Lost Norwich - Spending A Penny

[@teenaoakleyart2700]

There were toilets under the St Stephen’s roundabout, I remember my mum taking me in there in the 70’s. There were also toilets in Anglia Square, they were behind the stairs, opposite what was the musical instrument shop. I used to take my children in there in the 90’s. They had the horrid blue lights that were supposed to stop people injecting drugs.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks for those details. I think you've confirmed the Anglia Square ones were where I thought, now gated off.

[@seanlocke2228]

@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich The Anglia Square ones got closed off due to the lockdowns and are not open again because they thought the place was going to be demolished anyway. Also, you forgot the current toilet block at the market. I think it is the only public toilets left in the city centre which is not inside a store, pub or mall.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks, how could I forget those at the market!​@@seanlocke2228

[@evelynbrown4550]

@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich I can confirm that there were toilets both in Anglia Square and under the St Stephen's roundabout, having made use of both sites. The one's in Anglia Square were a regular port of call for me and are still greatly.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

@@evelynbrown4550 thank you for confirming I wasn't imagining them!

[@The_Brit_Girls]

Fascinating! I hadn't realised those cornerstones were anti-peeing devices! Great video 👍😀

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you. I guess they still work even today, if required!

[@jonathanirons231]

Thank you so much for your consistently excellent videos. I was in my old home city of Norwich last week and walked around several areas that you have covered, seeing things I hadn't seen before.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you, it's very kind of you to say so. Hope you had a good time in Norwich!

[@Tiggysmum]

I remember the toilets in St stephens subway, I sometimes used them on way to college. Quite often there was an elderly lady who carried bags of belongings in a supermarket trolley. Nick- named the bag lady. They tried to rehouse her several times but she always went back to the streets. She would use the toilets to have a wash in every morning.

[@jmeaton9538]

I remember her. She used to sleep in a doorway of the old Bethel hospital opposite the police station.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

I have a vague memory of seeing that lady around.

[@dvdvnr]

Yes, there were definitely toilets in that passageway in Anglia Square as I had to use them at least once. My family first moved to Norfolk in 1968 when I was 12 and I occasionally used the underground gents at the market. To say that I "learned a lot of interesting facts of life" from the graffiti on the inside of the cubicle doors in that toilet is an understatement!

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks David, I think I can only imagine what you mean!

[@francessimmonds5784]

I’m sure I used those toilets in the 2020’s, when I first moved here. Unless there were other toilets in Anglia square. The ones I used back then have been shut and gated for many years.

[@peterjameson321]

Thank you John, as always a fine video with great narration. It's so annoying that so many of the public lavatories are closed or have been demolished. I'm told that the council are not required to provide or maintain them so the simple option is to get rid of them leaving only the bare minimum in place. Whether that's true or not, I don't know but with hardly anywhere to go for relief whatever must visitors to our Fine City think?

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks Peter, I'm not sure how widely this problem exists across the country, but it does seem strange we are largely relying on shops and pubs when seaside villages like Walcott can provide and maintain them.

[@robertbailey3714]

when I lived in a truck I used to fill up a 5 gallon container with boiling hot water from the Grapes hill loo to heat it in the winter !!!!

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

sounds like you were lucky to get that much hot water!

[@paulkirkland3263]

If you walk round the St Stephens subway, and examine the large rectangular recesses in the walls, two of them are actually large panels with padlocks at the bottom. They were the entrances to the toilets, which presumably are still there.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Ah thank you, that's interesting. I'll have a closer look next time I'm there.

[@markgoddard2560]

I often had the same problem in Southampton in coming out of a toilet into a different time zone. I came out of one toilet just below Bar and did not notice before it was too late that I had come out two years before it was built in 1898, and thus had to get a job and rent a house for two years before I could get back to 1975. I nearly had the same problem later on in the year in Birmingham but was able to get back just in time. The worst time change I had in leaving a toilet was when I was deposited in 1941 during an air raid. I flushed the toilet and opened the door to 122 people using it as an air raid shelter.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

That's amazing! Takes me back to 1963 when I read your comment the first time!

[@admrljellicoe4913]

There used to be a tiny gents only toilet on Bishopgate, just outside the entrance to the cathedral, long since demolished.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you - I'll have a look next time I'm around there to see if I can see where it might have been.

[@admrljellicoe4913]

@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich Thanks, sadly I don't think there's anything left. There used to be an outline on the pavement, but it's since been resurfaced. I really enjoy your videos btw.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

@@admrljellicoe4913 thank you, it's kind of you to say so 👍

[@InArcadiaSum]

When I lived in Waddington Street, off the Dereham Road, the Grapes Hill lavatories were a blessed place of relief after sessions in the Festival House, the Red Lion (now known as the Dog House), Back's and many other establishments. That Watney's Starlight certainly ran through fast enough.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

most convenient, I'm sure!

[@Polysixchick]

I live on the corner of Waddington St :) Those toilets on Grapes hill got really bad towards the end, druggies use to go in there

[@uncledodge9396]

I remember seeing them being knocked down, I thought it was a shame that such a useful thing was being destroyed, only to see almost all the toilets close because of the Tory cuts in 2012. I still have the padlock from the Gents in Tombland. I had a key that fitted it so it ended up in my house.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

@@Polysixchick I thought they might have had a dodgy reputation.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

@@uncledodge9396 quite a souvenir!

[@simongee8928]

The underground toilets at the front of the market were, by most standards, a pretty grand affair as I recall. Lots of polished copper & brass, plus thick glass blocks in the ceiling for natural light.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks for sharing these details, it all helps to build a picture.

[@lukeerik2752]

So nice to see AUDs mentioned. I've just read the book on them and taken the tour.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you, my pleasure (I think!)

[@davidwillmott3528]

I can always remember the gents toilet in Woolworths (now M&S) these were half way up the open staircase to the cafe Mezzanine level and when turning into the entrance a left turn would reveal a long steep set of stairs, up to the toilet area opening up to the right at the top

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks for the memory!

[@Polysixchick]

Yes, there were some down that alley in Anglia Square, they were sealed off around 2020, the ones in the subway were sealed off years ago, they were all gross and stunk. There use to be toilets on Brigg st, top of the bus station and the "musical toilet" on Redwell st, now all gone

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you so much for those details - a musical toilet on Redwell Street? Sounds interesting!

[@Polysixchick]

@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich thats what my dad use to call it

[@robinorton1619]

I'm surprised at the omission of the Chapelfield Park loos, with the gents - uniquely, perhaps - largely located within one of the mediaeval city wall towers.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks for adding that one, which completely passed me by!

[@mattw8332]

I think there were some public toilets by the bridge on Whitefriars near Fishergate and Pyes Yard. Or did I imagine that? At least 4 decades ago.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Personally, I couldn't say! But it rings a bit of a bell....

[@katebygrave]

There were also ladies and gents toilets in the row of shops (now demolished) adjacent to the cattle market leading to the castle.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you, that's the first I've heard of ladies toilets!

[@InArcadiaSum]

As I recall, there was a pet shop and some other premises in that row. The lavatories were in the centre, there was an archway with steps up to it, and you could go through and out the other side.

[@katebygrave]

@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich now you say; I wonder if I am correct about the ladies. I used to work for the City Architects and we had to do an inspection of said toilets, so one of the inspectors went in to make sure it was empty before entering.

[@katebygrave]

@@InArcadiaSum that’s correct.

[@TheBaseroamer]

I remember the underground ones below the paved island across the road from the old ABC Cinema on Prince of Wales Road, they were a very similar ornate porcelain to the ones under the market but on a smaller scale. they were filled in and covered over in the eighties.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks very much for those details, I don't remember these ones at all!

[@olinicoll9064]

Another great and interesting video, John, thanks. As others have mentioned, there were indeed toilets in Anglia Square at that location - fitted with blue ‘anti-heroin’ lights to boot!

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Mention of the light makes them easier to remember....hideous!

[@peterthorn6004]

​@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich3:36

[@susanwestern6434]

The market and Chapplefield Gardens ones also have blue lights.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

@@susanwestern6434 thank you for adding those

[@davegoldsmith4020]

Another fine video John, I have used one or two of them over the years, its only when they have gone and you see things in your videos you think "I remember them" and had not even noticed they had gone. The toilets in Anglia square were on the right as seen from your photo, they were small, dark, and dank, and were the type you only used if you really had too. There was also a modern all metal toilet hut outside Debenhams for a short while, when did that go?

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you for clarifying the Anglia Square location Dave. I don't remember the one outside Debenhams.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you for clarifying the Anglia Square location Dave. I don't remember the one outside Debenhams.

[@Cal900]

The St Stephen’s underpass toilets stunk in the early 2010s the council had to do some work on them but I would have to hold my breath when using to head to the bus station! I think they were frequented by unsavory types which is why they were closed.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

They really sound quite hideous!

[@nevillej9408]

I remember putting a water supply on some 40+ years ago for a new modern toilet on The Walk somewhere near where Primark is now, I think these were self cleaning toilets, don’t think they were there long…

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks for that. Someone else mentioned self cleaning toilets. I have only the vaguest memory of them.

[@martinbrown1419]

also another concrete one closed on Whitefriars bridge, another underground at the bottom of Prince of Wales Road, small one outside the gate on Bishopsgate Road, I don't remember the cast iron pissoir of the cattle market but it's destruction was a loss the the heritage of Norwich

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks for all those additions. Fascinating!

[@andrewwright1200]

Yes, StStephens subway (under the roundabout) had toilets

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks, I wonder if there's anything left of them behind the walls.....

[@MrJohn768]

Harry Selfridge was the first to provide toilets in a department store in 1909....so...I wonder if the ladies could ' powder their noses ' in the shops whilst the men were using the ones the council provided? Didn't you tell us that their had been ' ' 'conveniences ' in the Arcade on Gentleman's Walk ? Thank you for another great video .... really enjoyed that 😂😂 Well done 👏 ps I am old enough to remember a notice that said " Gentlemen, please adjust your dress " by the door of the lavatories 😮

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

That's a good suggestion, so far from ladies being witjoitbtoilets, theirs were rather more luxurious! Yes you're right, and I think those toilets in the arcade are still there.

[@TheBaseroamer]

I believe the ones under the St Stephens roundabout are still intact behind the boarding, these should be re-opened but keys just be given to bus drivers as there is nowhere for them to go in the evening in the city centre.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

I guess it's quite possible they weren't removed and simply boarded up. Good point.

[@pauljmccluskey5532]

There were toilets in Chapelfield subway too, and there were both male and female ones. They’ve been closed for some time now.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Were there, thanks I had no idea of that!!

[@pauljmccluskey5532]

@@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich You’re welcome ☺️ Nowadays they’re hidden behind advertising boards

[@IanM1]

I remember the st stephens ones, from above you can still see the air vent for them. Unless I'm mis remembering, wasnt there a 'superloo' in norwich in the 80's, you know the lozange shaped structure with a curved stainless steel rotating open door? It would clean itself when done and cost something absurd like 20p in the mid 80's to use? Just escapes me where it was, but I'm thinking somewhere near st Andrews carpark?

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

That superloo does ring a bell, maybe on The Walk perhaps....?

[@cccumberr572]

If anyone is interested found the story in the edp Tombland Norwich: creepy toilets and a time-travel tale 24th November 2022 Weird Norfolk

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you, I'm sure that can be searched - though if it can be read without subscribing I'm not sure!

[@lukewolsey]

You forgot the market toilets John! And maybe the forum ones, if they count as public?

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

You're right, I totally forgot the market ones. And I went there to get a photo of the old market ones!

[@uncledodge9396]

Wasn't there a Gents toilet on the end of the Whitefriars bridge?

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

I believe there might have been but I personally can't recall them.

[@IDreamOfGaming]

I used the toilets in St Stephens subway.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

I didn't think I was imagining those toilets - just surprised there was no sign of them any more.

[@stefkuna]

Showing my age, I reckon I used all of those featured, including the ones under St Stephens and the current market ones

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

I remember virtually all, as well!

[@SuperHolly2006]

There were toilets at the top end of Queen's road /Surrey Street.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Excellent, thank you.

[@IDreamOfGaming]

Another great video. Thanks.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you 👍

[@katofkittyville2958]

St Stephens roundabout had mens on one walkway and women's on another,remember as a child visiting Norwich always going in there with Dad lol

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Great memories......!

[@djashley2002]

Those were toilets in Anglia Square. They closed around the same time as the COVID pandemic started and never reopened, with various excuses given. Most people just think that they're taking the piss.

[@allancrotch2953]

I love Norfolk humour

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Very good 😂

[@MsAnitawilson]

Yes I had to use them just b4 covid they didn't shut too long ago

[@jmeaton9538]

The men loos at the bottom of grapes hill were a well known cottaging spot. Frequently anti social behaviour around public loos, including sex, drugs, maybe not rock & roll so much. But often a reason for closing them down.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks, I guess so - but many other places have public loos still available.

[@katebygrave]

There were/are toilets on the market under the motorcycle parking area.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

I meant to include those as what might be the last loos standing!

[@kevintracey4644]

Quite right. Not sure they’re still in use but they stunk to high heaven!

[@Norwichbouy]

definitely toilets in the st stephens subway used them regularly as a young lad in the lates 70,s

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks for confirming those ones.

[@allancrotch2953]

I can second that

[@jem8472]

Yep I remember using them as a kid in either the 80s or 90

[@InArcadiaSum]

I hardly ever got to that end of St. Stephen's, but the subway was such a grim place, with some odd folks hanging around down there that I did all I could to avoid it.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

@@InArcadiaSum likewise!

[@adrianrutterford762]

Thanks for another interesting video.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thanks Adrian, glad you found it interesting!

[@nwatts5196]

Time travel in public toilets... That takes the pi$$

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Someone had to say it 😂

[@robinorton1619]

'What did the ladies do?' I recall this ditty from my childhood... UPON BEING ASKED FOR A PENNY FOR TWO HA'PENNIES Look lidy, foller Olive Snell To 'oom yore accident befell It 'appened, as it does ter many That Olive went ter spend a penny. She searched 'er bag, an' 'ad jis' one, An' that wuz bent! So, wot she dun? She went an' found a spinney shady An sived 'erself the penny, lidy!

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Brilliant! I wonder how many Olives there were!

[@robertbailey3714]

Policemen used to crawl on top of the one in st Andrews to spy on men cottaging I have been told ??!! citation please .

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

no idea, I'm afraid!

[@ElizabethHastings-r4j]

Under St Stephen’s roundabout is still used as a toilet to this day. Wonder if the toilets stayed open. Would the drunks and youth of today use them?

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Interesting point. And such a shame.

[@stuartbrown3567]

Anglia square and the subway were toilets

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Thank you + and someone has confirmed the others I questioned on Queens Road.

[@allancrotch2953]

Another great video ,Thank you.

[@JohnAtkinsLostNorwich]

Many thanks!