The County of Norfolk

For thousands of years the Eastern bulge of England has been the settling place for invaders and immigrants from the Continent of Europe. The Angles came in the 5th Century and gave their name to East Anglia, dividing it between the North Folk (Norfolk) and the South Folk (Suffolk).

The Dutch in the 17th Century found a land similar to their own and used their skills to drain the Fens and build ports. The Dutch influence can still be seen in their windmills and gabled buildings. Several roads in the North West of Norfolk and into Cambridgeshire are below the level of the rivers and dykes.

The Eastern Counties of England present a green and yellow vista of farmlands, more extensive than anywhere else in the British Isles. The land in Norfolk is mainly flat with the heathlands of the South giving way to the large area of waterways known as the Broads.

As you travel to the North of the county the very flatness of the Fens emphasises a variety of skylines. The fenland is very rich and farmers raise several crops in the same year

NORWICH

Norwich is a Cathedral City, port and County Borough. The charm of Norwich lies in its combination of antiquity and modernity and the history that has made it one of Britain's most flourishing cities. Click here to take you to an excellent site that tells you all about Norwich and the surrounding areas.

GREAT YARMOUTH

Great Yarmouth is a busy summer seaside resort, famous for its long sandy beaches and entertainment. It is also a thriving industrial centre and supply port for the North Sea gas drilling rigs.

KING'S LYNN

King's Lynn is an ancient market town, a port and a growing industrial centre.

THE Norfolk Countryside is studded with private estates and large country houses including the following:

SANDRINGHAM: A 7,000 acre estate owned by the Royal Family. The house was bought by King Edward VII when he was Prince of Wales in 1861. It is often used as a Royal Residence especially just after Christmas when the Royal Family spend several weeks there.

HOLKHAM HALL: A large 18th Century hall set in ornamental parklands with a large lake. It is the home of the Earl of Leicester and containes an impressive art collection.

BLICKLING HALL: A wonderful house with a Jacobean facade, Blickling Hall has 17th Century yew hedges lining either side of the driveway. The house was at one time owned by the Boleyn family and it is said that Anne Boleyn was born there. Today it is owned by the National Trust.

The main areas of Norfolk Countryside are:

BRECKLAND: An area of 300 square miles between Norfolk and Suffolk. Mostly heathland and forest, it is one of the least densely populated areas of England. The main town is Thetford which is another example of the successful blend of ancient and modern and the birthplace of Thomas Paine. Large parts of the area are given over to battle training and airfields.

BROADLAND: Between Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Sea Palling lie more than 30 "Broads" or open expanses of water. With their linked rivers these provide 200 miles of waterway for cruising and sailing. Most of the Broads are man-made, one-time peat and turf diggings which filled with water.

NORTH NORFOLK: The North Norfolk coast is dotted with small towns and villages and one of the most pleasant tours is to drive from Norwich to the peaceful seaside resorts through a landscape of broad fields and quiet villages overlooked by medieval churches and great manor houses. The area is a haven for birdwatchers. Of particular interest are the picturesque villages of Cley, Blakeney and Holt and the seaside towns of Sheringham and Cromer.

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