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Ancient flint mines discovered in Thetford date this southern Norfolk town back four thousand years. Two thousand years later, the Celtic tribe Iceni and their Queen Boudica called Thetford home. Romans occupied the region by 100 AD, evidenced by a hoard of gold and silver jewellery unearthed below ground level.
Anglo/Saxons arrived after the Romans and Thetford became home to Anglican monarchs and bishops. The village grew around the manor estate and priory. Thetford's importance largely centred around 23 religious structures and by 1066, the sixth largest city in the kingdom had around 4000 residents and a local mint.
The village grew into a Parliamentarian town and played host to military troops during the Civil War. Thetford constructed coaching inns and pubs, as the village was a popular resting spot between London and Norwich. During the 1800s, Charles Burrell established a steam traction engine factory in Thetford. In the 1950s, an influx of people arriving from London dramatically increased the population. The British comedy series "Dad's Army" was filmed here and a museum commemorates the show. The reputed haunting of the priory and Bell's Inn brought the paranormal investigators Ghost Hunters to the town for an explanation. Thetford is also the birthplace of the American founding father Thomas Paine.
Activities and Attractions
Thetford contains many scenic outdoor areas in which to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while exploring. Five separate paths journey around town, including one to Castle Park, which has cycling and walking paths meandering through the green. One particular paths lead to Castle Hill, the massive earthen mounds used for centuries by different civilizations as foundations for ancient fortresses.
The ruins of Cluniac Priory of the Our Lady of Thetford covers an expansive amount of property. Originally constructed in 1114, the site remains include the gatehouse, church and monastic buildings, where the monks once lived and worked. The reported sighting of the Virgin Mary at the site brought pilgrims from hundreds of miles away.
Nearby, visitors have the opportunity of exploring the ancient flint mines of Grime's Graves. The unusual dappled landscape resembles the pits on a golf ball, but represents mines dug over 5000 years ago. Guests have the privilege of descending 9m (30 feet) into a shaft and examining the prized black rock.
The Ancient House Museum, housed in an authentic Tudor building, features collections and exhibits originating from prehistoric times. Some rooms are specially designed to represent periods throughout history. Guests discover what was on the menu at a typical Tudor feast and which appliances women lacked in 1901. Children may don period costumes and engage in arts and crafts projects.
Places to Stay and Dining
Many local facilities readily accommodate families with large en suite rooms. These rooms contain double beds, along with single or portable beds for children.
Families with children appreciate the convenience of the popular McDonalds. The venues now include a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables accompany traditional burgers and fries.
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