In the meantime, here are some perspectives from some of the walking we have been doing around Norwich that I have not yet shared. Let's begin with the interior of the Church of St Peter Bancroft. This is in the city centre and the link will offer those interested a richer (brief) history than I can offer, and some excellent photos as well. I included it for two reasons I found interesting. First, there is not such Saint and the origins of the name are not known - just speculations; second, George informed me Hitler had his eye on this church for his British headquarters once he invaded - no idea of the veracity of this, but George is a lot more local than I will ever be! Very unusually for these old churches the light streams in through large clear glass windows with only stained panels at the entrance and behind the alter.
The next three shots show some of the scenes from the walk along the River Wensum. This river circles the city centre and joins the River Yare to the east of the city. The River Yare joins the North Sea, as you might guess at Great Yaremouth ... after a while you develop a sense of the way place names here tend to be very geographical in origin!
The first is rennovated old pump station now used as a hydro power generation station on a weir. You might also note the new build terraces across the promenade which are predominant at either end of the riverwalk (see third photo) where major redevelopments continue. Contrast that with the older structures in the photo to the right further along the river, and you will notice on the opposite bank (city side).
The two below offer a couple of larger examples of the remains of fortifications and the city walls that are scattered throughout the city buildings. Cow tower (name based on location again!) is a rare example of a 1300s artillery tower on a bend in the river. If you open the picture (click on it) and zoom in a bit, check the palatial bird/animal boxes in the big tree to the left of the Tower :). The wall and turret in the right hand picture is more strictly part of the city wall and you can see the newer city buildings in the background ... and yep, we had the energy to walk up the path from way down where those buildings are ... the incentives were the view was worth it and the walk home from the top was all downhill!
The next three shots are included to show some of the scenery (and local residents) along the walk. I also wanted to show them to offer a sense for you to imagine what this may look like when spring has sprung and the trees are fully dressed ... I have a sense it will be beautiful, though the river not so visible, more disguised and requiring imagination beyond the trees ... I hope we will see!
The next three photos below offer some examples of Tudor buildings in a cobble lane called Elm Hill in a precinct near the Norwich Cathedral. An excellent tea house, many book shops, gift shops, galleries, antique shops, a teddy bear shop and the obligatory pub. Lovely leisurely wandering around now ... just try not to think too much about the reason the Tudor period had those overhanging designs!
So, as you see, an easy city to wander with loads of variety and interesting things to find and explore and learn about. Much more too, of course. Since we began with a church let's finish with one (there are lots of them!).
This is St. Giles on the Hill. It has been a beacon to remind us we are on the right path back to Belinda & George's house when we have been meandering around ... and it was a clear blue sky (but the air was still chilly!).
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