An Autobiography of an Ancient Athlete & Antiquarian

AUTOBIOGRAPHY On the 16th I acted as Judge for the Shopwalkers' Walk from Attleborough to Norwich, for which 78 men ·started, some walking extremely well, and there was a dozen leaders at different times. On the 17th I began my crusade against the vandalism of the Dean and Chapter for pulling down the old precinct wall of the Close to make room for some vulgar little villas which obstructed the view of the Cathedral from Bishopgate Street. About this time I was riding fairly well for an old man, getting into Lammas via Spixworth 12½ miles with heavy bag in 1.15. On the 29th I once more witnessed the long race from Acle to Horning Ferry, and my sister C.L.R. paid us a visit to the Cottage ; on the 2nd I rode "cross country" by Attlebridge and Elsing to East Dereham, and on Bank Holiday to East Dereham Sports, riding back the next day. Ou the 7th August I suggested to the N. & N.A.S. the use of motors for their following outing. This was the day of sale of the Rev. Steward's effects at Lammas rectory, he going elsewhere; and on the 11th my son. A.L.R. and wife, had the misfortnne to have a still-born child born which was to have been called Arthur Clulow Rye. In the middle of the month I had bad indigestion aud felt very low. Tjppetts, of London, came over to lunch from Horning, and on the 22nd the gold medal I offered for competition at the N. & N.A.S., was won by that very steady and persevering old walker, Cooper. On the 23rd I saw the very absurd "restoration " of Dilham Hall. All this time I suffered badly from indigestion and insomnia, but more or less cured myself by a good trike tour from rst to 7th September. Thb included Dereham, Seaming (where Dr. Jessopp's dog bit me slightly), Swa:ffham to Lynn, then joining the N. & N. Arcbreological party with H. Brittain, we went by rail round Wisbech (excellent lunch at the "Ship"), Walsoken, West Walton, Walpole St. Peter, and Terrington St. Clement, H.B. and I riding back, and all dining at the "Globe." Earl Orford promised to let me have an heraldic MS. to print, but I don:t think he ever did. (I had printed all Tom Martin's Church Notes of the Fen Church and given copies to the members). The second day of the excursion was by Weston, Moulton, Whapload, Holbeach ("Chequers" there good), Gidney and Long