Jo’s Monday walk : City of Norwich

The headstone at Norwich Castle

A plaque at the entrance to Norwich Castle

Few things in life flow entirely smoothly, do they?  I thought I’d scored a major success when the friendly driver of our National coach proposed an outing to Norwich on the tour’s ‘free’ day.  I’d spent one glorious day boating on the Broads, if you remember, and had arranged to meet with the remainder of the Polish family in Norwich the next day.  Perfect synchronicity!

Arriving in good time, I found a sunny bench on which to deposit Dad, with his newspaper, to await the family, while I hightailed it up to Norwich Castle. (not the best of benches, Jude– Dad complained because the back had broken off.  No pleasing some folk!)  It being Sunday, the castle was closed till 1pm but the views were sure to be good.

It was a solid looking building
With views down over the city
And a useful lift!

As usual, click on a photo to open the galleries

Norwich Castle dates back to the Norman Conquest.  It was noted in the Domesday Book that 98 Saxon homes were demolished to make way for the castle.  Unfortunately I didn’t have time to go inside, but the link will give you an insight.

Back to my story.  Receiving a text from Grażyna to say they’d arrived, I scurried back down to Castle Meadow.  Standing hopefully beside Dad, we watched the approaching cars.  ‘Is that them?’  ‘No, it’s a taxi’…. ‘Is that them?’  ‘No, it’s a taxi’…. ‘Is that…?’  The moral of the story is, don’t wait for someone to collect you on Castle Meadow.  It is reserved for coaches and taxis only!  Fortunately, because Dad’s not so mobile these days, we only had to walk 50 metres down to the next junction to meet the family.

Anyone for a game in the castle grounds?

Anyone for a game, in the castle grounds?

Before leaving the area, don’t miss the beautiful shopping arcades, just opposite the castle.  The Royal Arcade, designed by George Skipper, opened in 1899.

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I thought that Wikipedia’s Great Yarmouth page was big, but the one for Norwich is huge!  An obvious sign of the importance of the city.  The first thing I learnt was that it sits on the River Wensum, and you can travel by boat from Norwich all the way to Great Yarmouth, via the River Yare.  I would like that!

I didn’t know that in the 11th century, Norwich was the largest city in England, after London, nor that in company with Edinburgh, Kraków, and others, it is a UNESCO City of Literature.  But I might have guessed that its origins go back to Roman times.  The city walls, some of which are still visible, were built between 1280 and 1340 and were 4 kilometres long.  One of the things that I did notice is that Norwich has a lot of churches.  Many no longer have a religious function, but the buildings have been preserved. (I even saw one which was a puppet theatre!)

A chunk of city wall

A chunk of city wall

With Dad settled at my cousin Wojtek’s home, it was time to take a walk into the city.  Heading for the cathedral, I crossed the river for the first time.  A sign promising ‘One of Norfolk’s hidden secrets’ and the view beyond the garden gate stopped me in my tracks.  I had stumbled upon the Bishop’s House Garden on a day when it was opening for charity!

A first look at the River Wensum

A first look at the River Wensum

Imagine a garden with the cathedral as backdrop!
Topiary and fountains
And exquisite blue poppies

 

The borders were crammed full of planting
The ruins of Bishop Salmons Porch
The cathedral silently looming

This 4 acre garden has belonged to the Bishops of Norwich for over 900 years.  The open day was in full swing, with draughts and snakes and ladders set out on the immaculate lawns, and a cello playing in the background.  The perfect setting for such a lovely day but time, as so often, was my enemy.  For the history and more photos see the link above.

A pretty ‘face’, looking directly at the Cathedral
A fine example of a Norfolk flint-faced building
The mighty Cathedral

Approaching the Cathedral, the architecture is varied and beautiful.  I enter through the cloisters.

The heraldry is beautiful

The heraldry in the alcoves is delicate and lovely

Norwich Cathedral was begun in 1096 and completed in 1145.  It was constructed from flint and mortar, and faced with cream-coloured Caen limestone.  The building has real presence, and many quiet corners for reflection.  A new refectory provides the main entrance and a space for contemporary art exhibitions.

The architecture in Norfolk is often highly distinctive due to the use of flushwork.  This was popular in Medieval times, in areas without a good local building stone.  Flushwork creates a flat flint wall where the stone is ‘flush’ to the wall.  Decorative patterns and motifs can be used for variety.  The Ethelbert Gate below is a beautiful example.

The Guildhall in Market Place
St. Ethelbert’s Gate, one of the entrances to the Cathedral complex

I saunter around the Market Place, with its fine Guildhall and market stalls, then turn towards the river and ‘home’.  The family are preparing a barbecue and I shouldn’t be too late.

Back to the river and meandering home

Back to the river, meandering home

It must be time to meet the family, don’t you think?  Well, here they are- from left to right, Mateusz, Kasia, Arek and Mariusz (at the back!), Agnieszka, Jarek and Grażyna (the boat owners), cousin Wojtek, Dad and Basia.

No excuses for the lion!

No apologies for the lion- he came with the house!

I hope you enjoyed my walk around Norwich.  There are numerous facts in the links I’ve provided, if you have time or interest.  But you need to save some time to join my happy band of walkers again this week.

Many thanks to everybody!  At least two cups of coffee will be required.

walking logo

I have many wonderful shares again this week.  If you’re thinking of joining me, click on the Jo’s Monday walk logo for a few simple facts.  Let’s get going, shall we?

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Drake was first past the gate post again this week.  Join him in Alsace… and across the river  :

Hospitality across the river

Jude’s flower images are always a delight.  Did you know she has this second blog?

Garden Portrait: Glendurgan

Anabel has found me some wonderful waterfalls this week  :

Lake District walks: Elterwater circle

A lover’s house on the Mekong!  Sound intriguing?

Vietnam- Marguerite Duras

Amy’s trees in the Canyon are one of the most beautiful things I have seen all week!

Monday Walk: Trees in Grand Canyon 

Back down to earth for a Suffolk walk with Geoff.  Lovely irises!

Bulcamp to Halesworth and back again

You will love this small piece of Tasmanian paradise!  Many thanks, Ruth  :

Bruny Island

And if it didn’t keep hiding in a vale of cloud ….

Playing hide-and-seek in Franz Josef Glacier

Gently does it in northern France, with a little haiku from Viv  :

Happy Haiku Chain

For a sunburst of colour, I defy you to find anywhere better than Valparaiso!

The Hills of Valparaiso, Chile- UNESCO city of colour and steps

I love industrial heritage walks, especially beside water, and this one from Karen is a beauty  :

A walk in Riverside Park, Manhattan

Rub your eyes!  You might not believe that this Causeway is in Australia (but the beach is a bit of a giveaway)

A walk to the Giants Causeway

Richard is another Cornwall fan so he and Jude will get along just great!

History and beachlife on the Porthtowan to Wheal Coates coastal walk

Wherever you end up this week, I hope you enjoy it.  We’ve passed the solstice now.  Hope it’s not all down hill!  See you next Monday?

175 comments

    1. Hi Laia 🙂 I often wondered what your name was but didn’t like to ask. Some people like to keep that private. Such a pretty name! Thank you 🙂
      I wanted to stop and see what that Monopoly bus was all about but I didn’t have time 😦 Some kind of competition… Never mind- I got the shot anyway! Thanks a lot- I look forward to those mountains again.

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  3. I love your line “I found a sunny bench on which to deposit Dad, with his newspaper” – I giggled when I read that. You’re a wonderful and caring daughter, Jo, and he’s a lucky man. it reminds me of what I would have done with my dad when he was alive to keep him from getting restless while waiting 😀

    The detail in this architecture is magnificent and the amount of work that goes into your posts blows me away. I get muddled just putting up four photos – I don’t know how you do it, but keep up the great work 🙂

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    1. I’ll be getting a swollen head, Diane! (but it’s very kind of you to say 🙂 ) I must have done something right with this one because I had a retweet and comment from Visit Norwich tourist information (and I wasn’t following them- but I am now 🙂 ) I enjoy what I do, though it gives me some angst at times. (like you and your wonderful novels, I suspect 🙂 ) Many thanks, darlin’.

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  4. I love that Monopoly stuff! How very cool. Never seen anything like it! What a gorgeous post though….your blog must just be a total feast for the eyes…..wouldn’t it be cool to see it all spread out in one huge screen?

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    1. Heavens above! I’m not sure about that 🙂 I would like to produce some kind of table top book, but actually doing it is a tall order. I can just about keep up with the blog 😦 Thanks for your enthusiasm.

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  5. Goodness Jo, what a lot of walks this week – I’ve been here ages 🙂
    I’ve only been to Norwich once and with the wrong people if that makes sense? Having seen your photos I’d like to go back one day, but it’s so far away, I could almost be in Portugal quicker!

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    1. I have that problem with your part of the world, Gilly! Silly, isn’t it? 🙂
      Yes, there do seem a lot this week. I assume people read some of them as they appear on here or in the Reader. I guess you can pick out anyone you don’t know? Sorry to add to the ‘workload’ 🙂 How did the stall go on Saturday?

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      1. Nothing to be sorry about, I had a lovely time enjoying our beautiful world. Flybe did start flights from Exeter to Norwich but for about £200 – I don’t think so, my flight to Faro is costing slightly less! Saturday was good thanks, I always enjoy Bridport, there are a lot of arty people there who ‘get’ what my friend and I make, it’s nice to be appreciated even if they don’t buy!

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  6. If only it wasn’t such a chore to get to Norwich. Having said that, my first trip away with the wife was to Hull along the M62 East (otherwise known as the road to nowhere!)

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    1. You’ll be upsetting those people in Hull, Richard! Our coach driver took himself off to look around Norwich City FC after he dropped everybody off. A man after your own heart? 🙂 (and in the Garden they tried to sell me raffle tickets to win a home shirt!!! Not much use to a Pools supporter 🙂

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    1. I don’t think Norwich is a place you would necessarily head for even if you were in the Broads, Elaine, but it is lovely. There was some kind of contest going on around that bus but I didn’t have time to investigate properly. 🙂

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      1. I have just realised that I think I have been there! We were staying with friends in Cromer and took the train one evening to have a meal, and go bowling. We didn’t see anything other than the road from the station to the bowling alley (and the restaurant opposite)!

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    1. Evening, Debs! So many lovely poppies around at the minute but the blue ones always make me ooh and ah! 🙂 Oh, goodie- a Berlin walk! Thank you very much 🙂

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  10. It is a beautiful city, Jo. Thanks for the introduction. I do enjoy your story and (history and culture) telling style. Walking with you is expanding my horizons.
    You do have a lovely family too.
    Thank you!

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      1. 🙂 I like this line and may use this cat too!
        I think we live blessed lives and am grateful for that.
        Thanks for letting me join, even by bike. I know that I would need to arrange a horse carriage for the ladies, though!

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  12. Glad I joined you on your walk in Norwich. All of your photos are lovely. I’ve only been to the London area, nice to visit other locations via your blog. Hope everyone enjoyed the barbeque!

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    1. It’s quite a good mix, isn’t it, Jet? There is so much history to this city that it’s impossible to do more than skim the surface, but the links are there for anyone who’d like more. Many thanks for your time. 🙂

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  14. I just love that bus Jo and what an exciting trip that must have been. Great family too. I love the lion. 😀

    Stunning shots of that awesome architecture. I wish I had some blue poppies here. It’s so beautiful. 😀 ♥

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    1. It’s a lovely city, Sonel. I was last there something close to 40 years ago and I have very happy memories of it. The Bishop’s Garden was such a treat! I’m in love with those poppies too 🙂 Many thanks for your company, hon. Hope life is treating you more kindly. 🙂

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      1. It sure looks like it Jo and that is a long time ago for sure. 😀

        You’re very welcome hon and life has no choice but to treat me kind. LOL! Hope to hear the same. ♥

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  15. Back in a wee while Jo ! Thinking the one and only time I visited Norwich was for a wedding years and years … got lost 😦 Will enjoy a look round .

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    1. Be glad to have your company, Pops 🙂 It’s close to 40 since Michael and I spent our first ever holiday away together so it has some good memories. I’ve not been back since 🙂

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      1. An awful lot more to Norwich han I realised Jo ! You sure make it look worth another visit along with adding a longer trip to the coast and big skies … I’m still trying to get my head round the Unesco business Lol
        The Bishop’s garden looks very nice this time of year !

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      3. No no not at all Jo … lol it’s the kind of thing that will stick with me and bound to be remembered unlike a lot of other stuff … I’ll be able to sound awfully knowledgeable and high brow * haha and drop that nugget nonchalantly into a conversation 😉

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