St James Hill

Hill, Mountain in Norfolk Norwich

England

St James Hill

Hills and Hollows, Mousehold Heath A wooded area on the edge of Mousehold Heath which looks like it might have been quarries or claypits at one time. — Hills and Hollows, Mousehold Heath Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

St James Hill, located in Norfolk, England, is a prominent geological feature in the region. Despite its name, it is not a hill in the traditional sense, but rather a large sand dune formed during the last ice age. Standing at a height of around 20 meters, it dominates the surrounding flat landscape.

The hill is covered with a dense vegetation comprising mainly grasses, shrubs, and some scattered trees. Its sandy composition makes it an ideal habitat for a variety of plant species adapted to such conditions. The slopes of the hill are subject to erosion, as the loose sand is easily moved by wind and rain.

St James Hill is also a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby coastal areas. On clear days, one can see as far as the North Sea. The hilltop is accessible via well-maintained paths, making it an excellent spot for hiking and enjoying nature.

The hill has historical significance as well. It is believed to have been used as a lookout point during medieval times, providing a strategic advantage for monitoring the surrounding areas. Today, remnants of these structures can still be seen, adding to the hill's allure.

Overall, St James Hill in Norfolk is a unique geological formation with cultural and recreational value. Its sandy slopes, diverse vegetation, and scenic views make it a noteworthy destination for nature enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

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St James Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.636352/1.3155268 or Grid Reference TG2409. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hills and Hollows, Mousehold Heath

A wooded area on the edge of Mousehold Heath which looks like it might have been quarries or claypits at one time.

Des Blenkinsopp

Woodland, Mousehold Heath

A surviving fragment of open space now surrounded by suburban Norwich. "In Tudor times, Mousehold Heath stretched as far north as South Walsham and was 22 miles round. The surviving remnant of the heath was given to Norwich City Council (then known as the local corporation) to look after on behalf of the citizens of Norwich in 1880." quoted from Link

Des Blenkinsopp

The Vinegar Pond, Mousehold Heath

The pond gets its name from the occasional red algae bloom turning the water a vinegar like colour. A long article about the pond and the heath is on Link

Des Blenkinsopp

Track on Mousehold Heath

Mousehold Heath is an 88 hectare remnant of formerly extensive heathland which was given to Norwich City Council in 1880. It is now surrounded by suburban development. Link

Des Blenkinsopp

The Rosebery, New Catton

Light is rapidly fading on this December afternoon but the fine old Victorian pub looks inviting. It was formerly known as the Lord Rosebery, named after Archibald Primrose who was Liberal Prime Minister between 1894 and 1895.

Stephen McKay

Gurney Road through Mousehold Heath

Hugh Venables

Works at Sprowston Retail Park

Hugh Venables

Offices, Sprowston

Hidden away on an industrial estate is a novel-looking office block built for British Gas "utilizing the German Burolandschaft concept, whereby the first floor is open-plan while the ground floor has areas divided by low partitions." Built in 1970-71 to the designs of the Design Group for Industry. Now known as Sapphire House. It's not clear to what extent the internal layout has survived.

Stephen Richards

Alderford Terrace, Magdalen Road, Norwich

Some early 19th century cottages along Magdalen Road, Norwich. An OS Map from the 1880s tells me this row is called Alderford Terrace but I am not sure if the name is still in use today.

Adam Smith

The Dyers Arms, Magdalen Road, Norwich

Sadly no longer a PH having closed around 2019. The former Dyers Arms has become a "health and wellbeing clinic". In 1986 the Norwich Society described it as an "unremarkable local". Link

Adam Smith

Christ Church, New Catton, Norwich

A view across to Christ Church, New Catton in Norwich on a wet December morning. A rather striking church dating from 1842 and, apparently, pre-dating all of the housing which surrounds it. Simon Knott's excellent Norfolk Churches site seems to suggest it has a similarly striking mint green interior which I sadly did not get to see. Link

Adam Smith

Sewell Park, New Catton, Norwich

The southern entrance to Sewell Park in New Catton. The handsome triangular drinking trough here can be seen on an OS Map from the late-19th century. A final stopping place before heading into the city centre perhaps. A similarly handsome bronze plaque can be seen behind it describing how this open space was once used and loved by Philip Edward Sewell and is now dedicated to his memory.

Adam Smith

Sewell Park Academy, Norwich

As with many schools in Norfolk, this one has a long history of changing with the educational winds. It was opened in 1929 as Blyth Grammar School, it became a comprehensive school in 1971 and merged with Alderman Jex School to become Blyth-Jex School in 1972. In 2008, it became Sewell Park College and, in 2015, it became Sewell Park Academy. Apparently a whalebone, donated by a former student, stands in the grounds. TG2310 : Whale's Jawbone Arch in the grounds of Blyth Jex School

Adam Smith