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:?
Around 15 miles north-east of Norwich, surprisingly close to the
sea and at the periphery of the Norfolk Broads, which, as every
one of us knows, is something we in the county should be proud of.
The A149 runs from Yarmouth to Cromer, calling at Stalham about
half-way. And it’s not too bad a road, but just try not to
be in a hurry during the tourist season.
Potted history:
The town name is thought to mean “Settlement by the River”.
There are written references to Stalham as far back as the 11th
century and it seems the original use of the surrounding land was,
unsurprisingly, almost exclusively for agriculture. Notable buildings
are the 15th century perpendicular-styled parish church of St Mary,
in the High Street, and Stalham Hall, a 17th century Jacobean manor
house on the Old Yarmouth Road.
Firemen:
We all like firefighters and Stalham has a fine history in this
particular area. Opened in 1833, the original fire station itself
is thought to be the second oldest in the country.
Defunct since the 1960s, townspeople recently got together and have
restored the tiny Grade II listed firehouse into a museum. It’s
certainly worth a look, maybe even a special trip, but make sure
you check opening times before you go, they are fairly limited.
Right next door is the Lock Up – or Clink – the town’s
old jail. And don’t worry, if you really like firefighters,
there is still an active station in the town.
Reasons to go:
There is a very pleasant atmosphere in the town, a number of attractive
and unusual shops, as well as a couple of nice pubs. And, obviously,
you are right on top of the Broads – and if you need me to
tell you why you should visit the Broads...then don’t go.
Stalham, detail of old fire house, stone reveals the building
to date from 1833.
Reasons not to go:
For many it is a reason to go, but for many others it is quite
the opposite – the Tesco supermarket. The building of this
store has caused all sorts of nastiness in the town with many claiming
it has led to the closure of smaller businesses which cannot compete.
Still, hundreds of people seem to go every day.
Trains:
You won’t see any in Stalham, the station and line closed
in the late 1950s. Shame really, as it would be an ideal destination
on the train – a nice Broads walk in the Norfolk sun and a
couple of pints before lazing back to Norwich or Yarmouth at your
leisure.
Other places to visit:
Lots – but include The Museum of the Broads, Hunsett Mill,
Stalham Staithe, and I gather there are even the remains of an old
Leper’s Chapel.
Nearby:
Some of Norfolk’s best beaches. And as well as the busy-ish
resorts, such as Mundesley or Sea Palling, there are also places
to go to get miles away from everyone else, such as Winterton and
Waxham.
Please please go to:
Stalham farmers’ markets. Support our local producers and
have a look at the markets on the first and third Saturdays of the
month – you won’t be able to resist leaving without
buying something.
