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Post by mossie on Nov 17, 2016 12:35:18 GMT
At a recent visit I decided to visit the oldest part of the city, which survived Hitler's infamous Baedeker Blitz when he attempted to demoralise us by targetting our historic cities. He succeeded in burning out the medieval heart of Canterbury, but in three tries at Norwich the damage was more in the residential north west part of the city where there were heavy casualties among the civil population, but the historic city centre escaped much damage. To begin here is a copy of the tourist map of the city, the area I visited is to the left of the cathedral, the badly bombed area is over the water Some prime red brick office buildings on Bank Plain lead down the hill to the old part But here we plunge downhill towards the north arc of the river Wensum, which winds round the little hill on which the castle was built Note that the roads are often properly cobbled, which is quite difficult to walk on, and causes strong vibrations to cars being driven at very cautious speeds. See the number plate of this mini, that is not camera shake, but car shake I'll come back shortly, but it is time to scrape some lunch together
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Post by bjd on Nov 17, 2016 14:34:57 GMT
I see on the map that there is a second cathedral, St John's, over to the left. I thought there was a rule about how many churches can be a cathedral, or is it different in the Anglican church?
It looks like a pleasant town.
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Post by patricklondon on Nov 17, 2016 15:00:20 GMT
I see on the map that there is a second cathedral, St John's, over to the left. I thought there was a rule about how many churches can be a cathedral, or is it different in the Anglican church? One's Anglican, the other's Roman Catholic. My blog | My photos | My video clips"too literate to be spam"
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Post by mossie on Nov 17, 2016 15:38:02 GMT
There is even a mosque somewhere, have to be careful or it will be the Wars of Religion all over again. There's enough problems with Trump and Brexit to chuck that into the mix. But I'll steer clear of religion, one is not allowed politics or religion in the mess. So more pretty snaps, here is a little corner and one of the cute shops Here are some details of the ends of a door lintel, looks Elizabethan to me (the other one) Note the Elizabethan wiring Various private courtyards, nowadays car spaces, lead off But this one doubles as a path down to the river And here it is Just over the bridge is the riverside pub that I am heading for for my lunch and restorative pint of Guinness. Lunch is served, to an adjacent table, I have to wait a bit longer Suitably refreshed I start to climb back up to the castle to catch a bus back to the station, passing this medieval picture palace on the way I showed you earlier a marker slab for a secure grave in the cathedral, here the common man has a greater chance of escape and passing "The Glasshouse", which luckily does not have its military connotation And so to bed
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Post by tod2 on Nov 17, 2016 16:40:50 GMT
Lovely Mossie. I have to Google that Elizabethan wiring now....never heard of it. Norwich is certainly a lovely and interesting town.
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Post by breeze on Nov 18, 2016 2:30:47 GMT
Mossie, you do get out and about to some pretty towns. I envy you your ability to stop at a pub on each day out.
I see on the map there's a Cathedral Retail Park. Do they sell indulgences?
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Post by htmb on Nov 18, 2016 3:52:37 GMT
Mossie, Norwich looks like a town I'd like to visit. Lovely photos.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2016 18:05:30 GMT
I'm admiring a lot of things -- old bricks, autumn colours, cobblestones, crooked rather strange buildings -- everything I love!
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Post by bixaorellana on Nov 18, 2016 22:03:56 GMT
Mossie, your pictures illustrate why many people consider autumn to be the most beautiful season. I see people are not at all warmly dressed -- it must have been a very pleasant day climate-wise as well. What is the military meaning of "glasshouse"? I don't know why, but that restaurant name, "The Ribs of Beef", cracks me up.
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Post by tod2 on Nov 19, 2016 5:19:11 GMT
Mossie - I did a bit of homework to find out about Elizabethan Wiring - from what I gather, and looking at your photo of the strands of wire going across the brickwork and plaster horizontally, I can only come to the conclusion that it is for strength. Another interesting piece of Elizabethan Wiring was where the thin strands were incorporated into clothing - In particular the 'ruff' or what they refer to as a 'Whisk'. (Hence the name Elizabethan wiring) Looks like the art of this wiring is still used today in costume design for theater and stage. Scroll up the page to see the step by step process. tinyurl.com/zr44sdt
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Post by bjd on Nov 19, 2016 9:07:46 GMT
And here I thought Mossie was being sarcastic about the "Elizabethan wiring".
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Post by mossie on Nov 19, 2016 9:25:49 GMT
Sorry Tod, bjd has it right. When my parents moved into an ancient house the electricians discovered that the old beams were too hard for their drills, so the wiring was cobbled round like my picture.
Bixa, the military slang for the correction centre, or military prison, was glasshouse because one was watched all the time.
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Post by tod2 on Nov 19, 2016 12:59:51 GMT
Oh OK. As there was no electricity in Elizabethan times the wiring must relate only to Elizabethan buildings which were subsequently wired...like your parents house. I find that very interesting! Now you know I will be on the lookout for more wiring like that...
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Post by mossie on Feb 20, 2017 14:54:31 GMT
On a recent trip up to Norwich I noticed this from the train, so sat on the right side to snap it on the return. It shows what can be done to an obsolete windmill to make a super house. The city has some good old buildings, but I also made sure to include the street name in this shot here is another and more than its fair share of medieval churches, with the Anglian cathedral in the background but the pupils here must need some good old fashioned discipline if they need a fire station permanently on the premises.
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Post by mossie on Mar 2, 2017 21:08:10 GMT
Had another outing to Norwich to have a look at some of the medieval relics of the city. The area known as "the Lanes" has many quaint buildings and narrow streets. One can't go far without seeing an old church Here is a very oddly named one This would appear to be a church but is an old Friary, now owned by the city council and used for events Just up the hill is this colourful house Strangely named There are a variety of quirky shops that one has an even grander neighbour Close by is the small museum, housed in the old Bridewell, more commonly known in later times as the Workhouse, where idling was discouraged and social security was basic, to say the least. An explanation some history How to weigh a sheep But trudge off up the hill in search of lunch passing some more city sponsored street art The pub was not its usual haven, it sounded as though an extra noisy flock of starlings had taken over. I asked if they were the Merry Widows club, but was corrected in that they were friends who had gone to the same school and met regularly After lunch walked back through the Castle gardens, where one gets a distant view of the cathedral spire and a good view of the castle before finding a cup of coffee, and a couple of bright ladies to have a chat with. I had complimented the one with the weird hair colour. Then it was the bus down to the station and home after a pleasant day out.
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Post by mossie on Jun 15, 2017 16:02:18 GMT
Time for another trip up to Norwich, this time I got a reasonable shot of my old rival's asphalt plant as the train was slowing to complete its journey from London at Norwich's Victorian station Another stroll in the medieval quarter, they did have some wonderful street names, but there is nothing madder than someone from Norwich A church has been converted into an antiques centre, here is the Holy Ghost arriving to cleanse all the bad odours But I have no wish to become familiar with St Gregory's back alley There is some street art in this area as well Then off down towards the river to try another pub for lunch, quickly passing the Railway Mission before they dragged me in Also had to dodge this stone dog guarding a Chinese restaurant Soon reached the tranquillity of the walk along the river an excellent place for a bit of quiet revision or leisure reading Actually one enters this river walk via the garden of the pub which stands on the the approach to the bridge leading to the station Here is the side overlooking the river So that is that for another day, I do like Norwich, it is a much nicer place than Ipswich. These trips also fill a day when I can escape my four walls without being too energetic, anno domini is not being kind to my legs.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jun 15, 2017 20:45:01 GMT
Well, Mossie ~ I am certainly glad you updated this thread, as I totally missed seeing the last installment from March. Judging by the lack of comments on your excellent & interesting pictures, I guess I wasn't the only one. I'm intrigued by the old churches and friaries, with those rounded rocks. Is. that the actual building material, or an ornamental cladding? Love your double portrait of the fresh-faced young women. Ditto the "holy ghost" against that jewel-like window. If you could magically transport yourself and your belongings to a comfortable place in Norwich, would you do it?
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Post by mossie on Jul 14, 2017 19:33:01 GMT
Terribly sorry. While attempting to sort out my photofucket account to avoid the cut I moved the album which severed all the links. Now I have tried to put it back where it was it photowhatsit won't cooperate. I paid another visit yesterday and walked up to the cathedral first, passing along the way these ruins. This notice explains them My first call on reaching the cathedral was a much needed coffee taken in the refectory, and while sitting there I noticed that beside me was some more remains, which include this row of Norman arched windows They top the remains of an old wall which I walked past as I left to enter the actual cathedral again with a little notice Get on with it. At last reach the cloisters where the monks used to walk round saying their prayers Here they are with the glorious cathedral spire towering over Now inside the cathedral here is a general view down the main aisle, which you may have seen a similar shot of before Right in the aisle is a mirror on a trolley which reflects the roof. the cathedral is very proud of the detailing in the roof bosses which depict various things and people, here is a shot of the mirror An oddity is this astronomical object with candle holders to depict the planets or stars, must look quite pretty with lit candles in situ And what a wonderful name, he sang in the choir for many years in medieval times Religion soon overpowers me and I escaped to the green outside where one comes upon this odd modern artwork. I thought why the devil does that man let an owl perch on his knee. then I noticed the high heels and suppose it must be some artists daft idea of the Virgin and Child While resting on a bench I was startled by cries of alarm from a group of girls who sat on the grass behind me. Some creepy-crawly had frightened some so much they screamed There are some fine old buildings round the green One has obviously had to patched up as a result of subsidence. Norwich suffers from subsidence in places, it is built on chalk which had been mined extensively in ancient times to recover the layers of flint which occur within it. Some years ago a bus fell into a hole which appeared in one of the city's roads as a result. Leaving the Close I had to admire the flushwork and detailing on this old gateway Then it was off in search of a pub for lunch and caught the barmaid taking a quick break with a crafty fag A bikers cum music pub right in the city centre here is the chatty Irish barmaid in her rightful place With a row of inducements to get tight behind her The walls are covered with pictures of singers and note the art deco lampshades Thats it for another day
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Post by mossie on Jul 17, 2017 13:37:09 GMT
Sorry everyone, seeing the way photobuck is going I thought I would tidy up my account and reduce the size. That lost me my Norwich album so I have reinstated my last post, hope you can see the photos now, sorry again.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jul 17, 2017 14:28:40 GMT
Yes ~ I can see them and they are wonderful. I am so relieved that the horrible frustrations of P*ucket did not make you abandon this fascinating ongoing thread.
I always love your architectural photos and you've outdone yourself this time. The cathedral is gorgeous and the gateway a complete knockout.
I'm giving you fair warning that the next time I'm in England I'm going to coerce you into taking me on a pub crawl. You always seem to find the most picturesque and welcoming places!
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Post by breeze on Jul 17, 2017 14:37:21 GMT
I'm glad you overcame photobossy and reposted this, Mossie. Norwich is full of architectural interest, and of course, you always find an atmospheric pub. Not to mention cute and chatty barmaids.
The mirror on a trolley is an excellent idea. It would prevent neck ache. At one church I envied a man lying flat on his back on a pew, using binoculars to get a good view of the ceiling paintings.
I feel sorry for the fine house that suffered subsidence. In our area where shallow mining was common, there are three possible property rights--surface, mineral, and support of the surface. Not that you'd be able to sue a defunct coal company if your house did subside.
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Post by kerouac2 on Jul 17, 2017 17:35:47 GMT
Excellent!
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Post by patricklondon on Jul 17, 2017 21:01:13 GMT
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Post by mossie on Aug 15, 2017 19:51:25 GMT
I showed this snap in the "religion" thread in Image Bank yesterday. It shows a church in Norwich beside the old pub where I had my lunch. Here it is , and perhaps you can see the religious association when you read this, which was painted up near the bar. A strange pub, I was taken aback when I ordered my usual pint of Guinness to be told we only serve Belgian beer, and only half pint glasses. Anyway I persisted and tried some. not a patch on Guinness but it still helped the lunch down. A pleasant typical little pub. I had previously taken a quick look into the Church, a typical, although rather small medieval church, but well kept and commemorating all the Mayors and Lord Mayors of Norwich. with a very plain roof, some of whose angels had had their wings clipped A couple of the floor brasses had been saved, although there was evidence that others had been stolen there were some of the usual stone slabs denoting burials of the great and good, I always marvel at the skill of the carvers of these. But this one on the way out made me worry, he must be very haggard by now Not a lot else to show now, but this very odd little window into a space no more than 5 inches deep made me wonder what was the purpose There was a pleasant green patch nearby This Middle Eastern man was a good busker While waiting for my train home I wondered ( hoped), if something may pop out The train rushes through some typical East Anglian countryside, with its desirable cottages I noticed the field in the foreground had just been harvested, and we soon passed another field where harvest was in full swing, the tractor with a trailer load of grain is now off, while at the top of the field on the right, the combine is hidden in a cloud of dust. Not a very good photo I'm sorry, but these are really snap shots, there is very little chance to zoom properly or compose We have to stop at the little town of Diss which is just north of the Suffolk border in Norfolk. there is always rivalry between the two counties, with Norfolk accused of being behind the times and slow. I noticed the row of windmills just outside the town which are dragging the county along to keep pace with the rest of the country, otherwise Norfolk will drift off into the North Sea and get lost
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Post by onlyMark on Aug 15, 2017 20:38:46 GMT
Mossie, somewhere in the past I came across a reference to "Angel roofs" in churches in that county. It might even have been prompted from this forum, can't remember. Maybe even from you. Anyway, just in case you know nothing about them - www.angelroofs.com/
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Post by onlyMark on Aug 15, 2017 20:42:14 GMT
I also see the connection, though I doubt many have, in the way you have surpassed yourself in taking a photo of the well endowed lady sitting down - and the name of the shop behind her. Well done. (I'm sure you'll claim it was a coincidence. You stick to your story son, some might believe you).
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Post by mossie on Aug 16, 2017 6:40:47 GMT
Thanks very much Mark for the link to the angel roofs site. I had no idea of the history, or that the majority are in this neck of the woods.
As for the Pumpkin, that is the station cafe, where warm nourishing drinks may be had.
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Post by bixaorellana on Aug 16, 2017 16:33:32 GMT
I love when you go to Norwich, Mossie. It was clever to get that harvesting shot from the train window. I notice going through the thread that the pictures always show the seasons. On this page alone there are the yellow leaves of November, moving on to late winter, then to early summer and now August harvest.
Your symmetrical picture of the church is lovely and the stone slab so perfect and gorgeous all these centuries later.
Between you and Mark, now I've got Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" stuck in my head: "He looks around, around He sees angels in the architecture, spinning in infinity."
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Post by cheerypeabrain on Aug 16, 2017 18:51:15 GMT
ah N.O.R.W.I.C.H. lovers used to print that on the back of letters to each other (along with H.O.L.L.A.N.D. and T.U.L.I.P!) but I digress.... I was last in Norwich in the early nineties...went to a wedding at the Backfriers Hall lovely place. SO many churches in the area and the Cathedral is breathtaking. Lovely pics Mossie X
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Post by patricklondon on Aug 17, 2017 13:53:15 GMT
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