04. NORWICH STREETThis has always been an important commercial street in the town.
In 1949 Queen Mary was visiting Baker's China Shop in Norwich Street with The Princess Royal. Crowds gathered and disturbed one of Philip Chapman's bullocks which was being driven up the road. Frightened, the bullock went into the shop much to the disturbance of the staff. Happily nothing was broken and the Queen was heard to say that though she had often heard of a bull in a china shop she had never before seen one. She then moved on to the antique shop of John Duffy. Also worth a mention in this ancient shopping street is the beautiful wisteria growing in Newman’s yard on the north side of the street as you return to the Market Place. RHS experts from Wisley have verified that it is one of the very oldest specimens in the country. 
The Wisteria in Newman’s yard.
The next Plaque is at the far end of the Market Place on the Cinema. |
The shop on the right is Aldiss. The cabby collected passengers from the railway stations.
The clock of 1851 was originally lit by gas and later electrified.
Edward Chapman standing in front of his Norwich Street shop. The photo is not dated but is thought to have been taken around the turn of the 20th century.
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