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Norwich Cathedral.

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The purpose of today was to start our Cathedral tour around England. The idea being to visit and explore some of these magnificent, history laden buildings, across England. From its beginnings as an 11th century Benedictine monastery to its role as a 21st century Cathedral today, there is so much to explore, some of which I missed ! The Cathedral dates back to 1096, when it was founded by Herbert de Losinga, the first Bishop of Norwich, and over the last nine centuries this magnificent place of worship has been at the heart of Norwich and its people. Herbert de Losinga (1054?—1119) was responsible for settling in Norwich the pre-existing see (Bishop’s seat) of Thetford and was the founder of Norwich Cathedral. A monk and then prior of Fécamp Abbey in Normandy, Herbert was invited by King William Rufus in 1087 to become Abbot of Ramsey. When in 1090 the see of Thetford fell vacant, Herbert offered the king £1000 to purchase the see, thereby committing the sin of simony while conforming ...

North Norfolk Coast - Some more scenes, plus some local churches

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First on this post, a few images of the church in the village of Thornham where we were based. Thornham Church All Saints was started in Norman times, but building came to an abrupt stop in 1348 with the scourge of the Black Death. (It is thought that the spinney named Plug Pits in Granary Road, Thornham is the former burial ground called Plague Pits.) The Church, like so many, was added to through the centuries and much restoration took place. By the middle of the nineteenth century, however, the church had become extremely dilapidated. Major works of restoration continued for 50 years in that century. The bell was re-hung in the tower, the chancel was completely rebuilt and the roof of the nave was restored. Before entering the church I was distracted by the village sign over the road. I like village signs. Thornham village sign (east side) Thornham village sign (west side) As can seen from images above, the sign is double sided and each is different. It is surmounted by the church ...

North Norfolk Coast - Wells, Holme Dunes & Hunstanton

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This short holiday (7th to 11th Sept) was intended as a rest and relax break amongst the beautiful North Norfolk Coast, with our base for the four days being in Thornham. We started our holiday at Wells-next-the-Sea,  just a few miles from the cottage we were to stay in. We began by leaving the town behind us and heading for the sea front. It appeared to be deserted but soon that changed.    What a lot of beach huts - that's where all the people are! Back at the town but facing the dunes with crab fishing for some, and eating fish and chips from the shops behind us, for lots of others - including us! Holme Dunes was our stopping point on our first full day. Another largely deserted beach. Just the sand, sea and gulls for company. It did have had numerous pieces of timber at the top of the beach. Some of these had rather wonderful patterns on them. Other than that, just a peaceful beach. Next day we started with a visit to Old Hunstanton. Always in awe of the marvelous cli...