Exchange Street is one of the very few post-medieval streets in Norwich city centre. That's not to say it doesn't have an interesting and even mysterious history!
I love finding out more about my lovely home city. I'll have a walk down Exchange St tomorrow, seeing it in a new light. Keep these videos coming, they are fascinating.
Thank you for another fascinating video. The history of the Red House Restaurant/Tea Rooms is quite mysterious. It doesn't look like the same building. Maybe there was a fire or some kind of structural damage that resulted in the building being altered or re-built? It's wonderful that Thorns is still trading and has kept its authentic maze of different rooms. Captain America's holds some great memories - as does Jarrold's 😊👍
Thank you. The whole Red House issue has produced some interesting thoughts, some on here and some on Facebook. It certainly is a mystery and is love to have a definitive answer!
I was just at your talk at Earlham Library, very good! I've just checked my photos and "The Red House" is indeed 7 London Street round the corner. Designed by George Skipper.
I've commented this before - I have always thought (37 years experience 😂) that Exchange street was called that because BT was at the bottom of it! Also you could do a whole video on Thorns - such a brilliant maze of corridors and rooms You didn't mention the recent controversy about pedestrianisation - I was a big fan and think it's a shame they let cars back down it.
I don't think you're alone in believing the street was named after the telephone exchange! You're right about Thorns, it would be a fascinating subject to see how that shop developed over time. I deliberately avoided the controversy over pedestrianisation - I do find it surprising that having made the decision it was changed. Very unusual.
Thank you John. As with always, I see things in your videos that I have totally missed in my everyday ramblings through Norwich. I'll be looking at Lobster Lane and Exchange Street with new eyes from now on. It's so good to learn the history of the area.
I remember Captain America in the 1970s. Thorns hasn't changed at all apart from the addition of the premises at the corner of Dove St which was once some sort of jewellers. The Ironmongers Arms used to have a lovely interior but that was ripped out when it ceased to be a pub.
No mention of Tony's Place in Exchange Street John. It was a cafe that had a mysterious explosion that effectively wrecked it the day before it was due to open - ! It happened in about '63 - '64 and was suspected of being an insurance job at the time. I was later told that the explosion weakened the Corn Exchange which was almost opposite and gave further 'excuse' for it's demolition.
Was that the place next door to Thorns and the explosion which caused the present day Thorns to be lower in height? I think I referenced that without giving any names!
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich It was a couple of doors to the left of Thorn's; I'll double check on Saturday - ! I'm pretty sure the explosion happened on a Wednesday night as I went to look at it on the way home on our school half day which was a Thursday. To a nine year old, that was quite an impressive sight - ! 🤣
Yes, I remember that bistro which I went to in 1980....wondering whether the red house tea rooms were in 'upstairs premises' at no.4 because I definitely remember ornate windows (similar to the illustrations) at the bistro. Just a thought!
Another great video John. My brother used to work in Brambles which was originally located in the basement of Thorns, hence the name, until the business expanded and moved into the bigger shop unit next door. I remember when Captain A’s opened in the early 70’s there were US coins embedded in the walls - strangely enough all of these soon went AWOL 😉
@@richarddelanet if you'd like to email me with details about your channel (lostnorwich@gmail.com) then yes I can do that, and meanwhile I'll check out your channel. The only thing I would say is that because I have a busy summer, I've got ahead of myself with prepared videos, so the next one I can give you a mention in will be out in October.
I love finding out more about my lovely home city. I'll have a walk down Exchange St tomorrow, seeing it in a new light. Keep these videos coming, they are fascinating.
Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it. Have a nice walk!
Thank you for another fascinating video. The history of the Red House Restaurant/Tea Rooms is quite mysterious. It doesn't look like the same building. Maybe there was a fire or some kind of structural damage that resulted in the building being altered or re-built? It's wonderful that Thorns is still trading and has kept its authentic maze of different rooms. Captain America's holds some great memories - as does Jarrold's 😊👍
Thank you. The whole Red House issue has produced some interesting thoughts, some on here and some on Facebook. It certainly is a mystery and is love to have a definitive answer!
I was just at your talk at Earlham Library, very good! I've just checked my photos and "The Red House" is indeed 7 London Street round the corner. Designed by George Skipper.
Ah, that's great, thanks so much for sharing. I hope you enjoyed the talk.
I've commented this before - I have always thought (37 years experience 😂) that Exchange street was called that because BT was at the bottom of it!
Also you could do a whole video on Thorns - such a brilliant maze of corridors and rooms
You didn't mention the recent controversy about pedestrianisation - I was a big fan and think it's a shame they let cars back down it.
I don't think you're alone in believing the street was named after the telephone exchange! You're right about Thorns, it would be a fascinating subject to see how that shop developed over time. I deliberately avoided the controversy over pedestrianisation - I do find it surprising that having made the decision it was changed. Very unusual.
Thank you John. As with always, I see things in your videos that I have totally missed in my everyday ramblings through Norwich. I'll be looking at Lobster Lane and Exchange Street with new eyes from now on. It's so good to learn the history of the area.
Thank you Peter - just a short walk this time!
I remember Captain America in the 1970s. Thorns hasn't changed at all apart from the addition of the premises at the corner of Dove St which was once some sort of jewellers. The Ironmongers Arms used to have a lovely interior but that was ripped out when it ceased to be a pub.
Thanks for adding all those details.
Thank you John.
Fascinating as ever.
The usual bits of “well I knew that” and “Oh my! That’s new information”.
Thanks very much Adrian - nicely put! That's what I hope for!
Thanks John, another fine video. Exchange street has three of the iconic shops that help define our city, Jarrold's, Captain America's and Thorns.
Thank you Dave, that's an interesting observation!
No mention of Tony's Place in Exchange Street John. It was a cafe that had a mysterious explosion that effectively wrecked it the day before it was due to open - ! It happened in about '63 - '64 and was suspected of being an insurance job at the time. I was later told that the explosion weakened the Corn Exchange which was almost opposite and gave further 'excuse' for it's demolition.
Was that the place next door to Thorns and the explosion which caused the present day Thorns to be lower in height? I think I referenced that without giving any names!
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich It was a couple of doors to the left of Thorn's; I'll double check on Saturday - !
I'm pretty sure the explosion happened on a Wednesday night as I went to look at it on the way home on our school half day which was a Thursday.
To a nine year old, that was quite an impressive sight - ! 🤣
@@simongee8928 thanks Simon, I look forward to hearing any more you can find out!
Great video as always John. Thank you 😊
Thank you Chris 👍
Incredible video once again!
Thanks very much for your comment - I'm glad you liked it!
over the tobbaconist used to be the bistro.used it regular for trad brit dishes.good table overlooking the market.husband and wife team i believe.
Those views over the market place are great.
Yes, I remember that bistro which I went to in 1980....wondering whether the red house tea rooms were in 'upstairs premises' at no.4 because I definitely remember ornate windows (similar to the illustrations) at the bistro. Just a thought!
@@belindakey6447 thank you - yes that's possible.
Another great video John. My brother used to work in Brambles which was originally located in the basement of Thorns, hence the name, until the business expanded and moved into the bigger shop unit next door. I remember when Captain A’s opened in the early 70’s there were US coins embedded in the walls - strangely enough all of these soon went AWOL 😉
@@martinthirkettle599 thanks for adding those great details.
Saturday night watching wrestling at the Corn Hall.
I think all sorts of sports would take place when the xchange of corn had been completed. Sadly I couldn't find any photos.
I have Like 182.....
Thank you so much for your Like!
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich Two losses: Andy's Records and more recently Wilkinsons on Lobster Lane! But it is the way of things.
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich I don't suppose I can ask for a mention for my channel. I'm heading towards the c.20th this year! (is it the done thing??)
@@richarddelanet nothing stays the same!
@@richarddelanet if you'd like to email me with details about your channel (lostnorwich@gmail.com) then yes I can do that, and meanwhile I'll check out your channel. The only thing I would say is that because I have a busy summer, I've got ahead of myself with prepared videos, so the next one I can give you a mention in will be out in October.