    The window height has been changed on the tower and bricks placed under the new window, but it gives it all some character. Some of the tower has been rendered, likely in the 1850s, although some of that has since fallen away and not been replaced.

    I’m not quite sure what all of these metal attachments are to the church tower. Perhaps they were used to stabilise the tower whilst they were demolishing the rest of the building in the Victorian period, or as some sort of support for plants. Although the bulk of the historic church has been lost, at least this tower remains, having spent centuries looking over agricultural workers and then for a few years there were military aircraft taking off in its shadow. The tower at least is perhaps an unlikely survivor, but at nearly 1,000 years old it’s not looking in bad condition.

  • Norwich – Banger Stop

    Norwich – Banger Stop

    I haven’t paid much attention to Norwich Market in the past, for no obvious reason than I’m not sure I realised how wide a choice of food and drink they had there (to be fair, it’s near Grosvenor and so I hadn’t realised I needed to go elsewhere). Having meandered around the various chip stalls over recent weeks, I thought I’d pop to Banger Stop today.

    The city’s market has been in its current location for 900 years, which is a fair run I think it’s reasonable to say. George Plunkett has a photo of the market from 1939, not long before the war broke out, and Banger Stop is located roughly where the group of three people are in the photo.

    As someone who gets confused by too many options being available, I quite liked the precision here with the choices marked on the boards of:

    (i) The Classic – pork sausage with cheese, onion and homemade ketchup (£3.50)

    (ii) The Chilli Dog – as above, but with chilli sauce (£3.50)

    (iii) The Plain – just the sausage and onions (£3)

    There was a nice welcome, and I didn’t struggle to decide to go for the chilli dog, although I was initially concerned about how much of it I’d manage to drop on myself. Fortunately, some forward planning has taken place here with the packaging with the provision of a little box surround for the hot dog to avoid unnecessary spillages. I was charged £3, perhaps because I didn’t need any cheese, and the stall accepts cards which is rather handy. Everything was also clean and organised, especially important during these challenging times….

    I thought it was all entirely acceptable and sufficiently filling, the sausage is made just for this stall on the market and isn’t bought in, it was also hot without burning me. The red pepper chilli sauce wasn’t particularly hot in terms of spice, but added some texture to the arrangement and onions also bring a little extra taste. Definitely all rather lovely, and it’s worth having a little hunt for within the market.

  • Norwich – Thomas Want Abandoning His Family

    Norwich – Thomas Want Abandoning His Family

    200 years ago this week, the Norfolk Chronicle published a story about about how Thomas Want, a former school master in Norwich, had cleared off and left his wife and four children. This was certainly a problem as far as the city was concerned, as the Corporation would now have to fund these children and I can’t imagine they’d have been thrilled at that thought. So, the hunt for him started, and it appears that he had run off with this woman who had a hawker’s licence.

    I like a story and so I wanted to know more about this little arrangement, although the documentary chain of evidence was always going to be a little limited. Thomas had married Frances Oldman in St. Stephen’s Church in Norwich (the one in front of the Chantry shopping centre with a path leading to it through the graveyard) on 3 June 1806, so they had been married for fifteen years.

    Francis Arthur Want was born on 24 July 1810 and baptised on 17 August 1810 at St. Stephen’s Church. Frances Lucinda Want was born on 10 November 1811 and baptised on 17 November 1811, this time at St. George Colegate Church. Jane Pearcy Want was born on 21 June 1816 and baptised on 30 June 1816, this time at St. Martin at Palace Church. There should be another child, since the newspaper mentioned he had left four, but I can’t find details of that, although I imagine they were born some time around 1814.

    Francis Arthur Want married and became a railway station master in Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire, with none of his children being named after Thomas. Frances Lucinda Want never married, going to work as a servant cook, she died in Middlesex in February 1894. Jane Pearcy Want married Robert Newman in Cromer on 4 October 1841 and they lived in the town, with none of their children being named after Thomas. It is this lack of naming their children after Thomas that makes me suspect that the children didn’t have a great deal of respect for their father.

    Moving back to Thomas’s wife, Frances. There are no suitable candidates showing on the 1841 census, so I’m fairly sure she died before then. And there is a burial of a Frances Want at Old Lakenham Church in Norwich on 26 August 1822 and I’m going to assume that this was the wife that Thomas left behind. She died just a year after her husband left her and, perhaps not unsurprisingly, I can’t find any record of a gravestone. I can’t imagine that anyone would have had any money to pay for one.

    Back to Thomas, he was 42 when he went missing, so he was a fair bit older than Frances, having been born in around 1779. He was a schoolmaster from at least 1812 to 1815 at the academy on St. George’s Plain which was a boarding school for young gentlemen. As for his death, the only one I can find that fits anywhere in the country is the Thomas Want who was buried in Norwich on 17 September 1844. I have yet to discover what happened to Thomas after he went off with this woman with her hawker’s licence, but I don’t feel that he ever went back and his voyage of passion will perhaps remain a mystery to history.