The city of Norwich has a unique charm from its combination of the mediaeval with the modern, and “improvements” so called have not spoilt it.  The chief object of interest is the cathedral, which was founded in 1094 by Bishop Herbert Losinga, who was at one time prior at Fecamp in Normandy, and chaplain to William II.  It is regarded as one of the greatest existing examples of Norman work, and has the finest cloisters in England.  It is 411 feet long and 191 feet broad at the transepts, and is crowned with a spire second only to that of Salisbury.  Near the cathedral are a number of ancient and interesting structures more or less in ruins.  Chief of these may be mentioned St. Ethelbert’s and the Erpingham Gate, by the west front of the cathedral, the former in Decorated English, the latter in Late Perpendicular, and both are valuable and rich specimens of these styles.  It was Sir Thomas Erpingham whom Henry V. in Shakespeare’s play addresses as “Good old Knight,” and it was he who gave the signal to the English at the Battle of Agincourt, saying, as he threw up his truncheon, “Now, strike!”

Norwich occupies a place in history from the time of the earlier Danish invasions.  First its castle was erected as a stronghold by the East Anglican kings, and resorted to as a place of safety by the inhabitants, who gave it the name of North-wic, or northern station or town.  The bishopric of the East Angles was removed hither in 1094, when the magnificent cathedral was founded.  Evelyn in his Diary gives an account of a visit he paid to that famous scholar and physician, Dr. Thomas Browne, author of the Religio Medici and Vulgar Errors, then living in Norwich.  It is a pleasant picture of the fine old cathedral town which he gives.  After seeing all the rare curiosities in Sir Thomas Browne’s house, he was shown all the remarkable places of the city, and speaks of the “venerable cathedrall, the stately churches, and the cleannesse of the streetes.”

[Illustration:  Photochrom Co., Ltd.

NORWICH CATHEDRAL.

It was founded in 1094, and is considered one of the finest examples of
Norman architecture.]

LICHFIELD

THE BIRTHPLACE OF DR. JOHNSON

=How to get there.=—­Train from Euston.  L. and N.W.  Railway. =Nearest Station.=—­Lichfield. =Distance from London.=—­118 miles. =Average Time.=—­Varies between 2 to 3-3/4 hours.

                     1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares.=—­Single 16s. 9d. 10s. 9d. 9s. 8-1/2d. 
          Return 33s. 6d. 21s. 5d. 19s. 5d.

=Accommodation Obtainable.=—­“Swan Hotel,” “George Hotel,” etc.

Lichfield, though an ancient town, has now a modern appearance, but is interesting on account of its beautiful cathedral and its association with Dr. Johnson.  The house where the “great lexicographer” was born is still to be seen in the market-place, very little altered from its original condition.  Next to this house is the Three Crowns Inn, where Dr. Johnson and Boswell stayed when they visited Lichfield in 1776.  Among the few old houses that are remaining are St. John’s Hospital, rebuilt in 1495, and the Friary, part of an establishment of Grey Friars, now forming a portion of a private house.