Trowse Village Sign, Norfolk, England
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member CEO44
N 52° 36.808 E 001° 18.941
31U E 385962 N 5830605
One sided wooden sign on a wooden pole with a brick base.
Waymark Code: WMG775
Location: Eastern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/23/2013
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member Dragontree
Views: 5

The current sign shows a rustic face peeping out of the window of a thatched tree house. Under the carved wooden nameplate are the emblems of the Women's Institute and the coat of arms of the Colman family. There are two metal plaques on the wooden post. The first reads 'Presented by Trowse Women's Institute 3rd June 1969 to commemorate their Golden Jubilee.' Underneath this is a second plaque '1999 Restored by Mr McSteen and Mr Savage.' The wooden post is set in a brick plinth placed in a flowerbed. This is at the entrance of The Meadow, a managed wildlife area. The name Trowse is derived from the Old English 'Tre' meaning tree, and 'Us' meaning house. One theory being that the original villagers lived in the trees as the nearby Rivers Tas and Yare was prone to flooding.
The Colman family, of mustard fame, were instrumental in the later development of the village. They bought the village watermill and later, as their business grew, built dwellings for their workers in the village.
There are two pubs in the village, the White horse and Crown Point. Until recent times the training ground of Norwich City FC was in the village.
The sign itself has undergone change. A photo in the 2002 book by John Timpson, 'Timpson on the verge 2' Shows two figures under the tree. One figure is wearing deerstalker and a Norfolk jacket whilst facing him is what appears to be a 1930's style hiker with khaki shirt and plus fours. An earlier photo is in the 1973 publication by Frances Proctor and Phillipa Miller, 'Village and Town Signs in Norfolk'. This shows the figures to be a Thomas Hardyish farmer figure, complete with sideburns, looking towards a rather Chauceresque merchant style character who is pointing upwards to the face in the window. The face has a piratical aspect with a patch over one eye. Curious indeed.
Sign Date: 06/03/1969

Occasion Commemorated: The Golden Jubilee of Trowse Womens Institute

Location: At the junction of Whittlingham Lane, Bracondale, and The Street.

Plaque: yes

Construction Material: Carved wood

Artist: Harry Carter

Web Address: [Web Link]

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