Cowgate, Norwich

Family History and Local Connections

Cowgate, Norwich

Laurie 02/06/2005, 10:41 AM

Hi everyone

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this, forgive me if not, but I was wondering if anyone had any info on the history of Cowgate? I've been living in one of the flats opposite the Puppet Theatre for a while now and would be really interested to know the history of the buliding - was it originally bulit as flats, who lived there, when was it built, what was there before etc?

I'm also interested in the area around Josephine Close (NR1).....is there any history to this area?

Any info would be gratefully received!

Thanks

L x

RE: Cowgate, Norwich

kenneth 02/06/2005, 3:16 PM

Laurie,

Cowgate was an occupational name describing the use of the street. Originally 'gate' would have been spelt 'gait' meaning the 'gaits' or 'tracks' along which the city cowherd would have led the cows to pasture from Cow Cross in Cross Street.

Source: Derek James "What's in a Name" www.EveningNews24.co.uk

Sorry, nothing on Josephine Close. Since many of the names in this area are Christian names, it is likely that the developer named them after his children. To my knowledge there is nothing particularly historic about this part of Norwich being some way outside the old city boundaries.

In any case, for more information on the origins of Norwich street names, go the the excellent source, edited by Derek James, I have noted above.

RE: Cowgate, Norwich

Gemma Smith 12/06/2005, 6:04 PM
I also live in Cowgate, and have noticed on the side of no 55, the end house by the Leopard Court flats, there is enscribed in stone "The Radical Club". There then follows several initials. Does anyone know who the Radical Club are/were?
I'm also very interested in the history of this road so would appreciate any further info.

Many Thanks

Gemma

RE: Cowgate, Norwich

Stephen Boore 06/07/2005, 9:16 PM

This is a bit spooky as I was only talking about the Radical Club a few days ago with my mother.

I'm afraid I can't shed too much light on the subject but I am told that my great-grandfather (a Mr Harold Waspe) who passed away around the time of the 1st World War, was a member of this club. My mother can vividly recall visiting his grave when she was a young girl in the 1920s, and on his grave was a large glass dome filled with wax flowers. It was engraved "From your friends at the Radical Club". She never knew what the Radical Club was, but does have a vague recollection of him being talked about during visits to the Labour Club (then the ILP club) in St Gregory's Alley.

Whether this a clue or not I do not know, but I am equally intrigued by this mystery. If anyone can throw any light on the subject my Mum and I would be most grateful.

RE: Cowgate, Norwich

Laurie 07/07/2005, 4:29 PM

Had a little snout around and as far as I am aware the Radical Club was a result of the British Radicalist movement. The Radical Club was a place where 'working class' people met to discuss politics and hold debates. That's all I could find out really and I couldn't tell you who the Norwich members were or what happened to them but I believe the club is now the local methodist church.....figures!

Re: Cowgate, Norwich

madmummy65 02/08/2007, 5:31 PM

i know saint james church now the puppet theatre, is very old , if you would like any more info let me know ,