The Gateway To Norfolk
Often seen as the gateway to Norfolk, the bustling market town of Dereham is full of history and culture and situated right in the heart of Norfolk. Not only are there plenty of sights and places to explore within the town but it is ideally centrally located in the county with great road links and close to Norwich, the Norfolk coast and the Norfolk broads. The town has a lot to offer everyone and is within an hour’s journey of the surrounding open countryside, woodland and wildlife parks, boating on the broads and wide beaches and charming harbours.
Dereham was historically known as East Dereham and the name was thought to be linked to the deer park that was situated in the same area. The town has its roots in the Saxon era with a Saxon saint founding a monastery within Dereham in the seventh century. The town has a number of historic buildings dotted around including St Nicholas Church, Bishop Bonner’s Cottage, dated to the early 16th century and a traditional windmill.
St Nicholas Church has spectacular medieval architecture and thought to be one of the finest examples of a medieval church in the country. One of the most stunning sights in the church is the delicately carved font built in 1468.
Bishop Bonner’s Cottage is now a museum showing the historic past and archaeology of the town and surrounding area. Built in 1502, it was named after Bishop Edmund Bonner who was the rector in Dereham from 1534 until 1540.
The site of the old monastery is now the town centre and all that remains is a spring protected by railings. Legend suggests that the holy well only started to flow when Saint Withburga’s body was stolen from the town by monks. Amongst the historic buildings within the town there are a number of modern facilities such as a great swimming pool and leisure centre. Other activities within the town include golf, tennis and bowls.
The town in the past has been home to notable people such as author George Borrow and Poet William Cowper who is buried in St Nicholas Church where there is a commemorative stained glass window.
As the fifth largest town in Norfolk, Dereham has a great selection of pubs, restaurants and shops. Within the market place there is a weekly market on a Tuesday and Friday selling fresh food and hidden treasures and bargains. There is also a farmer’s market once a month selling fresh and locally sourced produce. Lining the streets of the town centre is a range of speciality, family run and unique shops making Dereham a great place to browse, especially for unusual gifts. As well as these unusual shops there is a modern shopping centre.
The town has plenty of charming traditional pubs with friendly and welcoming atmospheres. Some are historic 17th century inns and most serve locally sourced home cooked food and real ales.
One of the most notable events in the town is the Dereham festival, held annually each May and featuring a great selection of live music bands and cultural events. There is something for everyone to enjoy whatever their taste.
written by Anfidz
\\ tags: Gateway, Norfolk
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