Gallery
Through the years: Some nostalgic pics of a charming north Norfolk town
Young Farmers Club barrow push, 23 April 1976. Photo: Archant Library
REBECCA MACNAUHTON takes a trip down memory lane and ends up in North Walsham with this brilliant gallery of nostalgic photos from the town's past.
Two ladies enjoying a chat whilst looking at Christmas trees and holly in the Market Place in North Walsham, 19 December 1985. Photo: Archant Library
One of the jewels of the north Norfolk countryside, North Walsham provides a perfect escape for the whole family. This historic town is a quintessential market town, combining traditional charm with modern day living.
Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, the town survived invasions by the Vikings and Normans and became a vital centre of the weaving trade in the Middle Ages. The developing town's story could have ended very suddenly after a great fire which burnt down more than 180 houses, 70 shops and the marketplace in 1600, however the townsfolk picked themselves up and rebuilt.
St Nicholas parish church survived the blaze relatively unscathed, but still faced much in the way of adversity over the succeeding years, with the tower and steeple falling down in 1724.
The success of the town has continued to help the area grow from strength to strength. As one of the most traditional rural towns, in close proximity to both the coast and the city of Norwich, North Walsham is a great place to visit.
Standing about half a mile from North Walsham on the Norwich road is this old stone cross. The inscription on the cross reads "Near this cross Henry Le Despenser, Bishop of Norwich in 1381 suppressed the peasants rising under John Le Litester". Photo: Archant Library - Credit: Archant
The town is well served by road and rail. The Bittern line connects North Walsham to Norwich, and the north Norfolk coast, taking what's been called one of the most scenic routes anywhere in the country.
Be sure to browse the wares on offer on market day and explore the local independent shops both on and off the beaten track nearby.
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Make visiting The Atrium a priority. With a cinema, theatre and exhibition space all under one spectacular roof, it's one of the newest and most exciting arts centres in the county, keeping the North Walsham community and visitors to the area entertained, amused and informed.
As for famous faces with links to North Walsham, Stephen Fry attended a local school in the area for three years and superstar squash player Cassie Jackman attended North Walsham High.
Road tankers arriving at North Walsham Railway Station with loads of condensate from the Bacon Gas Site, 23 November 1968. Photo: Archant Library
Across these pages you can see a wide variety of images from North Walsham throughout the decades from shots of the town to scenes that show the vibrant and active community that makes the town such a desired location to live.
Did you know?
The nationally beloved Norfolk Royal apple was found as a sporadic seedling growing at Wright's Nurseries in North Walsham in 1908.
A shopping street in North Walsham, 11 October 1962. Photo: Archant Library
Tractors at Randells in North Walsham, November 1989. Photo: Archant Library
North Walsham Secondary Modern School's pet show, 16 May 1974. Photo: Archant Library
North Walsham, Market Cross in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Photo: Archant Library
Staff checking baked beans at the HP Foods factory in North Walsham, May 1987. Photo: Archant Library
North Walsham egg packing station, May 1953. Photo: Archant Library
Bundles of reeds which will be used in America for thatching the Maine house of Miss Pamela Woolworth being tied up by employees of Mr W R Farman of North Walsham, 9 August 1955. Photo: Archant Library
Firefighters demo at the 999 Day at North Walsham, 1 October 1988. Photo: Archant Library
North Walsham Primary School children present £10 to old folk, June 1975. Photo: Archant Library
