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  • Norwich History by Parish : St. Julian (Section 1/2)

    Norwich History by Parish : St. Julian (Section 1/2)

    And a new little project that Jonathan and I are undertaking because this lockdown is clearly here for at least a few more weeks. It’s a bit niche (our project I mean, not the lockdown), I’ll accept that, but there we go. Effectively, it’s walking around Norwich, ancient parish by ancient parish and seeing what is there now compared to a map from the 1880s (the map above is from 1789, but the one from the 1880s is more detailed, which is why we used that). There’s a PDF of these boundaries to provide some extra background to this whole project.

    St. Julian is the eight parish we’ve visited and as can be seen from the above PDF, it’s split into two separate areas, with St. Etheldreda in the middle. Given the complexity of that, this post is just about the most northern of the two sections of the parish and the one containing St. Julian’s Church. The other half we’ll do next week (I can imagine the excitement that everyone has already…… or perhaps not…..).

    This is the Waterfront on King Street, a live music venue and club, with this artwork at the front giving some examples of bands and singers who have performed there.

    This is the Waterfront’s riverside drinking area, which is all rather lovely, and it’s on the site of the old mortuary.

    This is Abbey Lane (formerly known as Cockey Lane), with the Waterfront on the left-hand side, looking back towards King Street. It’s also where St. Clement’s Church once stood, in the former parish of St Clement at Conesford. It was united with the parish of St. Julian in 1482, but the church remained open, but fell out of usage in the 1560s. The building was still there in the eighteenth century and it’s though some parts of it might remain underneath the nineteenth century structure of the Waterfront. To add to the mortuary situation, there were numerous burials found here in the 1960s in the former churchyard.

    This is the next street along, Hobrough Lane, and this would have once led down to a ferry which crossed the River Wensum. Once the frontages on King Street would have had residential properties that the wealthy lived in, but over the centuries it all became more of an industrial area.

    This area has now been cleared, but this would have been Greenman Yard and there was a pub, the Green Man, standing where that wall is. This was a pub from the mid-eighteenth century until it was demolished just before the war and George Plunkett took a photo of it in 1936. I’ve written this before, but Norwich is so very fortunate to have had George Plunkett, as I can’t imagine there would have been many other photos taken of this pub.

    Much has been written elsewhere about Dragon Hall (not least this rather lovely volunteer guide from 2005), so there’s little need for me to add a great deal here. It’s a former medieval hall of national importance which was constructed in the early fifteenth century. Although it was constructed as a grand hall for a wealthy man, Robert Toppes, it got sub-divided up over the centuries as King Street became a place more for industry than decadent living. It’s a slight miracle that the building didn’t fall down by the early twentieth century and it was in quite a state. Properties behind the building were removed as part of slum clearance, but the council had the foresight to save Dragon Hall (a name it was given in the 1980s) and take it into their own ownership. Some forward thinking individuals turned this into a museum and its change into the National Centre for Writing is a slightly retrograde step in my view (I’d have liked the building to have remained a museum so its fine interior was accessible to the public), but in all fairness, the new organisation does allow visits to see inside.

    The building to the right (125-129 King Street) on the above photo is historically interesting, but it has been rather marred by the lower floor windows that have been punched into it. I remember this building as BB Adams, the electrical retailer, but it’s been boarded up for some time now. It looked much better as it was in this 1936 photo from George Plunkett.

    The entrance to Old Barge Yard, which takes its name from the pub which traded here from the middle of the nineteenth century until it closed in 1969. The window seats from the Old Barge Yard pub are apparently still visible inside the building.

    Old Barge Yard, which did lead to the River Wensum, although it has now been blocked off.

    One of the old doorways into Dragon Hall and this dates to the early fourteenth century when the building was being constructed, although the decoration is from the fifteenth century. George Plunkett has a photo of the doorway taken in 1935.

    Looking back along Old Barge Yard, towards King Street.

    This was the area behind Dragon Hall which was cleared during the slum removals of the 1930s. The entire site, including the flats behind, are now part of the Saint Anne’s Quarter project.

    Back on King Street, opposite Dragon Hall, is this entrance to Drays Yard. Although it has an historic sounding name, this isn’t original and is a new construct.

    St. Julian’s Alley and that wall to the left is a bit of a survivor. It isn’t the former wall of a building, just something that was built around a property boundary, so it’s done well to be kept and integrated into the newer structure behind it.

    This area hasn’t changed much over the centuries, it’s the churchyard of St. Julian’s Church and the alley named St. Julian’s Alley goes off to the left, straight ahead and to the right. George Plunkett has a photo from 1938 of the building which is behind where I’m standing, although this has now gone and there’s a modern residential property there now.

    St. Julian’s Church, from which the parish takes its name. As I visited here a few weeks ago, I’ll just link into that blog post. George Plunkett has a photo from 1946 which shows the damage which had been done to the building during the air raids, and the city is fortunate that this church was reconstructed.

    This is St. Julian Alley which now ends at Rouen Road, a poorly designed area of the city which has seen housing replaced by car parking and uninspiring buildings. This alley once led on to Crusoe Street.

    This is the view when standing outside of St. Julian’s Church, along what is now Kilderkin Way, but which was once the King Street Old Brewery. Thorn Lane used to stretch from Ber Street to King Street, so would have run through the middle of this site, but only the upper end of Thorn Lane remains. Most of this lies in another parish, so I’ll come back to this in the future. But, as an example, this is what Thorn Lane used to look like in 1938. This is a nicely designed street though which fits into the area well.

    Walking back to King Street, this is a former entrance to the school which sat behind St. Julian’s Church. More on this in a moment.

    Looking back down to King Street.

    This is the same alley as in the above photo from the other end, and it’s called St. Julian’s Alley, which complicates things a little as that’s also the name of the neighbouring alley mentioned earlier.

    This is the site of the school behind St. Julian’s Church, and the one that was accessed through the bricked up gate. I’m not entirely sure why the school is no longer here, perhaps destroyed by the bombing during the Second World War which destroyed most of the church. This is now a housing development called King’s Gate on the map, but is named as St. Cecilia’s Court on the road sign. I imagine that the latter is correct.

    There were two school buildings within the complex, a larger one and a smaller one, the latter survives. It’s now used by the Sue Lambert Trust, a charity who help those who have suffered from sexual abuse.

    The photos of the school site were taken on what is now Music House Lane, named after the historic building in the parish of St. Etheldreda. This is a new name, as this street was once the lower part of Horn Lane, which stretched from Ber Street to King Street.

    This photo is taken from Rouen Road, the new road that was built ploughing through housing that was torn down, looking towards King Street. Someone standing here 100 years ago would have seen St. Julian Street to the left, Horn Lane in front of them (and behind them) and Burleigh Street to the right.

    This is the former route of Horn Lane, and also the edge of the parish boundary. It’s now been blocked off and turned into a walkway, although Horn Lane does continue on the other side. That section of the lane has retained its name, but that’s in a different parish and a story for another day.

    It’s hard to imagine that this was once a thriving community, with people living on what was Garden Street, Bartholomew Street, St. Julian Street and Crusoe Street.

    Walking back down to King Street, that concluded this little meander. King Street is in pretty decent shape in historic terms, so much has been saved there, although there are numerous clumsy planning decisions which have led to some incongruous buildings popping up. The buildings on the site of the King Street Old Brewery are also decent and have retained some interesting architecture, but the area the council decided they’d demolish to build a giant car park is really an eye sore as it stands.

  • Forncett End – St. Edmund’s Church

    Forncett End – St. Edmund’s Church

    There are two medieval churches nearby, but this chapel at ease was built in 1904 to serve the growing residential community in Forncett End.

    The church had just been built when this map was produced, showing the growth of housing in this area.

    The foundation stone of the church was laid on St. Peter’s Day, 29 June 1904. Media reports at the time noted that the residents had needed to walk two miles each way to get to either Forncett St Peter’s Church or Forncett St Mary’s Church, so a new building had been desired for some time. It was only though when the livings of these two churches were merged that the finances allowed for the construction of this new building.

    All very Victorian/Edwardian in design, the project was expected to cost £700 in total, which was raised by subscription, fetes, concerts and numerous bazaars. The new church was designed to seat 110 people, with red brick used in the construction and Cossey brick windows. The work was undertaken by Messrs James & Chellis Humphreys, following plans drawn up by Arthur J Lacey, the Diocesan Surveyor.

    All of the money to construct the church hadn’t been received by the time the building got underway, so it was decided to construct the nave and porch in the first wave, with the second wave adding the chancel. As can be seen, the chancel never got built and the church now has to repair and replace this wooden end from time to time.

    This church was perhaps fortunate to have been built when it was, as the religious fervour of the nineteenth century was starting to fade away. In the decades that followed the great medieval church of Forncett St. Mary became derelict, and only recently has it been saved for the future. Instead of being a chapel at ease for the bigger churches, this is now a convenient size to hold services in, likely quite a cosy atmosphere. It never got its chancel, and I don’t suppose ever will, but at least it remains in use by the local community.

  • Tacolneston – All Saints Church

    Tacolneston – All Saints Church

    This is All Saints Church in Tacolneston and I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t open, but rather more disappointed to read in numerous places on-line that this parish has been, shall we say, perhaps slightly overly keen to keep their building closed to visitors over the last few years.

    On this, I’d add:

    “Our churches belong to everyone. Each stone marks the location where history happened and tells of a significant event in our nation’s story. They are steeped in history. And their architecture will inspire you. Few historic buildings are as easy to visit as a parish church. They are open and welcoming to all. During the week, many churches are unlocked during daylight hours, and those that are not have details on display of where a key can be found.”

    This is the Church of England policy on opening churches, and pandemic aside, I hope there’s more progress in this area over the next few years.

    Why does one church need three scratch dials (or mass dials for those who prefer that)? I have a theory that it’s because one might have been rendered over or just not seen as accurate as it needed to be. There’s something rather quite lovely though that these have likely been here since the medieval period, and were once really useful ways of knowing when the next service was going to be.

    Old graffiti inside the porch.

    The south aisle and the south porch. The building itself mainly dates from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, although these was a previous church here on this site before then. Francis Blomefield, the reliable Norfolk historian noted in the mid-eighteenth century that this church had been reconstructed in 1503 and he mentioned that the church was thatched when he visited.

    Why is there a kitchen sink at the base of the tower? I don’t know…. For those whose eyes aren’t drawn to this eyesore at the base, the tower itself was built in stages between the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries.

    The north doorway, with some random lump of metal by its side.

    The priest’s door.

    A rather pretty little churchyard. The rear section of the church was partly covered by ivy until recently, fortunately now removed.

    And, I have no idea. The random bits and pieces around the church made it feel like something of an art installation.

    Inside the church there is an historic section of the rood screen, an old font and numerous other interesting items of note, and hopefully I’ll get chance to go back when the building is open to see them.

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Caroline Tennant)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Caroline Tennant)

    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 Caroline Tennant from East Lancs group and it’s her first go at the 100, and I’m in a similar situation, as 55 miles will all be new territory to me as well. Not that this is all about food of course, but I like the mention of pies.

    How many 100s have you completed in the past?

    None, this is my first attempt. I started thinking about 100s a few years ago, looking at 2022 to be my first try. Then I decided I wanted to recce the Y 100 Sir Fynwy, just in case. When the virtual event opened, I jumped at the opportunity.

    If Covid rules allow, you are walking as a group of eight from East Lancs group. Are you hoping this plan keeps you sane and encouraged?

    There are a number of East Lancs members walking various routes for the virtual 100. Our little group is, currently, made up of eight of us that have all walked and entered various events together, none of us have ever completed a 100 before and we are mostly at the slower end of the walking scale. We plan to walk together, as a team, rather than at our own individual paces.

    Being of a wide range of backgrounds, ages and experience, we always have something to talk about. And a sense of humour is essential. I’m not sure anyone else would tolerate my listing, charts, maps and incessant organising. I’m hoping we all keep each other entertained to pass the time and get through the miles. I don’t think any of us are sane to begin with, so that’s not an issue.

    What has appealed is the chance to give it a go, even if we don’t succeed. Not having a limit on entries gives people an opportunity to give it a go, on their own terms. We might not all get to 100 miles, but we will go as far as we can, which I think together might be further than we all think.

    What route are you planning to take?

    We are doing a route connecting three of our homes/gardens, allowing us to have 3 checkpoints with good facilities and food. We tried to have a range of terrain to keep it interesting. Canals, parks, moorland, riverbanks, hills and few sights to keep both our feet and our heads entertained. The route is centred at Rivington, extending out to Hoghton Tower, Tockholes, Smithills, Haigh Hall, Yarrow Valley and Cuerden Valley.

    What other support are you hoping to have on the route?

    Between our three home checkpoints, the route has been planned to go via various shops, cafes and even a motorway service station. Whilst we will have to carry a certain amount, we have plenty of opportunity to resupply on the way. There will be a couple of people on standby for emergency rescues, which hopefully we won’t need. And two long suffering husbands, who are cooking dinner and breakfast for us.

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

    Hopefully, between us, we should know the route well as it is all very local to us. We will have the GPX, maps and a brief description to refer to. What we think we know well may be very different on the day, depending on the conditions, and more so once we are tired.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    Planning and recceing the route has been a great opportunity to up the mileage. My plan is to just keep walking and get the miles in.

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

    Being able to choose our route and having been able to recce is a huge advantage. I think what will make it harder is not having the support of marshals and competitors on the day. Whilst we will have each other to cheer ourselves on, there is nothing more encouraging than being met by a cheerful marshal, brandishing crumpets, at 2am.

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Salt and vinegar crisps, cheese and jam sandwiches, custard. But not together.

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

    Stubbornness and possibly some general shouting (with my hands on my hips). A few years ago, I tore a quote out of a walking magazine and stuck it to my fridge. The gist being, “Pain and tiredness are temporary, just keep going. But always stop for a cup of tea when you can”. I spent much of my first 50 repeating that to myself and drinking tea. I suspect this 100 may be the same. Either that or singing Monty Pythons “I’ve got two legs” to myself. It’s the only song I know all the words to. Hopefully the 8 of us will pull each other through and I won’t have to resort to singing.

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

    Having been whacked in the face with the poop covered tail of a bull and survived, I’m not too worried. Though it does freak me out when my head torch reflects of sheep eyes in the dark. Are they really just sheep, or something more sinister?

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    Keep toenails short and use Vaseline and taping, if needed. Wear decent socks, there is nothing worse than a lumpy or threadbare sock for causing problems. On the event, see to any issues as soon as they arise.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Yes. I don’t know what will happen, it’s all new territory after about 55 miles. But I’m really looking forward to giving it a bash, in very good company. We will get each other through. And there are pies to be had at Pike Cottage.

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

    In theory I think we will be looking at about 42-44 hours. Who knows in reality?

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

    Keep eating and drinking throughout, even when you don’t want to. And take a few photos because you won’t remember half of it properly afterwards.

    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?

    Go for it. You can walk further than you think you can. Build up from shorter events. And if you don’t finish, you can always try again. At the very least, you will have met some lovely LDWA people and been well fed. I can’t wait for LDWA events to start again properly!

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Julie Cribb)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Julie Cribb)

    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 interview is with Julie Cribb, the new national chair of the LDWA, and she’s on top form (I have already received Twixes, she’s world class at her role)! I’m pleased to say that the crowds of mourners wailing and crying following the departure of Dave Morgan as national chair have now dispersed from the streets of Norwich, they’ve now been energised with hope for the future. Julie has been the rather excellent, and I won’t say formidable (as that makes her sound scary, and she’s not!) groups’ secretary for the last few years and will be much missed in that role. Anyway, that’s enough praise, I don’t want to look fawning.

    Incidentally, Julie must also have a better support team than Nathan and I are planning for our walk, because there’s no way ours is good enough to stop us giving up….. I’m very excited about the shortbread in 2024, although a little less excited about the haggis (unless it comes in some form of pastry covering, which improves most food, even vegetables).

    This photo is of Julie during the Lyke Wake Walk, which she very bravely did in all black, with a little hat and black lace veil, black lace gloves and black nail varnish and make up and big black feathery earrings – as she notes definitely befits the Coffin Walk. And Julie admits to getting some strange looks. And before Nathan asks, no, we’re not.

    Is this your first 100?

    No – I started the Dorset 100 but withdrew just before the breakfast stop – don’t ask – that’s another (long) story! [don’t worry, I’ll get the gossip on that in due course] I have done non-LDWA long distance events in the past though and have really enjoyed those.

    What route are you planning to take?

    I live in Inverness, about 10 miles from Loch Ness. There are three trails that now make up the Loch Ness 360 route – The Trail of the 7 Lochs, the South Loch Ness Trail and the Great Glen Way. By joining these I can make up around 90 miles and by adding on around 10 miles at the end by finishing over the Iron Age Hill Fort and going along to the end of the Caledonian Canal it should be 100+ miles by the time I get back home. It also means I pass a really good cafe and a McDonalds just before the end! Don’t know if I’m allowed to name names? [well, I do, quite frequently, and perhaps even obsessively]

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

    All 3. I have all the maps and we are recceing the whole route over 7 sections, getting the gpx plots as we do the recces. I have walked all of these trails many times, but usually in the opposite direction to that which I’ll be doing on the event.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    We are recceing a section every other weekend and doing longer walks or hill walks in the weekends in between. I’d like to build up to 30 mile walks during March and April before tapering in May, when I plan to do a long distance path covering around 10-15 miles a day for 14 days. We are also recceing the probable night sections at night.

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

    Much easier. Travelling from Inverness to anywhere else usually means leaving at least two days beforehand and a long drive or train journey, then a couple of nights in a strange bed and getting up at an unearthly time to get to the start and register. Unless you carry all your food you need to depend on what the checkpoints offer – which is usually great – but often not what I would choose myself. Doing it this way I can sleep in my own bed, get up and start when I want, not be stiff from travelling, eat and drink what I want more or less when I want and give instructions to my support team to not let me give in!

    Your group, North West Grampian, is organising the 100 event in 2024 (the Speyside 100), how much work is that entailing so far? Any suggestions at this stage about what food treats the entrants might expect?

    We suspended planning in 2020 due to Covid and the deferment of the YSF100, so at the moment we have an Organising Group, a route, an HQ and most of the checkpoints covered. We are about to get started again with planning meetings. As far as tasty treats go – Haggis of course (only kidding). Lots of shortbread and tablet (like fudge but different) and depending on catering regulations in 2024 we will have our Dream Team back in the kitchen at event HQ.

    As an aside, will your route in 2024 be really hilly?

    It’s on the border of the northern Cairngorm – nuff said! [hmmmm, it’s not selling it to me as someone from Norfolk, so I’ll focus on the food side of things….]

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Cheese straws, rice pudding, hot cross buns with cheese and jam, mini-melton pork pies and Percy Pigs. My back up team will hopefully be able to provide burgers, pizza and other hot food by order for the main meal stops. We are hoping the cafes in Fort Augustus will be open for breakfast on the day. [some nice choices there! Although there’s arguably more to doing an event than just thinking about the food]

    Will there be any whisky consumed en route?

    I don’t take alcohol during a walk but there will be several cans of draught Guinness in the fridge for the finish and if I make the 100 there will even be a bottle of bubbly on ice.

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

    I have an A4 laminated sheet with inspirational and motivational sayings that my daughter has strict instructions to wave under my nose at every checkpoint! My main technique though is to walk to the next end of section. Never look too far ahead and then you can always make it. I like doing complicated planning and calculations in my head while I walk to pass the time too. And there may be others around – it’s a popular time on popular trails.

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

    Nessie is our friend and I’ll be joining her for a swim at the end to ease my tired legs :-). Not really concerned about meeting anything though the eyes in the night can be a bit startling at times. I try to avoid frogs – but that’s another story too!

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    I am definitely not the one to give out foot care tips – my feet have been in a terrible state since a very wet walk on the Lairig Ghru several years ago and they never recovered (at least I didn’t try hard enough to let them mend before trashing them again and again!)

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

    Our ‘bubble’ walk and swim buddy is planning on doing two sections with us (one of my daughters is going to try the 100 but will be happy to get to over 50), perhaps going into the first night and then the last 20 miles. My eldest daughter will be main car back up, catering manager and chief cheerleader. My husband will also support when he can. Youngest daughter will deliver and collect our canine walking companion from time to time on sections he will be safe on. He is always fun to walk with.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Tremendously. It’s a walk – who wouldn’t be? [I’m dreading the damn thing, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it when I get going]

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

    I’d like it to be 37-40 hours but we have agreed we will try and stay together through the first night if possible – so timing may be different to planned.

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

    Set out to enjoy it and take it stage by stage but don’t stop too long at any point as it’s amazing how time can add up over a number of checkpoint stops.

    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?

    It’s a walk – don’t overthink it and you may even enjoy it. After all you have nothing to lose – what else would you be doing that weekend that you can’t do another time?

    Finally, congratulations on becoming LDWA chair, how have you enjoyed your first few days?

    Thank you. I’ve focussed on two main things – taking over the social media accounts from David and getting to grips with those and getting to know the NEC members and their roles better on a one-to-one basis. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing both but will probably have to get on with some real work soon!

  • Wreningham – All Saints Church (James Ebden)

    Wreningham – All Saints Church (James Ebden)

    This is the gravestone of James Ebden, located in All Saints Church in Wreningham. It caught my eye as the right-hand side of the grave was never filled in, a husband and wife that aren’t both listed.

    James Ebden was buried on 7 March 1836 and the church’s burial record notes that he was aged 59, although the grave says that he was aged 60. A little unusually in terms of the records of this church, but James’s residence was listed as being in Lakenham and not in the village itself.

    The name of James’s wife was Bathsheba Bates (a religious name that wasn’t uncommon, but is much rarer today), which isn’t perhaps entirely clear from the grave itself, and the couple had been living at Portland Place in Lakenham. She was buried in the church on 30 December 1859, but her name doesn’t appear on the list of gravestones which have survived.

    There seem to be two possible outcomes here, since I can’t imagine she ever remarried and she never changed her surname. She was either buried with her husband, but there was no money to complete the inscription, or, she was buried elsewhere in the graveyard without a stone because no-one realised to connect the couple.

    One source notes that the couple had one child, James Ebden (1811-1874) and at first sight that would make the situation strange, as this situation would have been something that he could have resolved. However, the only James Ebden listed as alive in Norfolk in 1871 was at Bethel Hospital which was then listed as a lunatic asylum (better known now as a mental health hospital) in Norwich, which might explain why he hadn’t intervened.

    There’s some guesswork here from me, but I suspect that the couple have been buried together, but there was no money to pay for the stone to be inscribed, hence why it was never completed. I do rather quite hope that the couple were reunited in death.

  • Ashwellthorpe – Village Sign

    Ashwellthorpe – Village Sign

    As another one of my random asides, I thought that this was one of the more interesting and creative village signs that I’ve seen. Village signs became popular in the early twentieth century when King Edward VII saw a sign in Norfolk that he liked and he thought that they were a marvellous idea, so the numbers spread quickly.

    I thought that this was all rather modern in how it looked.

    However, the sign was created back in 1977 to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and it appears to be well ahead of its time. The current sign is some sort of more plastic replacement for the original which seems to have somehow fallen apart in the 1990s, but the design was kept exactly the same (I think).

    All Saints Church stands behind the village sign.

    This depicts the tombs of Sir Edmund de Thorpe and Lady Joan de Thorpe (and dogs at their feet), located in the church.

    A reference to the Knyvett Letters, which included correspondence from Oliver Cromwell.

    And perhaps my favourite, the dragon door knocker thing (that’ll have to do as my technical explanation) from inside the church.

    And here’s the real one. Unfortunately, the church was locked so I couldn’t get photos of the tombs.

    Definitely a very creative village sign, with the style of font (I mean in terms of printing, not the font in the church) still feeling modern.

    Also, whilst trying to search for more information about this sign, I found an article from the Sunday Mirror in 1978 which noted:

    “Farmer Cyril Muskett has dropped plans for a US trip by Concorde and is giving the money to his local parish church at Ashwellthorpe in Norwich for their church repairs”.

    What a very admirable decision.

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

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Kathy Tytler)

    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 interview is with Kathy Tytler and the Percy Pigs is a great idea, I don’t think that I had them on my extensive food list. Not sure I want to experience a chasm in my mind during the latter part of the walk, but it’ll be some excitement I suppose….

    You’ve completed numerous 100s in the past, what makes you keep coming back for more?

    I love the event. It is great to see everyone and we get to visit so many interesting parts of the country. There is nothing like the feeling of completing the 100, a mixture of pain and ecstasy.

    What route are you planning to take?

    I have modified the route of the Centurion Running 100 mile trail race, which is based at Goring – the crossroads of 2 National Trails, The Ridgeway and The Thames Path. It uses 4 different out and back 25 mile routes. My modification is that I start and finish at my house, joining The Thames Path at the appropriate point in Reading.

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

    I know most of the route very well. The Thames Path from Reading to Goring is home territory, and I have completed The Ridgeway Challenge Trail Race several times. Being National Trails they are well-signed, but of course I will be carrying my maps and compass.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    I am increasing the time I am spending on my long walks, currently exploring Reading and beyond from my front door – and have discovered some very interesting places. Often I walk with my neighbour, Jocelyne.

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

    Being on familiar territory should make it easier, and there are fewer hills than on recent 100s. Mentally it may be more difficult, not having the lovely people at the checkpoints to look forward to and the lure of the railway station with its regular trains to Reading, each time we return to Goring

    What support will you have during your walk?

    Pat Seabrook and I plan to walk together, as we have done on many 100s. I have invited friends to walk sections with us, or to come to Goring to meet us. A couple of people are interested so far. We plan to start at dawn on the Saturday and my neighbour has said to call for her and she will walk to Goring with us and get the train back.

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Percy Pigs! and other sweets.… A balance of sweet and salty – pretzels are easier to carry than crisps. A load of flapjack for sustenance. Maybe I can find someone who will let us set up a treats box in Goring?

    You took part in the Hadrian 100 that was very tough at night with the weather conditions. Would you say that was your toughest 100?

    The part after Greg’s Hut was very hard, not helped when we missed the flags and veered off track. Despite wearing 2 layers of waterproofs I was still soaked to the skin. We got to Dufton and retired. Luckily I wasn’t aware of the devils and demons that are said to haunt Cross Fell (aka Fiend’s Fell).

    All 100s are challenging, but the ones I have retired on must be the hardest!

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

    As I will be quite near home and I will have told a lot of friends what I am doing, there is the threat or promise that they may pop up at any time along the route.

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

    Ghosts on The Ridgeway! It is such an ancient track that there must be some, but I have been there at night many times on The Ridgeway Challenge and it’s been OK

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    I wish! Every time I think I have got the right shoe/ sock/ foot cream combination, I have problems on my next long event.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Yes I am. After so many cancellations and am hoping that this is something that will go ahead

    Have you had hallucinations during a 100 walk?

    Yes, one of the things to look forward to. Often entertaining, only occasionally scary – when we reached a black tarmac road after crossing the rough moorland in the Elan Valley on Cant Canalberth, it looked like a chasm and I had to test it before I stepped onto it

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

    By starting at dawn we will be maximising the use of daylight and hope to finish before dark on Sunday – for the first time ever!

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

    Once you get started don’t think of the whole distance, break it down into manageable chunks. Promise yourself something really good when you have 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?

    If you are worried about the night sections, recce it before in daylight if you can. Night walking is great – enjoy it, try not to worry too much about who or what is out there.

     

  • British Airways – Tier Status Announcement

    British Airways – Tier Status Announcement

    Excuse my veering back to airlines, but I haven’t mentioned them in ages. The press release contains positive news though, it means I can continue to pop into BA lounges until the end of 2022 to enjoy Brewdog Jet Stream….. That’s the follow-up to Brewdog Speedbird, a really quite lovely beer that was produced for BA. I note back in 2019 that I commented that I wasn’t an enormous fan of Brewdog, but that’s changed somewhat now, I’m much more pro-Brewdog   🙂

    Anyway, and for anyone who hadn’t seen it, the press release read:

    “Members whose Tier Point collection end date falls between 1 July and 31 December 2021, will have their Tier status protected for an additional 12 months, irrespective of how many Tier Points they earn.

    It means that no British Airways Executive Club member, including Bronze, Silver and Gold card holders will lose their Tier status in 2021.

    This follows members receiving a one-year extension last June

    Tuesday 9 March 2021 – To thank customers for their loyalty during an extremely difficult period in its history, British Airways has today announced it will be protecting the Tier status of Executive Club members for a further year. This means that any member renewing in 2021 will enjoy their status for another year, irrespective of how many Tier Points they earn.

    Eligible members will receive an additional 12 months on their Tier status expiry date which will be updated in their Executive Club accounts this week.

    Niall Rooney, Head of the British Airways Executive Club, said: “As we await the Government’s decision in April and plan for the safe restart of travel as soon as possible, we want to thank our Executive Club members for their loyalty during the most difficult time in the airline’s history.

    “We know many of our members haven’t been able to travel, but today’s news means they can keep their benefits for longer and use them when they’re able to fly again. We hope this complements a number of measures we’ve already introduced, including our book with confidence commitment, which provides flexibility and reassurance for our customers.”

    Today’s announcement means that qualifying members will have received two years of protection. It also means that no British Airways Executive Club member will lose their Tier status in 2021.

    On top of this Tier extension, in February, British Airways announced a six-month extension to all Executive Club vouchers, due to expire before 31 December 2021. This was the third extension that was applied, following similar extensions in March 2020 and October 2020 and included Gold Upgrade Vouchers and American Express Companion Vouchers. British Airways is also adding an additional six-months validity to all new Companion Voucher or Travel Together tickets earned between June 2020 and the end of December 2021.

    And finally, British Airways continues to reduce the amount of Tier Points needed to reach each Tier by 25 per cent for those whose Tier Point collection year ends before July 2022.

    ENDS”

  • Wreningham – All Saints Church (John Henry Ireland)

    Wreningham – All Saints Church (John Henry Ireland)

    There are two Commonwealth war graves listed in the churchyard of All Saints Church in Wreningham, and neither of them have the traditional shape and style of stone as the families must have opted for something unique. This made identifying them a little more difficult, although fortunately the CWGC provide details of their approximate location in the churchyard. For anyone wanting to find this grave, it’s in the north-east part, behind the church and just a short walk from the chancel.

    This grave commemorates the life of John Henry Ireland, the son of William and Sarah Alice Ireland. It also lists the death of his younger brother, Robert, who died on 12 October 1916 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial in France. There was also another brother who went to fight in the war, but he survived the conflict.

    This makes the 1911 census relevant, and indeed poignant, as it is a snapshot of time for this family when there was perhaps lots of hope for the future. The family lived in Wreningham, with William (aged 56) working as a farmer, Sarah Alice (aged 51) looking after the house, William John (aged 26) working as a groom and cowman, Robert Ireland (aged 21) working as labourer, Martha (aged 14), John Henry (aged 11) who was at school and Florence (aged 7). In total, William and Sarah Alice had ten children, of whom one had died by the time of the 1911 census.

    When the First World War broke out, John Henry would have been 15 and it must have all felt very distant for him, although his brothers were already off to war and so he would have been aware of what was going on. Perhaps early on he was quite excited about going to fight alongside them, but his brother’s death in 1916 must have been very tough to deal with. And John reacted to that by still going to serve his country, a decision of some bravery.

    During his time in the military, he served as a private in the 7th battalion of the Royal West Surrey Regiment, with service number 70053. I don’t know what he was doing in that regiment (I have little knowledge of the make-up of regiments during this conflict), but this had been formed as one of the new armies (or the Kitchener Army). Unfortunately, his war records haven’t survived, another loss during the Second World War air raids over London.

    The grave gives more information than usual about the events that led to the death of John. It notes that he was injured at Albert in France on 2 August 1918, which is part of the Somme region. He was unfortunate, the Hundred Days Offensive started in early August 1918 and was the last major conflict on the western front that took place during the First World War. John was returned home to the UK from France, but he then died of his wounds in Newport, Wales on 26 November 1918. John died at the age of just 19. His body was then returned to the village where he grew up, and probably had rarely left before he went off to war.

    The 1921 census will be published in early 2022 and for this family, the ten years were certainly ones that they could never have been imagined when they completed their previous forms a decade before. The two young men were injured very close together, although a couple of years apart, as Thiepval is only about five miles from Albert.