Swaffham, a market town of some 6,000 souls, is situated at the edge of Breckland. Bypassed these days by the A47 Norwich to King’s Lynn road, the town nevertheless cannot be missed by motorists, its huge wind turbines being visible from miles away. The story of Swaffham is one of evolution and change, with buildings and events from many periods marking the history of the place. William the Conqueror gave the manor of Swaffham to the Earls of Richmond (Ralph Guader, who had held the town under Harold, like most of the Saxon nobility being displaced). A market charter was granted in 1215, with three fairs allowed (in May, July, and November), reflecting the prosperity of the town as a wool centre. Nearby too were the important Castle Acre Priory and Castle. The church of St Peter and St Paul with its fine hammer beam roof, was started in 1454, partly financed by John Chapman the peddler of Swaffham. Chapman went to London to find his fortune after repeated dreams, only to be told by a shopkeeper there to return home and dig under his own apple tree, where he found two pots of gold coins. The Georgian period saw great developments in the town as a spa, many of the buildings in the centre dating from that elegant time. The Butter Cross was built in 1783 by the Earl of Orford: eight columns support its dome, with the goddess Ceres above it, a structure of classical simplicity worthy of that greater spa town Bath. The same Earl, along with some friends, invented the sport of hare coursing in 1776 in the Greyhound pub in the town, as a diversion suited to what was by then a fashionable centre of the leisured classes. In recent times Swaffham has bloomed as an eco-centre, its two giant wind turbines rising like giant flowers above the landscape, signalling the location of the Ecotech Centre in the town, and another era in its development.
Attraction
Cockley Cley Iceni Village
Ecotech Centre
Iceni Village and Museums
Swaffham Museum
Camping
Breckland Meadows Touring Park
Care Home
Classes
Dance - Performa Academy of Dance
Cottage
Doctor
Campingland Surgery
Dr Dorling & Partners
Dr Skinner & Partners
Estate Agent
Abbotts Estate Agents Ltd
Brittan Leond & Co Ltd
Brown William H
Hockleys Estate Agents
Nash & Co
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Inn
Market
Friends Of Swaffham Rec Car Boot
Swaffham Farmers Market
Swaffham Market
Pub and Bar
Great Danes Country Inn by The Green
Greyhound
School
Solicitor
Taxi
Vet
Sports Clubs
Swaffham CC (Cricket)
Swaffham RUFC (Rugby Union)
Shops
Swaffham Florist Ltd
Boots
Necton Garden Centre
Pet Provision
D A Seaman
Finishing Touch
Antiques
Places to Stay near Swaffham
Strattons Hotel & Restaurant (0.12 miles)
Strattons is an independent boutique hotel secluded in the historic Market town of Swaffham, offering guests ‘luxury without sacrifice to the environment’.
Owners Vanessa and Les Scott met at Great Yarmouth Art College and began restoring ... More | visit website
The Horse and Groom Hotel (0.12 miles)
There are eight rooms in total, consisting of twin, single and double rooms. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, brand new en suite bathrooms and all prices include breakfast for two. ... More | visit websiteGeorge Hotel (0.12 miles)
The Best Western George Hotel, located in Swaffham is a charmingly restored 17th Century coaching inn. With a Georgian facade and a complimentary modern bedroom wing. We are situated in a charming ... More
Lydney House (0.30 miles)
This stunning 18th century Georgian Merchant’s house is set in its own grounds close to the heart of one of Norfolk’s most historic market towns. Built in 1746, Lydney House provides a ... More
Swaffham Lodge A47 (0.31 miles)
The Olde Windmill Inn (4.71 miles)
A village inn since circa 1650. The hostelry has built its reputation on serving high quality competitively priced food, from an extensive menu with changing daily specials; plus six real ... More
Hilborough Swan Inn (5.25 miles)
As well as unwinding and relaxing with us, we provide an ideal base from which you can explore Norfolk. The Swan Inn is also a wonderful place in which to celebrate a variety of ... MoreBull Inn (6.78 miles)
The Bull is a traditional coaching Inn dating from the early 17th century, although the foundations date from the mid 1300's making it the second oldest Inn in Norfolk. It was the first or last ... More | visit website
Broom Hall Country Hotel (6.96 miles)
The Hare & Barrel Hotel (7.43 miles)
We would like to wish you a very pleasant stay in our Hotel where we try and create a traditional family atmosphere for both our daily customers and residents alike. Here at The Hare & ... More | visit website
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |