Another great video John, in 1974 the Bluebell pub had become a bridal shop, my wife bought her wedding dress there. Andy's records, spent hours in there over the years, often browsed listening to whatever was playing, then ended up buying the album. a loss to Norwich when it closed
I think Boots the Chemist has since changed its stocking policy. There are probably quite a lot of old shop signs covered by newer business signs. What's particularly enjoyable about this video is the fact nearly all the buildings are still there; their change of use shows how consumer tastes have changed over the decades; a fascinating social history. I spent many happy hours and probably far too much money in Andys Records.
Add another! I know the chap that runs the game table, when he took over the premesis he found promotional posters, flyers and gig lists from it's days as Andy's Records.
I bought one of my favourite records ever from Andy's. Does anybody remember Our Price? I think it's where Fat Face is now, or perhaps next door. Years ago my Dad was involved in some work on the property and he found a Victorian shilling in the foundations, which he thought might have been dropped by a customer and fallen through a gap in the flooring. Our Price asked me for ID when I tried to buy said record and I was thus compelled to go to Andy's instead!
I find these videos really interesting. I dont come from Norwich but I spent a freezing Spring there walking around the city. I walked for hours every day because nowhere else have I had the feeling of history crowding round ones shoulders as it does in this ancient city. In particular: somebody should make a book about Norwich doors and doorways. From 14th to 19th century they provide a unique visual record of architectural and social development and the whims of fashion.
The Bluebell Pub became Estelle Charles Bridal Shop. My wedding dress came from there in 1988, and most of my family’s wedding/bridesmaid dresses came from there too. I was a bridesmaid 3 times, and I believe 2 of the 3 bridesmaid dresses came from there as well!
Really disappointed that you omit any mention entirely of the Ellis brothers' second-hand bookshop in Lower Goat Lane, open certainly from the mid-1960s to at least the 70s/80s. A & E A Ellis (or a variant of that) was its name and it was a small treasure house for bibliophiles - it's only real competitor was a place quite a walk away in Magdalen Street - run by a decidedly cranky bloke who kept his lights on in the basement part during the 1974 miners' strikes (he was no Heath fan). The Ellis brothers also had a stall on the Market, only a stone's throw from their shop.
I think you'll find Ellis Bookshop was a short distance from Lower Goat Lane (unless there was another one!) and it actually features in this video. ua-cam.com/video/Q2ZpXuDEKr0/v-deo.html
7 Upper goat lane is currently St Martin's offices. That's a really interesting building as inside it are remnants of a balcony that runs around the upper level and there is talk that there used to be cock fighting in there (hence balcony to stand on around edge and look down) 🐓 Thanks for the video. 👍
Here's some obscure trivia about Lower Goat Lane. This is a quote from English actor Eric Lidsay interviewed in 1997: 'It was the kind of company that if we did a matinée Lillian would invite all the cast in. She made tea and avocado sandwiches and, of course, it was delicious. It was the first time I ever had avocado. It shows you that it was a fairly friendly company for us all to go in and have tea with them. We were in the Copper Kettle in Norwich, I’ll always remember, it was the only time I shared digs with him. His room was next to mine, and I could never understand it, he was up all night.' The 'He' to which Lidsay refers is Bela Lugosi, arguably the most famous film star in the world for a brief time in early 1931 when he was the first to officially play Count Dracula on the silver screen. The runaway success of the film prompted the creation of the classic Universal Monsters series, which the studio has been trying to reboot in recent years. In 1951 Lugosi was touring the UK provinces in a theatrical version of 'Dracula' and Lidsay was playing Renfield. The intention was to take the show to the West End, but it never happened (accounts differ as to the reasons why). It was the last time Lugosi played 'Dracula' on stage.
Thank you Mark, that sounds fascinating. Is that the same Copper Kettle in the video, at no. 4? Their website refers to it dating back to 1958, but the Ravens Daughter photo in that location was from 1961. It's possible one of the dates is wrong.
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich I believe it is, yes. When I read the quote a couple of years ago, I did see if I could find another Copper Kettle in Norwich, and I couldn't. The production played the Theatre Royal in Norwich from 23rd to 28th July 1951. I seem to recall reading years ago that Lugosi also appeared at Fakenham Town Hall but, if he did, it certainly wasn't an official performance on this tour. I wish I could remember where I read that, because now I'm worried it might just be a figment of my imagination!
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich Given the disparity of the dates and photos, there a a couple of other possibilities that strike me. The first is that the Copper Kettle relocated to Lower Goat Lane at some point in the late 1950s from somewhere else in the city and the other that Lidsay was simply misremembering many years later. After all, as a touring actor (and magician!), Lidsay probably stayed in Norwich many, many times, so he may have just got his venues mixed up. I have a book on order from the US at the moment which deals exclusively with Lugosi's 'Dracula' tour of the UK in 1951, so there may be some more information about it in there. The Lidsay interview I quoted was conducted by one of the authors for that book. It's 450+ pages long so I'm guessing it goes into quite a lot of detail! I'll let you know if I find anything relevant (about my 'imaginary' Fakenham fact as well!)
As with other comments below I too spent many an hour at Andy’s Records. Lovely video as usual and a fascinating insight into days gone by. I look forward to your next video!
Fascinating. I've often wondered why the name "goat" was chosen for these parallel roads. Was goat a common name for pubs back in the day? Maybe the area was originally a goat market or something? Interesting things Boots the Chemist was selling back then! Haha! Who doesn't miss Andy's Records and all those wonderful independent record shops? Sigh! Great video!
Thank you. There was only one "Goat" pub in Norwich, though it seems to have had different versions of that name, as highlighted in the video. The record shops have produced many comments from people of a certain age!
Another great video, I would likewise spend my Saturdays around the many record shops of that area, my favourite was alley cats in St Gregorys Alley a great second-hand record shop, Also remember all the punks and skinheads of the 80's that used to frequent the area, Many happy memories,
Hi John,the Copper Kettle was always on the odd numbers side of Lower Goat Lane (9/11) it later became the Lodge Restaurant in the late 1960s,originally occupied just number 9 but in later years it took over number 11 which was the Oak Shades pub,I believe that Mrs Chapman ran it for at least 20 years, another great video thanks.(ran the Copper Kettle I should have added!)
I think I read somewhere that the pub the two lanes got it's name from was at the end of the two streets. I've wondered if it originally stood where Paolo's is?
That's interesting. I read when I was making the video that it was Upper Goat Lane, so putting the two bits of info together, maybe it was on that corner, ie the left hand side of Paolo's.
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich especially when one end of the lanes also meets the back of one of Norwich's more famous inn's of yore - Strangers Hall. I wonder if one of the old maps at the archives at county hall has it?
Another great video John, in 1974 the Bluebell pub had become a bridal shop, my wife bought her wedding dress there. Andy's records, spent hours in there over the years, often browsed listening to whatever was playing, then ended up buying the album. a loss to Norwich when it closed
Thanks so much for commenting Dave, and adding those details.
I think Boots the Chemist has since changed its stocking policy. There are probably quite a lot of old shop signs covered by newer business signs. What's particularly enjoyable about this video is the fact nearly all the buildings are still there; their change of use shows how consumer tastes have changed over the decades; a fascinating social history. I spent many happy hours and probably far too much money in Andys Records.
Very nicely put, thank you Geoff. Who knew that so many future "Lost Norwich" watchers would be in Andy's Records at the same time!
Add another! I know the chap that runs the game table, when he took over the premesis he found promotional posters, flyers and gig lists from it's days as Andy's Records.
@@canningmatthew brilliant thanks!
I bought one of my favourite records ever from Andy's. Does anybody remember Our Price? I think it's where Fat Face is now, or perhaps next door. Years ago my Dad was involved in some work on the property and he found a Victorian shilling in the foundations, which he thought might have been dropped by a customer and fallen through a gap in the flooring. Our Price asked me for ID when I tried to buy said record and I was thus compelled to go to Andy's instead!
@@hetaera3418 sounds interesting, what on earth was the record....! Our Price was on London Street.
I find these videos really interesting. I dont come from Norwich but I spent a freezing Spring there walking around the city. I walked for hours every day because nowhere else have I had the feeling of history crowding round ones shoulders as it does in this ancient city. In particular: somebody should make a book about Norwich doors and doorways. From 14th to 19th century they provide a unique visual record of architectural and social development and the whims of fashion.
Thanks so much for such a great comment- I love how you say "a feeling of history crowding round one's shoulders...."
hello we are from the wbj channel and we are subscribing to help your channel, keep up the good work 🔥✌
Thank you very much. I'll check your channel out.
I still have an Andy’s Records carrier bag!
Treasure it!
The Bluebell Pub became Estelle Charles Bridal Shop. My wedding dress came from there in 1988, and most of my family’s wedding/bridesmaid dresses came from there too. I was a bridesmaid 3 times, and I believe 2 of the 3 bridesmaid dresses came from there as well!
Great story, and connection! Thank you.
Really disappointed that you omit any mention entirely of the Ellis brothers' second-hand bookshop in Lower Goat Lane, open certainly from the mid-1960s to at least the 70s/80s. A & E A Ellis (or a variant of that) was its name and it was a small treasure house for bibliophiles - it's only real competitor was a place quite a walk away in Magdalen Street - run by a decidedly cranky bloke who kept his lights on in the basement part during the 1974 miners' strikes (he was no Heath fan). The Ellis brothers also had a stall on the Market, only a stone's throw from their shop.
I think you'll find Ellis Bookshop was a short distance from Lower Goat Lane (unless there was another one!) and it actually features in this video. ua-cam.com/video/Q2ZpXuDEKr0/v-deo.html
Another great video. I spent many a lunch hour in Andy's and Lizard
I undoubtedly saw you there!
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich can you remember what the record stall on the market was called, around the same time as Andy's?
@@IDreamOfGaming no, I'm afraid I can't. I can picture it, but no idea of the name.
Wonderful content, as usual.
Thank you for your brilliant work.
Thanks Adrian, much appreciated 👍
Ive only just discovered this channel and am not from Norwich though im finding the videos really interesting.
Thank you, I really appreciate you watching from a distance!
7 Upper goat lane is currently St Martin's offices. That's a really interesting building as inside it are remnants of a balcony that runs around the upper level and there is talk that there used to be cock fighting in there (hence balcony to stand on around edge and look down) 🐓 Thanks for the video. 👍
And thank you for adding that detail. Sounds fascinating!
In the early 60s, a school pal's dad owned the Raven pub. He must have been doing well as he drove a Bentley - ! 😁
Impressive!
Here's some obscure trivia about Lower Goat Lane. This is a quote from English actor Eric Lidsay interviewed in 1997: 'It was the kind of company that if we did a matinée Lillian would invite all the cast in. She made tea and avocado sandwiches and, of course, it was delicious. It was the first time I ever had avocado. It shows you that it was a fairly friendly company for us all to go in and have tea with them. We were in the Copper Kettle in Norwich, I’ll always remember, it was the only time I shared digs with him. His room was next to mine, and I could never understand it, he was up all night.' The 'He' to which Lidsay refers is Bela Lugosi, arguably the most famous film star in the world for a brief time in early 1931 when he was the first to officially play Count Dracula on the silver screen. The runaway success of the film prompted the creation of the classic Universal Monsters series, which the studio has been trying to reboot in recent years. In 1951 Lugosi was touring the UK provinces in a theatrical version of 'Dracula' and Lidsay was playing Renfield. The intention was to take the show to the West End, but it never happened (accounts differ as to the reasons why). It was the last time Lugosi played 'Dracula' on stage.
Thank you Mark, that sounds fascinating. Is that the same Copper Kettle in the video, at no. 4? Their website refers to it dating back to 1958, but the Ravens Daughter photo in that location was from 1961. It's possible one of the dates is wrong.
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich I believe it is, yes. When I read the quote a couple of years ago, I did see if I could find another Copper Kettle in Norwich, and I couldn't. The production played the Theatre Royal in Norwich from 23rd to 28th July 1951. I seem to recall reading years ago that Lugosi also appeared at Fakenham Town Hall but, if he did, it certainly wasn't an official performance on this tour. I wish I could remember where I read that, because now I'm worried it might just be a figment of my imagination!
@@markdavidwelsh3340 oh these imagination figments! Certainly I don't know of another Copper Kettle, so it's likely that's the case.
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich Given the disparity of the dates and photos, there a a couple of other possibilities that strike me. The first is that the Copper Kettle relocated to Lower Goat Lane at some point in the late 1950s from somewhere else in the city and the other that Lidsay was simply misremembering many years later. After all, as a touring actor (and magician!), Lidsay probably stayed in Norwich many, many times, so he may have just got his venues mixed up. I have a book on order from the US at the moment which deals exclusively with Lugosi's 'Dracula' tour of the UK in 1951, so there may be some more information about it in there. The Lidsay interview I quoted was conducted by one of the authors for that book. It's 450+ pages long so I'm guessing it goes into quite a lot of detail! I'll let you know if I find anything relevant (about my 'imaginary' Fakenham fact as well!)
@@markdavidwelsh3340 next time I'm in the library I'll have a look at their collection of Kelly's directories to see if that sheds any further light.
As with other comments below I too spent many an hour at Andy’s Records. Lovely video as usual and a fascinating insight into days gone by. I look forward to your next video!
Thanks Kevin. Maybe we should get all Lost Norwich viewers to meet up outside the former Andy's Records! 😀
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich we might all know each other!
Fascinating. I've often wondered why the name "goat" was chosen for these parallel roads. Was goat a common name for pubs back in the day? Maybe the area was originally a goat market or something? Interesting things Boots the Chemist was selling back then! Haha! Who doesn't miss Andy's Records and all those wonderful independent record shops? Sigh! Great video!
Thank you. There was only one "Goat" pub in Norwich, though it seems to have had different versions of that name, as highlighted in the video. The record shops have produced many comments from people of a certain age!
Another great video, I would likewise spend my Saturdays around the many record shops of that area, my favourite was alley cats in St Gregorys Alley a great second-hand record shop, Also remember all the punks and skinheads of the 80's that used to frequent the area, Many happy memories,
Absolutely!
When I worked for Norwich Relays, late 50s, early 60s, the Bluebell was the only roof I refused to climb on!!
Looking at the angle of that roof, I think you made the right decision!
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich A ridiculous nobody would go up, even with a roof ladder!!
These are brilliant posts of Norwich ! I was an art student here in the late 70s, I wish I still lived in Norwich.
Thank you. Glad you're enjoying them.
The Raven used to be the main Irish pub in the city
Thank you - I wasn't aware of that!
@John Atkins Lost Norwich I know because my best friends father who was from Cork worked behind the bar at weekends, it was a pretty rough pub
@@jjcustard6378 Thanks, I had no idea it was rough.
Thanks John, great work, I bet you still have a pile of old vinyl at home, remember the crackle sounds.
You're spot on!
I certainly remember the record shops and vaguely remember the Bluebell pub being closed.
Everybody seems to remember the record shops, but well done on remembering the Bluebell!
Hi John,the Copper Kettle was always on the odd numbers side of Lower Goat Lane (9/11) it later became the Lodge Restaurant in the late 1960s,originally occupied just number 9 but in later years it took over number 11 which was the Oak Shades pub,I believe that Mrs Chapman ran it for at least 20 years, another great video thanks.(ran the Copper Kettle I should have added!)
Thanks so much Kev, I think that explains everything!
You’re welcome .
I think I read somewhere that the pub the two lanes got it's name from was at the end of the two streets. I've wondered if it originally stood where Paolo's is?
That's interesting. I read when I was making the video that it was Upper Goat Lane, so putting the two bits of info together, maybe it was on that corner, ie the left hand side of Paolo's.
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich yeah, I did a bit of internet research last night, it"s not at all clear where it was which is odd.
@@canningmatthew very odd, most pubs can be found easily. A mystery
@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich especially when one end of the lanes also meets the back of one of Norwich's more famous inn's of yore - Strangers Hall. I wonder if one of the old maps at the archives at county hall has it?
@@canningmatthew Thanks. I've just sent an email to the Records Office at County Hall. If they are able to find anything I'll put it on here.
Really enjoy everything u show us thanks
Thank you very much for commenting. Much appreciated