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:
Three miles south of Watton, between the A1075 and the Stanford
training area. It’s a scenic route and driving it is leisurely,
especially if you get caught behind a tractor. In spring, the roads
are lined with daffodils and because there’s no through traffic
in the village, its ideal for visitors who fancy a bit of peace,
or horse riders who can use the network of bridleways.
Living
in the past?
Yes and no. Thompson has plenty of historic buildings but is also
a thriving 21st Century village. It boasts a school, church, village,
hall, post office, pub and plenty of village clubs. St Martin’s
Church, which is partly 14th Century, was a collegiate church, endowed
by the de Shardelowe brothers. In 1890, Lord Walsingham provided
the village hall, originally as a Reading Room. But the village
is best known for three special attractions: Thompson Water, Thompson
Common and the Pingo Trail.
Thompson Water
Tell
me more:
Thompson Water is a well-known beauty spot, a man-made lake created
in 1854 by Thomas Grey, Fifth baron Walsingham from the old peat
common of Sandwade Fen. Local people call it the Watering and it’s
now owned and run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Fishing enthusiasts
can get permits to fish there, or you can enjoy walking in the woodland
that borders the lake. It’s a haven for wildlife. Thompson
Common is one of the most important nature conservation sites in
the country and is an important Site of Special Scientific Interest.
It’s full of rare plant and animal life and for this reason,
dogs aren’t allowed on the common. It’s also the reason
visitors are warned to pack their insect repellent – mosquitoes
can be a real pain, especially in hot weather. Thompson Common is
also unique for having the highest density of pingos in Breckland.
Pingos?
Circular ponds created during the Ice Age. The Great Eastern Pingo
Trail starts at nearby Stow Bedon. The Thompson village website
explains that “the shallow depressions were originally low
hillocks, which formed around 20,000 years ago during the last ice
age, when water beneath the surface froze to form ‘lenses’
of ice, pushing the soil up. During the summer thaw, the soil on
the surface would sludge off and accumalte round the edges, When
the ice finally melted, the hillocks collapsed leaving the shallow
craters we see today.” They’re definitely worth a visit.
The Pingo Trail is an eight-mile walk that takes in the common.
Much of the walk goes through wooded countryside and wetlands, forest
areas and parts of the ancient Peddars Way as well as open countryside.
Parking is at the A1075 at Stow Bedon, in the old railway station
yard.
Chequers at Thompson
All that walking’s made me
thirsty.
Well you can’t go to Thompson without visiting The Chequers.
This picturesque thatched pub has a big following and people travel
quite a way to enjoy a pint and a bite to eat in its tranquil setting.
A few houses in the village also offer bed and breakfast if you
fancy a longer stay. Check the Wayland website for more information
at www.wayland.org.uk
Other places to visit:
The surrounding villages are steeped in history. Many have good
pubs and the lack of busy traffic makes them ideal for walkers and
riders. Not far away is Wayland Wood, reputedly the setting of the
story Babes in the Wood. Nearby Watton has a good mix of shops and,
once a month, holds a popular farmers’ market with foods and
crafts.
