How often when we rush through the streets going about our daily business do we look up? Here an upward glance will reveal a statue of a bonnetted Victorian lady designed by the architect J.P. Chaplin and carved by Z. Leon.
Amelia Opie (née Alderson; 12 November 1769 – 2 December 1853), was an English author who published numerous novels in the romanic period up to 1828. Opie was also a leading abolitionist . Hers was the first of 187,000 names presented to the British Parliament on a petition from women to stop slavery.
Amelia Alderson was born 12 November 1769. An only child, she was the daughter of James Alderson, a physician, and Amelia Briggs of Norwich. Her mother also brought her up to care for those who came from less privileged backgrounds. After her mother's death on 31 December 1784, she became her father's housekeeper and hostess, remaining very close to him until his death in 1807.
https://norfolkwomeninhistory.com/1751-1799/amelia-opie/
Opie street in Norwich indeed has a colourful history.
In Medieval times it was known simply as Gropecunt Lane. Streets were often named sfter the people and trades to be found there and this little lane was no exception, in this case prostitution. Indeed there are many examples of similarly named streets across the country most of which have been remamed by the Victorians to hide what was perceived as a distastful past.
This cache was placed by Pilgrims Path and adopted by WildWoodies on 26/12/2022.
Please be careful not to be seen and replace the cache carefully.
Also of interest is the Sedan Chair point commemorated by a plaque to the left of the hairdressers.
