'Iter Norvicen[sis]', a journal of a 'Jorney to Bungay and Norwich'
'Iter Norvicen[sis]' is an account of a journey over just a few days, to Bungay and Norwich, beginning with the author's arrival in Sudbury on 18 May 1727, and ending with the return journey, setting off from Norwich on 22 May, staying the night in Ixworth, and reaching Sudbury once more on 23 May. The trajectory of the journey suggests a starting point in Essex, perhaps from somewhere near Braintree or Chelmsford. The author gives brief descriptions of towns on the route, showing a particular interest in churches, monuments and epitaphs. He spends longer in Bungay (pp. 8-13) and Norwich (pp. 16-25) than in any other places. He seems to have a serious antiquarian interest, making references to the published works of antiquaries such as William Dugdale, John Weever, Thomas Browne, and Philip le Neve. A list of 'places in Norfolk mention'd in this jornall, to which additions may be made from Williss's Hist. of Abbys' is on p. 30 [Browne Willis's Mitred Abbies appeared in 2 vols., 1718 and 1719]. On p. 16 he mentions wild flowers on the approach to Norwich, citing 'Ray Synop.' [John Ray, Synopsis methodica stirpium Britannicarum (London, 1690)].
Dates
- Creation: May 1727
Extent
50 pages
Language of Materials
- English
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. 11500, p. 1].
Shelfmark:
MS. 11500
Collection ID (for staff)
CMD ID 11500
Abstract
Journal of a journey to Bungay and Norwich, 1727
Biographical / Historical
The author of the journal is unknown. He appears to have been an antiquary living somewhere to the south of Sudbury on the Suffolk - Essex border, which is his first port of call on his journey northward in 1727.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Bought, John Hart bookseller, 2015
- Title
- Catalogue of a journal of a journey to Bungay and Norwich
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Mike Webb
- Date
- 2024
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Edition statement
- First edition
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk