Through the years: Some nostalgic pics of a charming north Norfolk town

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.