Thursday March 15th Visit - St Martin's at Palace Plain

Next Thursday (15th March) we will be visiting the church of St Martin at Palace Plain. Neil Blunt, Chair of the Norwich Historic Churches Trust, has kindly agreed to welcome us to the NHCT base in this church. He will talk about the ethos and plans for the Trust, which I think will be of interest. He will also tell us about the history of this fascinating church. 

As usual, we will meet at the Cactus Cafe at 10:30 before walking up to St Martin's. I said we’d be there at c11:15.

My 'Wellbeing Before Christmas' Walk - Sunday 17th December

Click images in order to enlarge

With all the hubbub of Christmas shopping I thought it would be a good idea to offer a relaxed walk around the inner North Norwich area, exploring some of the many 'hidden' heritage sites/sights it the area around Magdalen Street has to offer. As we go, I will be talking about some ways in which we can 'use' heritage spaces like these to:

• Slow our minds down a little
• Activate the range of our senses to 'see' our city in a different light
• Create a different sense of connection and belonging with our city's past
• Develop our own personal wellbeing maps

The Wellbeing Walk starts at 11am. However, I will be in the warmly welcoming Sahara Cafe from 10:30am onwards if you wish to join me for a cuppa before we set off. 

Tickets cost £5 per person and all the proceeds go towards supporting the Magdalen Walks community history group. Email me to book your place via howeychoosetouseit@gmail.com I look forward to meeting you in person!

A Feast of Food & History! Sunday 23rd July

© Nick Stone, 2017 - Thanks to Nick for granting us permission
to share his brilliant 'ghost' photography.

On Sunday 23rd July Colin Howey of Magdalen Walks will be leading a food/drink themed walk exploring some of the fascinating  history, archaeology and heritage of the Magdalen Street area. 

This will last just over an hour - long enough to work up an appetite! 

Happily, we will finish the walk at the Silver Road Community Centre where members of our 'sister' group, Magdalen Eats', will be cooking up a great BBQ. 

Come along for a feast of history and food - a real taste of what the community of Norwich Over The Water has to offer!

Date: 
Sunday 23rd July.

Assembly Point: 
Sahara Café, Magdalen Street (opposite Anglia Square).

Start time and duration: 
Although the walk leaves the lovely Sahara Café at 11am I would encourage all participants to come and have a drink before we move off. Café opens at 10:30am. The walk will last no more than an hour and a quarter. 

Cost:
£5.90 per person

Payment methods:

EITHER...

You can pay in cash on the day. However, if this is your preferred option, please can you book places via Colin so that we have an indication of how many people to expect.

OR...

Alternatively, you can pay in advance via Eventbrite

Magdalen Walks: 'Walking with Strong Women' - Susan Kyd

In this film Sue shares her love of Magdalen Street and her sense of connection with the people who’ve walked it, including her grandparents, who she discovers have a very special connection with St. Saviours Lane. For details about Susan's tour on October 8th, see below:

Please click on image in order to enlarge

Magdalen Walks: 'The Nature of the North City' with Ernie Woodrow

In this film Ernie shares his love of nature and why it’s important to him. It’s amazing what you can see in green spaces around Magdalen Street – it’s all about knowing where to look...

For details about Ernie's walk on October 8th please see below:

To enlarge, please click on image

Magdalen Walks: 'Viking Norwich - the defences and heart of Northwic'

In this short film Magdalen Walks member, Trevor Nuthall, gives us a glimpse of the 'hidden' history of Viking Norwich. If you wish to learn more, follow the Magdalen Walks blog and keep an eye out for dates when Trevor will be offering this walk to the public.

For details about Trevor's walk on October 8th see below:

To enlarge, please click on image

Magdalen Walks - 'Colegate's Architecture through the Ages' with Andrew Eeles

Magdalen Walks, a group that meets to build and give local walks, has made a series of 6 films based around Magdalen Street in Norwich. Each one has been made by a different person and each shares with us something special that they have noticed about the area. 

In this film Andrew gives us a glimpse into his world, one of wandering down hidden passages and noticing the often missed detail on buildings. What does it reveal about the people that lived there?

For details about Andrew's walk on October 8th see below:

To enlarge, please click on image

The Murder & Mysteries of Bryant Lewis

Magdalen Walks member, and author, Stuart McLaren, revealing the fascinating and hitherto unknown story behind the murder of Bryant Lewis in 1698. Bryant Lewis is buried under a ledger slab in the Church of St George, Colegate, North Norwich, where these photos were taken.

Stuart will be sharing this story with the public during the Magdalen Festival in October. 

Stuart gathering Magdalen Walks members around Bryant Lewis' ledger slab. 

An unsung hero of Norwich Over the Water; the Rev Jack Burton

   © Nick Smith, 2016

We probably take for granted now that what is old and special in neighbourhoods such as Colegate and Magdalen Street should be protected and conserved, but not so long ago this was not the case. Whilst the grand buildings within the Cathedral Close have been preserved for centuries, other streets of similiar vintage such as Botolph Street had been torn down and erased from memory in the name of post war progress.

Therefore we are lucky that a considerable amount of the everyday but historic buildings remain intact in our study area; we have a rich subject matter to do walking tours that can bring history to life. 

But this may not have been the case without the work of others, such as the Rev Jack Burton who founded the campaigning Norwich Over the Water Group in the early 1970s. At this time Norwich was in economic decline and was suffering from some of its most brutal town planning and highway schemes that had cleared vast swathes of old Norwich. The north city centre  was depopulating and the long standing industries of shoe making and printing steadily declining, churches were being abandoned, ending centuries of continual ritual and traditions of parish life. 

Amidst this spiral of seemingly terminal decline, the Rev Jack Burton started his ministry at St Georges Colegate whilst also being a local bus driver. The Norwich Over the Water Group sought to cherish the unique urban character of the area and defend it from insensitive change such as road widening of Duke Street. This highway scheme would have seen the demolition of the Golden Star and the entire row of perfectly good homes and medieval courtyard build along its east side between Colegate and Muspole Street.  

Thanks to the efforts of the Rev Jack Burton and the Norwich Over the Water Group the area survived to prosper and is now the vibrant historic yet contemporary neighbourhood we enjoy today. Yet there is no statue, blue plaque or visible mention of a modern day activist. Perhaps we need to wait for the passage of years before we can truly take stock and celebrate our unsung heroes. 

References:

http://www.norwich-churches.org/st%20clements/today.shtm

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Riverside-Norwich-Steve-Silk/dp/0857042823/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466356704&sr=1-1&keywords=hidden+riverside+norwich

Kieran Yates 

2016

Jermiah Ives of Colegate, north Norwich

Mayoral portrait of Jeremiah Ives, who is buried within St Clement's Church

An evocative excerpt from Parson Woodforde's Diary, shared by Magdalen Walks member, Keiran:

'After breakfast I got in my Curricle and drove to Norwich., we got there about Noon. And it being Guild day when the new Mayor is sworn in, there were great doings, the Court going in Procession to the great Church and from thence to the Guild-Hall, & then to St Andrews Hall to dinner. 

Old Mr Alderman Ives is the new Mayor, and it is the second Time of his succeeding to thst Office. Some of the old time doings exhibited to day such as he did the last Time if being Mayor- A fine & curious Triumphal Arch of green Box intersped with many Flowers & variegated Lamps hung in the Centre of the Arch, near Mr Ives's House and by St Clements Church near Fye Bridge. 

At the Mayors Door there was a similar Arch with three golden Crowns on it and the Prince of Wales's Feather in the middle, of Gold, with a continual Firing of Cannons & Guns. Flaggs flying throughout the Mayors Parish &c. A vast Number of People at Norwich to day indeed...'

Kieran Yates

Heritage: the Power of Playfulness

© Ragged Society of Antiquarian Ramblers, 2002
Eek! Young people at a heritage site! The Gunton Dandy

As those of you who have been attending the Magdalen Walks project will have gathered by now, I like to be relaxed and playful (in the right places) in my approach to heritage. Because of my personal story, I am interested in outreach and engagement, and it is my view that too much of the heritage sector is too earnest, elitist and pompous. Because some of my work has been around engaging young offenders and excluded pupils units with history, I know something about the challenges of relating something that can seem abstract and 'stuffy' to people. I don't dumb down the ideas, but I will invent games, activities and use humour to relate the past with the present. Being playful isn't only about energising and engaging audiences, it is - in my view - a key part of wellbeing. Over the past few years I have taken this philosophy and made some new things; heritage-inspired ventures that have taken on a life of their own and seem to be meaningful and fulfilling to people. 

One of these 'projects' is The Ragged Society of Antiquarian Ramblers: 'a creative collective of friends who are inspired by historic sites, quirky spaces, a love of laughter - and cake!' I have been told that our blog is one of the most popular heritage blogs in Britain, with around a quarter a million hits thus far. 

I am a writer for the Heritage Open Days national blog and wrote a piece about the background to the Ragged Ramblers and thought that you Magdalen Walkers might be interested in taking a glimpse into this world:

Playful Heritage

I'm not proposing that the Magdalen Walks project takes the Ragged Ramblers' model as its template, but I would encourage people to experiment and be playful with the heritage in our community. I can tell you, it can be a very rewarding experience! 

My friend Paul as Queen Victoria in Stiffkey Church, Norfolk

Spreading Our Wings Along Magpie Road

Why is this building curved?

A large group of Magdalen Walks members went exploring along Magpie Road today. As I suspected, we didn't get very far because of two main reasons: there is actually a lot to be discovered wherever you go. Also, in a group like ours - full of lively minds and generous souls - there is a lot of knowledge and insight to be shared. Looking at a locality, by prioritising depth over breadth, is necessarily eclectic. However, as we cover more ground we can begin to relate things thematically and chronologically, as well as in relation to wider events. 

From my perspective, the thing that pleases me most is the feeling of a group being excited by collective discovery. Also, our emerging 'style' isn't too earnest - we can be playful and creative as we seek to interpret the history, heritage and archaeology of the inner north of the city. 

Thanks to everyone who came along today! 

Colin

Mapping Our Area

In the immediate run-up to Christmas Magdalen Walks members gathered at St Augustine's Church Hall and we were delighted at the turn-out, especially given the seasonal distractions AND a soggy, grey day. 

During the session, we had a think about our personal experiences of heritage tours: both, good and bad. Our purpose in doing this was to reflect on the elements that go to make a positive experience for audiences. Among our many thoughts, was the importance of feeling welcomed, valued and included. Orientation is also important: people like to know how long a walk will be (in duration and distance) as well as a broad overview of what is to be covered. In addition, folk don't like to be bombarded with facts, facts - FACTS!! Much better, therefore, to have coherent themes and tell a 'story' that people are able to comprehend and engage with. Crucial also, to relate what you are talking about to the people in front of you. There was more, but that gives you a flavour. 

After that we had a tea break and a good old chin-wag, before taking a look at some maps of our area drawn up in during the 18th and 19th centuries. I'm a big fan of maps as historical sources: they potentially reveal so much about the development of an area. Thus, for instance, we noted that the parish of St Clement's not only includes the church on the north of the river Wensum, it also encompasses an area beyond the medieval city wall (modern day Magpie Road). The question we asked was, 'Why?' The most plausible explanation is, because this church was almost certainly the earliest foundation (dating from the Anglo-Saxon/Scandanavian period), with a huge original parish. Known as a proto-parish church, the subsequent church parishes - St Margaret's etc - were 'carved' out of this original one. There is supporting archival evidence for this, in fact, as the medieval tithing records show that churches in this area were paying fees to the 'mother' church of St Clement's. 

Among the many other things prompted by this exercise were areas of potential future research. For instance, one member noted with interest the presence on these maps of various green spaces in the north of the city that no longer exist. Another, was interested in finding out more about the 'lunatic' asylum that existed near the junction of modern-day Waterloo and Magpie Roads during the 19th century. 

In terms of developing our research skills, we have booked a session at the Millennium Library on Saturday February 13th, on the second floor (gathering near the reception desk at 10:30 on that day). Here, we will be having a tour of the remarkable Norfolk Heritage Collection, which is held at the library. It contains around half a million Norfolk-related items: photographs, books, maps, postcards - there is even an early 15th century Wycliffite bible, once owned by the Boleyn family and probably read by Anne Boleyn herself! 

Please do come along Magdalen Walkers - you're in for a real treat, and it will be so useful for you to be introduced to such a treasure trove of potential sources. 

NOTE: we next meet at The Stage on St Augustine's on Saturday 16th at 10:30. After a quick cuppa and catch-up we will brave the elements and going for a walk - a Magdalen Walk in fact! Time to start exploring our area together. This one will be going along Magdalen Street itself, via St Augustines and Magpie Road, so it's right at the heart of our project. Look forward to seeing you on the day! 

FINALLY, if you read this and are interested in joining the project, please email Niki Taigel via magdalenprojects@gmail.com. Thanks!

Hands-on History

This is a small wooden box. It is exactly the sort of 'prop' I take with me when I'm facilitating heritage walks and exploration. Often, with an object like this, I will hold it so that folk can see it. I may even take a peep inside now and then. It is an Intrigue Object. Just as folk like to walk to the top of hills and mountains to see the other side, so they like to know what's inside something they are excluded from. 

An object like this can be used to enhance the experience of an audience in so many ways. It might contain, say, a letter from the past recounting a dramatic act - only then you reveal that it is a spoof (playful perhaps - but you can make the point that we must approach our sources with caution). It might contain a series of genuinely historic artefacts that relate to different areas of the route you are taking. It might have some sensory materials: things to touch, smell - even taste. It is kinaesthetic, encouraging hands-on history. 

A box of wonder and intrigue like this can help to activate a group. It can occupy a restless youngling. It can engage someone with a visual impairment. It can prompt people to relate some small thing in hand, to larger events; to a seemingly distant past. Above all else, it helps participants to Relate, and all the evidence shows that where folk relate something to themselves, they engage more actively with the information, taking 'ownership' of it and retaining it more effectively. 

Exploring St Augustine's Church

On Thursday 3rd Magdalen Walks member, Stuart McLaren, led an exploration of St Augustine's Church with the other volunteers. One of the (many!) things that I learned is that the church is associated with folk bearing some remarkable names. For instance, the brothers who founded the church and who were also priests were called, Herbertus & Wlfrac (pron 'Wolf Rack'). Fast forward to the 1870s and the Diocesan Surveyor was one, Richard Makilwaine Phipson. Brilliant! 

Although Stuart knows lorry loads about the church he let us do some of the work and gave us a short quiz challenging us to locate various things of interest. These ranged from a man associated with the American War of Independence to a young soldier from the parish who was tragically executed for desertion. In addition, Stuart also highlighted the memorials to two local women who gave selflessly to their community. It was really interesting to actively investigate the church for ourselves and I had the feeling that we were only scratching the surface. 

We will certainly be returning to St Augustines in the future as we continue to discover the rich seams of history that remain within our community. 

Exploring St Augustine's Church

Tomorrow morning we gather at St Augustine's for a short talk about the church by MW volunteer and author, Stuart McLaren. In keeping with our ethos of active exploration, we will also be looking to discover something about the church for ourselves. In addition, we will be thinking about how we turn a talk into a brief stop as part of a walk. 

If we have time after that i've got a great interactive activity that will help us (a) take notice of things most people miss and (b) generates a vocabluary through which to tell the story of a site. 

Octagon Chapel

The Octagon Chapel - one of north Norwich's many historical treasures. The architect who conceived it was Thomas Ivory and this Unitarian chapel - constructed as a perfect octagon - was completed in 1756. Not everyone approved though; detractors described it as, 'the devil's cucumber frame'. 

Researching Norwich: recommended reading

Researching the north of Norwich is a key part of the Magdalen Walks project. Here are some initial thoughts about where you might start. There will be lots more to come as the project progresses. 

Whenever someone asks me what books I can recommend to help them gain a better understanding of Norwich's history & archaeology, there are two key works I refer them to. 

Firstly, there is the excellent survey, 'The Story of Norwich', written by Norfolk Record Office archivist, Frank Meeres. It is an accessible and well-organised work that provides a good overview of the city's development from an archival perspective ie one focused on what historical documents can tell us

Secondly, Brian Ayers', 'Norwich: archaeology of a city', provides a great overview of the city from an archaeological perspective. Brian is the former Norfolk County Archaeologist and is, therefore, in an excellent position to offer rigorous and comprehensive insights. 

If you are intending to learn more about your city get your hands on a copy of each of these. In the first instance, why not go to your local library and borrow a copy. Having read it, you might well decide to invest on your own personal copy. 

Finally, I wish to add that, over the years, Brian and Frank have been amazing ambassadors for Norwich's history and archaeology.  Not only do they give of themselves generously in terms of talks and walks; they are also very approachable and prepared to answer questions and listen to different perspectives. I feel very strongly that we should recognise the value and contribution of experts like them. They have certainly helped me in my learning journey and I am duly grateful to them

both for that. 

Colin

Looking Forward to the Journey

I was one of the volunteers that turned up to session described below by Colin. I'll be adding my less than experienced voice to the blog. Colin will talk fact and I will talk fiction. At least until I know a bit more. In many ways I think this is the essence of what we're trying to achieve. Some people think they're not interested in history. That's like saying you're not interested in yesterday. There are stories all around us that we may pass every day without noticing - they're embedded in the old city walls; they are scored in the pathways along our streets. There is surely something to inspire each of us. 

I am interested in history for history's sake because I like to compare the old with the new and the ancient with the old. I've never undertaken an activity like this before however as my history has been confined to books. I'm looking forward to interacting with the elements and learning to take a better look at what exists in front of our noses. To unearth the stories behind the facts and try to create a picture of what life may have been like.

I'm looking forward to the journey.

Matt

Norwich Over the Water

Eighteenth century prospect of north
Norwich, centred on St Clement's Church

This morning volunteers interested in researching and promoting the history, heritage and archaeology of the north of city will be gathering at The Stage along St Augustines. I will be helping to facilitate this project, which we are calling 'Magdalen Walks'. As well as working together to research our area, by late Spring 2016 we will be offering tours of Norwich 'Over The Water'. Walking is a key part of our venture, and this is about encouraging curiosity, discovery and physical and mental health. In addition, we will be working with BBC Voices to make a series of films showcasing this historic heart of Norwich. 

Having lived in the north of the city for 23 years now, getting the opportunity to help promote the history, heritage and archaeology of 'my patch' really excites me! If you're interested in getting involved, email me on howeychoosetouseit@gmail.com. 

Colin Howey

Freelance Heritage Interpretation Trainer