North Elmham

Mum and Dad have only been living at North Elmham for six or seven weeks now, but are so settled that it feels like they've been there forever.  There are lots of clubs within the village including Knit and Natter and Sewing for Pleasure, which Mum is really keen to join.   The village newsletter has details of all the clubs and activities each month and there are regularly at least two typed up A5 pages full of jaunts and jollies.   And the newsletter is a mine of information - local decorators, farm shops, builders, etc, etc - and this is where we found out about the fabric sale that we went to on Saturday.  Mum, Amanda and I visited the home of a local lady whose sister has been collecting fabric for years now - I bought a couple of bits of vintage Liberty fabric to make myself a frock next summer.   Amanda bought some fabric for her bag making course which she is doing in the new year and Mum bought some curtain fabric for the cottage, as well as some jams and marmalades being sold for the church funds.  

Last week, however, it was a different side that I saw to North Elmham.   Dad suggested we take Finn for a walk around the grounds of North Elmham Chapel - the ruins of a chapel built around 1070.   Dogs are allowed on leads and it's free to members of the public.  

Now for the history bit - in the 14th century, Bishop Henry le Despencer held the manor of North Elmham and turned the chapel into a house.   In 1388 he obtained a royal licence to fortify - basically to turn the chapel into a castle - which is evident from the thickness of the walls.   Apparently, he wasn't too popular - according to the guide, "he was despised for his merciless quashing of the Peasants' Revolt" and it's felt that the fortification was to protect him from his tenants.

It was pretty eerie - but I think that was more to do with the cold and damp than anything.  It's a massive site and there are lots of walks all around the boundary of the site, looking over farmland.   I bet in summer it's full of people having picnics and sitting around in the sun.   As it was, we didn't hang around too long - much too cold!

I also discovered while researching North Elmham - I love Google and Wikipedia - that the actor John Mills was born in the village.  Next time I'm there, I will be searching out the blue plaque!