This wasn't a visit as such as there isn't really that much to visit- it was more a viewing.
Built in 1398-99, the Cow Tower was a purpose built defence tower; created to protect the north-eastern approach to the city against very real threats from the French, and also indigenous English rebels.
It was a very rare structure in England during this time, and was specially designed to support the use of gunpowder artillery.
It is situated on the corner of a bend of the River Wensum, and the A147 road leading up to it from where we were staying made for a nice early evening walk.
The riverside walk, with my SuperDean getting into shot.
I love this charming house along the way. It forms a bridge and is called Pulls Ferry, and dates back to the 15th century. It's made of flint and was once a watergate. The stone used to build Norwich Castle was routed through here.
Further down, you have to cross this bridge and turn right at The Red Lion pub on the other side if you want to view the Cow Tower closely. Unless, of course, you fancy swimming across!
The meadow the tower stands in was once called Cowholme, hence the tower's name...
The tower is 37ft (11.2 metres) across and 48 ft (14.6 metres) high. The walls are 5 ft 11 in (1.8 metres) thick at the base, and consist of a flint core encased within brick...
A photo of the inside of the tower, taken through railings. This is as close as I could get and the whole ruin is very atmospheric and a tad eerie...
Stairs inside the tower. The tower is divided into three storeys and was probably well-furnished, with different floors used for eating and sleeping...
Repairs carried out in the 19th century inadvertently caused damage to the tower...
The Cow Tower is now managed by English Heritage...
We ended our walk with some food at Zak's Diner, which is painted a very eye-catching pink.
Here's the SuperDean raising his pint of Budweiser.
The restaurant was a very authentic American diner. The building may have been pink but my theme for the evening must have been blue- I tucked into The Blue Vein, a gorgeous chargrilled burger with a generous helping of blue cheese sauce. I accompanied this with a Bubblegum cocktail, which was also blue and garnished with real bubblegum balls! We loved our meals and liked the fact that you were offered a choice of potatoes (chips, curly fries, a baked potato or normal potatoes) at no extra charge. We opted for curly fries, being the kids we are!
We were seated right by the window and the diner lights reflecting on the water and the Cow Tower made for a wonderful view.
We shall be returning.
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