The first of a two part series in which writer and presenter Henry Buckton discovers the history and culture of this beautiful county. In this film we visit the western half of Norfolk, famous for its landscape of fens, forests and stunning beaches. It is full of castles, abbeys and other important structures, and its towns and villages have been home to some remarkable industries and individuals.
Our tour starts in Norfolk’s far west at Downham Market, which is known as the ‘gingerbread town’ because of the colour of the local carrstone used for many of its buildings. Moving north along the River Great Ouse we come to King’s Lynn, the area’s biggest town, which is rich in maritime heritage and was once known as ‘the warehouse on The Wash.’ After visiting Castle Rising, dominated by one of the most famous castles in 12th century England, we arrive at Hunstanton, which apart from the ruins of its 13th century chapel, is largely an elegant Victorian seaside resort.
Norfolk is often referred to as ‘Nelson’s county’ and many places have strong links to our greatest naval hero, among them his birthplace in the pretty village of Burnham Thorpe. We then move on to exquisite Wells-next-the-Sea, before exploring Walsingham Abbey, one of the great shrines of Christendom in the Middle Ages. Heading further south, highlights include visits to the market town of Fakenham, with its unusual and interesting Museum of Gas and Local History; Dereham, whose name is thought to have derived from a 7th century Saxon deer park; Swaffham, once a prominent centre for the wool trade; Attleborough, famous for its Rogues Fair and Gaymer’s cider factory; and the village of Weeting, which boasts what is possibly the longest row of thatched cottages in England.
The grand finale to our tour is in Thetford, which nudges the county border with Suffolk, and was the ancient capital of the Iceni tribe, which lived throughout East Anglia. As well as having huge historical interest, you will also savour a visit to the quirky Dad’s Army Museum, a tribute to one of our best-loved television programmes!
Produced by - 1st Take
Running time - 108 minutes (approx)
PAL DVD (for UK/Europe/Australia/New Zealand)
DVD only
Released - July 2022
