Norfolk
The Broads and Churches
It is often said nobody goes to Norfolk unless they are going there this is in reference to its position in the east of the country and the fact that there are no major motorways that pass through the county.
Nonetheless, many people do indeed go to Norfolk as it is a very picturesque county and has lots of interest for the traveller.
Norfolk is blessed with some of the prettiest villages and towns in the country and has a rich history with many amazing places to visit, and perhaps the most churches of any other county.
The counties most famous historical figure has to be Boadicea or Boudicca the leader of the Iceni tribe who revolted against the Roman Invasion.
The vulnerability of the county out on a limb so to speak and next to the North Sea led to it being invaded by the angles and the Saxons, The name East Anglia refers to these invaders and is what gave the area its name. The term Norfolk and Suffolk is derived from the terms North Folk and South Folk referring to the invaders who settled here. The place names ending in ham, by or thorpe are indications of Norse origin.
After the Norman Conquest large areas of land where converted to farmland and a large wool industry was founded. The area prospered and is evident in some of the finest and grandest village churches that sometimes seem out of place for some small villages. Norwich was at one time the second largest City in England, during the industrial revolution the county declined a little.
Nowadays the county is visited for its coastline and the Norfolk broads a system of canals rivers and lakes. This area is a mecca for anglers and water sports enthusiast of all kinds, the Broads as they are known attract many people who want a relaxing holiday just cruising the many rivers lakes and waterways.
During the Second World War, the aviation industry grew and Airfields appeared all over the county with airfields for the RAF as well as the American air force. During this time agriculture increased, to help feed the nation.
Today the area is highly farmed and cereal crops flourish due to the dry warm climate.
The county is home to many famous people from all areas of society the list is too long to show here but includes-
Howard Carter, archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun's tomb; his childhood was spent primarily in Swaffham
Edith Cavell, a nurse executed by the Germans for aiding the escape of prisoners in World War I
Diana, Princess of Wales, first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, was born and grew up near Sandringham
Stephen Fry, actor, comedian, writer, producer, director and author who was born in London and was brought up in the village of Booton near Reepham. He now has a second home near King's Lynn.
Sir Henry Rider Haggard, novelist, author of She, King Solomon's Mines, born Bradenham 1856 and lived after his marriage at Ditchingham
Julian of Norwich, mediaeval mystic, born probably in Norwich in 1342; lived much of her life as a recluse in Norwich
Samuel Lincoln, ancestor of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln
Roger Taylor, drummer of the rock band Queen was born in King's Lynn and spent the early part of his childhood in Norfolk.
Sir John Mills, Actor, born in North Elmham
Horatio, Lord Nelson, Admiral and British hero who played a major role in the Battle of Trafalgar, born and schooled in Norfolk.
Anna Sewell, writer, author of Black Beauty, born at Great Yarmouth, lived part of her life at Old Catton near Norwich and buried at Lamas, near Buxton.
Sir Robert Walpole, first Earl of Orford, regarded as the first British prime minister.
Towns in Norfolk
| Cromer | Sheringham | Swaffham |
| Walsingham | Wroxham | Norwich |
| Kings Lynn | Wells next the sea | Thetford |
Activities in Norfolk
Visit abcbritain's profile on Pinterest.