Through East Anglia in a Motor Car Informative Summary

Overview:

This 1907 guidebook by J.E. Vincent offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and charming scenery of East Anglia, a region he considers distinct and unique. Vincent, an avid motorist, describes his journeys through the region in his car, highlighting both the practicalities of navigating roads and the allure of historic sites. He explores ancient cities like Norwich and Bury St. Edmunds, marvels at the majestic Ely Cathedral, and delves into the captivating stories of Dunwich’s eroding cliffs and the mysterious “Dene-holes” of Grays. He also provides a vivid account of the Fenland, once a watery wilderness, now a fertile landscape reclaimed by human ingenuity.

Vincent’s narrative is infused with historical details, folklore, and anecdotes, making his journey not just a travelogue but a captivating exploration of England’s heritage. He shares stories about prominent figures like King Edmund, Boadicea, and Thomas Coke, “Coke of Norfolk,” highlighting their impact on the region’s history. He also presents the personalities of lesser-known individuals, showcasing the vibrant culture and traditions of East Anglia.

Key Findings:

• East Anglia boasts a unique identity, distinct from other regions of England.
• The area is rich in history, with remnants of Roman occupation, medieval monasteries, and centuries-old villages.
• The region’s scenery is diverse, featuring coastal landscapes, heaths, and the unique beauty of the Fenland.
• The impact of human intervention on the landscape, such as game preservation and land reclamation, is significant.
• East Anglia, despite its rich history and natural beauty, is often overlooked by tourists.

Learning:

• The History of East Anglia: The book explores the region’s history from pre-Roman times through the medieval period, including the reign of King Edmund, the rebellion of Boadicea, and the impact of the Danish invasions.
• Roman Remains in East Anglia: Vincent emphasizes the limited evidence of Roman occupation in East Anglia, highlighting the significant presence of Colchester, the only Roman colony in the region.
• The Significance of Medieval Monasteries: The book provides details about several important monasteries, such as Bury St. Edmunds Abbey and Walsingham Priory, and their impact on the local culture and economy.
• The Fenland and Its Reclamation: The author recounts the fascinating story of the Fenland, its historical importance, and the immense effort required to reclaim it for agriculture.
• The Changing Coastline: Vincent discusses the constant struggle against coast erosion and accretion, particularly evident in Dunwich, and highlights the impact of human intervention on these natural processes.

Historical Context:

The text was written in 1907, a time of significant social and technological change in England. The motor-car was a relatively new invention, and Vincent’s journey through East Anglia reflects the excitement and novelty of this new mode of travel. His observations about the impact of the motor-car on the social landscape, as well as the prevalent attitudes towards game preservation and agricultural practices, reveal the changing dynamics of rural life in early 20th-century England.

Facts:

• Thetford was once the second city in Norfolk.
• The Iceni were wiped out of existence in A.D. 61.
• Norwich was a major wool-trading center in the 1800s.
• Yarmouth bells were rung in 1814 to celebrate Norwich becoming a port.
• Lowestoft’s harbor was cleared of sand in the early 1800s.
• The first six-cylinder Rolls-Royce was built in the early 1900s.
• Epping Forest was saved from development in 1871.
• The “Great White Horse” in Ipswich was criticized by Charles Dickens in the 1830s.
• Ipswich oysters are renowned as some of the best in the world.
• Thetford was the birthplace of Thomas Paine, the author of The Age of Reason.
• The “Angel” in Bury St. Edmunds was a popular destination for travelers in the 1800s.
• John Constable was born in East Bergholt, Suffolk.
• The first Coursting Club in England was founded in Swaffham.
• Castle Rising was once a major port.
• The She-Wolf of France, Isabella, was imprisoned in Castle Rising.
• The Hunstantons are known for their dramatic cliffs.
• Brancaster was a Roman fortress built to defend the coast against Saxon pirates.
• Burnham Thorpe was the birthplace of Horatio Nelson.
• The famous “Dene-holes” of Grays are thought to be ancient refuges from the Danes.
• The Fens were originally a watery wilderness.
• The Fens were reclaimed for agriculture through the work of Vermuyden, Francis, Duke of Bedford, and Rennie.

Statistics:

• Thetford had 24 main streets and 20 churches in the time of Edward III.
• Thetford’s Mound is 100 feet high and 1000 feet in compass.
• Norwich has 35 churches.
• The population of Norwich in 1693 was between 28,000 and 29,000 people.
• The population of Norwich in 1906 was between 112,000 and 113,000 people.
• The “Angel” in Norwich paid £115 tax for 30 windows in the 18th century.
• The “White Hart” in Scole cost £1057 to build in 1655.
• Hainault Forest once consisted of 4000 acres.
• The Norfolk and Suffolk countryside has 730 parishes for 2024 square miles.
• The “Dane holes” in Hangman’s Wood have 50 shafts.
• Each chamber in the “Dane holes” is about 20 ft high, 10 to 15 ft wide, and 80 ft long.
• The “Dane holes” were first mentioned in writing by Camden in his Britannia.
• The area of land lost to the sea in East Anglia over ten centuries is estimated at 160 square miles.
• Landguard Fort in Harwich mounts 36 guns.
• Landguard Point is 385 feet high.
• The “Battle of Harwich” (1846) cost eleven yachtsmen 3s. 8d. to 3s. 10d. per head.

Terms:

• Clerestory: A row of windows placed high in the walls of a church above the aisle roof.
• Cunctando restituit rem: A Latin phrase meaning “by delaying he restored the state.”
• Honi soit qui mal y pense: A French phrase meaning “shame be to him who thinks evil of it.”
• Ichabod: A Hebrew word meaning “the glory has departed.”
• Murage: A tax levied to pay for the building and maintenance of city walls.
• Oppidum: A fortified town or city, especially a British one.
• Parvise: A gallery or chamber over a church porch.
• Pax: A piece of metal with a picture of Christ on it, kissed by all after Mass.
• Petticoats: A term used by Gainsborough to describe portraits of women.
• Rhapsodize: To speak or write in an enthusiastic or exaggerated way.

Examples:

• The story of the “Wolfpittes” at Woolpit, where a boy and a girl emerged from the pits claiming to be from a land without sun.
• The legend of St. Edmund, King of East Anglia, who was martyred by the Danes and whose head was guarded by a wolf.
• The story of Sir Robert de Salle, who fought against Wat Tyler’s rebellion.
• The legend of “King Cunobelin’s Gold Mines” in Hangman’s Wood.
• The tale of Robert Fitzwalter, Lord of Woodham, and the origin of the Dunmow Flitch.
• The story of the “Battle of Harwich” between eleven yachtsmen and nine, with a 32-pounder red-currant pudding as the main projectile.
• The story of Eugene Aram, the schoolmaster accused of murder in the 18th century.
• The account of the third Lord Orford, who trained a team of four stags to go four-in-hand.

Conclusion:

Through East Anglia in a Motor Car offers a unique perspective on the rich history, charming scenery, and distinctive culture of East Anglia. Vincent’s vivid descriptions, historical insights, and entertaining anecdotes paint a captivating picture of this often-overlooked region of England. His journey highlights the enduring appeal of exploring the countryside by car, showcasing both the practicalities of travel and the beauty of discovering hidden gems and forgotten stories. The book encourages readers to venture beyond the typical tourist destinations and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of East Anglia, a region that, Vincent insists, has a unique and captivating charm.

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