History of John Lewis in Norwich (previously Bonds)

From time to time, Vanessa Trevelyan of the Norwich Society, posts some interesting articles to our Facebook page.  Here is an article that she has recently posted about the above.  I didn’t realise that Bonds was founded way back in the late 19th century.  Do you remember the thatched assembly rooms on All Saints Green which turned into a cinema and a ballroom, you can see it on the far right of the large first picture.  Venessa has included some wonderful pictures, so please select the following link to our Facebook page to find out more: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/565649630121625/permalink/6353599974659866/ 

John Sell Cotman

You are probably aware that I don’t know much about Norwich painters, so here is another one.  Born in Norwich in 1782, the son of a silk merchant and lace dealer, Cotman was educated at the Norwich Grammar School. He was a leading figure in the Norwich School of Painters.  Towards the end of his life he suffered with depression.  Like a lot of painters, he became famous after his death.  If you would like to find out more then please select the following link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Sell_Cotman

What Was Health Care Like Before The NHS?

This is an article that was issued over two years ago about the NHS.  With the current challenges and industrial action in mind it may be worth reminding ourselves of the health care system before 1948.  It outlines the structure of health care in this country during the 19th and 20th century.  The National Insurance Act of 1911 improved the situation but what were its weaknesses?  The country acquired the "Hospital Habit” after the First World War but how did this enhance health care? The article also goes on to explain the role of First Aid Networks and how they initiated the ambulance service.  If you would like to find out more then please select the following link:

https://theconversation.com/what-was-healthcare-like-before-the-nhs-99055 

Jem Mace

I was on a walk with Colin recently and he mentioned the bare knuckle boxer Jem Mace who was born in Beeston near Dereham.  He became the first Boxing World Heavyweight Champion and did his early boxing in Norfolk.  This was when boxing was illegal, so the fights took place by word of mouth, similar to rave parties nowadays.  He also liked the ladies and had three marriages and fourteen children, played the violin, worked for Pablo Fanque for a short period, owned a bar in Liverpool and a bar in New York amongst other things - all packed into his life of 79 years.  To find out more information, please access this article via the link below:  

https://british-boxers.com/pages/meet-jem-mace

Here is a YouTube film about Jem Mace, please access the link, press play and you can always give the film a thumbs up:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7bk40H44JU&t=6s