West Raynham - Its historical Snippet!

The origins of West Raynham can be traced back to and before the Domesday Survey of 1086 (King William 1-of the Conqueror) when as King’s Land, it was known as Reinham. Today ‘The Raynhams’ covers the names of three villages East, West and South Raynham – West Raynham being the largest village on the Raynham Estate.
The area is attractive parkland and farmland owned by the Townshend family who live in the 17^th century Raynham Hall. George John Patrick Dominic Townshend, 7th Marquess Townshend, (13 May 1916 – 23 April 2010) was the longest serving British peer. He was a businessman and notably served as Chairman of Anglia Television from 1958 to 1986. His son Charles George Townshend is now the 8th Marquess Townshend.

Raynham Hall is a stunning statley mansion which is not open to the public.

However there is a public footpath through the estate which passes along the bottom of the drive.

The Raynham Estate and Holkham Estates were at the centre of the Agricultural Revolution. The 2^nd Viscount Townshend Charles Townshend, (18 April 1674 – 21 June 1738) was a British Whig statesman, who served for a decade as Secretary of State, directing British foreign policy. He was often known as 'Turnip Townshend' because of his strong interest in farming, and his role in the British Agriculural Revolution.

Rural North Norfolk Autumn & Winter Breaks!

Are you looking for an Autumn or Winter romantic short break for 2 or maybe a relaxing getaway for the family? Pollywiggle Cottage in rural North Norfolk might just be the ticket! Sleeps 2-8 plus 2 babies in cots.

Special discounts are offered for out of high season - 20% for just a couple or 15% for small parties using no more than 2 bedrooms.

Find out all prices and availability on http://www.pollywigglecottage.co.uk/

or phone 01603 471990

The Mo Museum, Sheringham

The amazing Mo Museum in Sheringham, built with Heritage Lottery funding in 2006, is a fascinating venue for all the family to learn about the local fishing and lifeboat history of the Shannocks - as the people of Sheringham were known. Light airy galleries and walkways lead the visitor through time from Sheringahm as a 19th century village to today's modern 21st century, popular tourist town. Within there are impressive views above lifeboats and up in the high glass lookout, panoramic vistas over the town and beach. This newest of seafront icons, 'Mo' takes its name from Morag, a young local girl who lived about 130 years ago.

Spring Time in West Raynham 2010!

West Raynham Village Sign showing Raynham Hall

West Raynham Village centre is always a stunning picture, especially when the blosson fills the cherry trees on the green as in April and May. This quiet village provides an ideal area for walkers and cyclists with several local circular routes of varying distances.

The village itself provides a relaxed stroll in 30 minutes from The Street up to a small hamlet passing the school, on to The Drove and down again past a children's adventure playground to arrive back in the centre. A further 20 minutes ramble down a tree-lined country lane with wide grassy verges and views of meadows and woodlands, brings the visitor to the impressive Raynham Estate St Mary's Chruch which overlooks a calm lake. You will probably want to continue feasting your eyes on this delightful and unspoilt corner of North Norfolk. If so then there are two different paths. One leads up beside the church and out of the village to the South and East Raynhams and the other passes in front of the church, past the private entrance to Raynham Hall , through the farm along signed pathways.

The Hall is not open to the public. It is the ancestoral home of the Townshend family. Sadly the Marquess Townshend of Raynham died this April just before his 94th birthday. His family has owned the land in West Raynham for 600 years since the reign of Edward IV. One of the ancestors, 'Turnip' Townshend, helped launch the agricultural revolution.

The route through the farm is a public path taking you through various livestock gates, along the edges of fields with woodlands, to eventually circle back into the village via the Helhoughton to West Raynham Road.

There are many more walks and cycle routes to explore of course in this rural area, and not least the vast number of coastal North Norfolk paths a few miles away!

Pollywiggle in the snow

The winter of 2009 - 10 left lasting images of freezing landscapes, icey roads and much disruption but ..... all was calm and tranquil & cosy at Pollywiggle Cottage where the virgin snow lay thick and crisp.