Please note that the postcard from series
ended in 2004 and that descriptions of shops and services were correct at
time of going to press
Where is it:
Old Buckenham is on the B1077 from Diss to Attleborough, which
is about four miles away. It claims to have the biggest village
green in the country – 40 acres – with duck ponds and
playing fields, and is the venue for the annual fair.
What about the history?
About a mile to the north east of the village, a moat surrounds
an earthwork marking the site of a castle built by William d’Albini,
a follower of William the Conqueror, who was given land for being
butler to kings at their coronations.
The castle is now gone, but in 1146 it was given by d’Albini’s
son to the Augustinian canons so they could build their priory,
which is also no longer there. D’Albini senior had already
moved a mile up the road and built another castle, near what is
now New Buckenham, in 1145.
The remains of the Norman keep, rampart and moat can still be seen.
A replica of a historic wooden carving showing Buckenham Castle
in its heyday has recently been fitted to the ancient market cross
in New Buckenham. The original dates from the 1500s and is in the
parish church.
Old Buckenham Airfield, built by Taylor Woodrow in 1942-43, had
a main runway and two secondary runways. Home for the 453rd Bomb
Group, from December 1943 to May 1945 it flew 259 missions over
enemy territory in B24s. It delivered some 15,804 tonnes of bombs,
but lost 58 aircraft and 366 airmen. There is a memorial in front
of the clubhouse.
Film star James Stewart was executive officer at the airfield during
spring 1944. The 453rd was taken off operations on April 12, 1945
and the airfield is now home to a flying school.
The village sign and 2 mustangs over the Airfield
Tell me more about the church. In August 1577 a
bolt of lightning brought down the 15th century church steeple and
on the same day the legendary devil dog of the marshes, Black Shuck,
was said to have run through the church, killing two parishioners.
The lightning strike damaged the roof with the result that in later
years congregations sat under umbrellas during services. Since being
restored the church, sometimes referred to as the Cathedral of the
Marshes, has become a concert venue.
Interesting facts
The tower of Old Buckenham parish church, one of only six in Norfolk
that are octagonal, dates back to about 1300.
The windmill has the largest diameter tower in England and dates
from 1818. Owned by Norfolk Windmills Trust, it has recently been
restored. There have been windmills in the village since the 13th
century. Previous owners of the existing one include Prince Frederick
Duleep Singh, a friend of Queen Victoria, who lived with his wife,
Princess Sofia Alexandrona, in Old Buckenham Hall at the end of
the 19th century.
Old Buckenham Church with octagonal tower.
What
about food and drink?
The Gamekeeper and the Ox and Plough pubs both serve home-cooked
food lunchtimes and evenings. At nearby Banham, there are a variety
of pubs and an Italian restaurant.
What is there to see and do?
The windmill is open on the second Sunday of the month from April
to September, while Lol’s Tiny Toy Museum in New Buckenham
is open Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from noon to 4pm.
Banham Zoo has many rare and endangered species and a large car
boot sale is held on Sunday mornings.
The key to Buckenham Castle ruins is available from Castle Garage
in New Buckenham during working hours.
The annual Old Buckenham Airshow takes place in June and includes
an open day and air display.
What
about food and drink?