Grandad's WattonChurch WalkThe Church Walk was given to the town, and the avenue of trees donated, to commemorate the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902. The wide, straight avenue provided a short cut from the north side of the town to the Church and was an added amenity much appreciated. It is perhaps true to say that, although planned with the highest possible motives it did acquire for itself a bit of a reputation because it was a dark, quiet, grassy area, with pleasant seats under the trees! and granddad’s young lady might well have decided that it was time to go home if he suggested that they "go for a stroll up Church Walk".
The name Church Walk is self-explanatory, but one of the changes that I have noted over the years is the adoption of more formal road and street names. There was a time when approach road names such as Dereham Road, Brandon Road, were adequate, but the process of development has created changes. We now have Langmere and Ring-mere, bringing a hint of the bracken and heath of Breckland. National pride is reflected in Charles Avenue. Churchill Close, Nelson Court, and. as you might expect snuggling up close to Nelson Court we have Hamilton Way. The various names on the Vicarage Walk estate bring to mind thoughts of the glebe, and a few streets carry the name of prominent townsmen. Stevens Close, after the one-lime owner of the brewery, and 19th century benefactor. Stokes Avenue and George Trollope Road recall the contribution made to the town by these two councillors. The first suggestion was that the name "Trollope Road" should be used but it was felt that future residents might look on this with some disfavour. |
