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This ancient Saxon town was founded in the western area of Norfolk. Bordered by the River Great Ouse, Downham became the property of the Abbey of Ramsey. Receiving a charter to hold markets in 1050, bestows Downham with the honour of being an ancient market town. At this time, the king also allowed Downham the right to build a gallows for criminal punishment.
The local economy was sustained by agricultural products and was famous for producing butter, which was sold in the market and exported along the river to Cambridge and London. The settlement also received notoriety for its horse market, which continued for centuries and was responsible for supplying livestock to the military during the First World War.
After the Battle of Naseby, in 1646, Charles I escaped to Downham, where he secretly disguised himself as a member of the clergy while residing at the local Swan Inn. The king eventually moved on to seek shelter in Fordham and later Crimplesham. Downham at this time also developed a malting industry, with the product exported to surrounding areas. The town additionally had a bell foundry.
Letters from a Captain George Manby recall a school chum by the name of Horatio Nelson. The officer recalls the young Nelson sailing paper boats down a gulley containing wastewater. Lord Nelson joined the Royal Navy at the age of 12.
Activities and Attractions
Journeying through town, visitors encounter many buildings, mostly dating from the Tudor, Victorian and Georgian eras. The oldest building in Downham is the St. Edmund Church. Rebuilt sometime during the 1200s the exterior architecture displays evidence of Saxon stone carvings. The interior showcases unique carved roof angels and corbels depicting the saints. The Lady Chapel was originally constructed around 1500. The glass in the tower windows and the font date somewhere around 1450. The Gothic black and white clock tower sits in the market place. Bestowed as a gift in 1878, each of the four clock faces illuminates at night.
The Renaissance styled Town Hall was established across from the clock tower. Completed in 1887, the striking white brick/brown carrstone structure houses a library, offices and a 500-seat hall.
Visitors might be interested in observing a real working grain windmill. Constructed in 1824, the Denver Windmill uses the power of the wind, an oil engine or electricity to grind grain into flour. Guests may climb the height of the tower and observe how the giant stone turns seeds into fine powder. The facility also houses a bakery and teashop where guests might enjoy freshly baked bread, cakes or light meals.
Places to Stay and Dining
Many local facilities combine the luxury of yesteryear with indulgences of modern day comfort. Guests might choose rooms containing elegant four-poster beds with the added splendour of a private Jacuzzi.
The Palmers Restaurant-Brassiere provides a fine dining experience in a cosy, comfortable atmosphere. Typical meals include spiced roasted duck with oriental vegetables and egg noodles. Vegan delights include a savoury roasted butternut squash and mushroom risotto, topped with parmesan cheese.
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