They call him "Lord Peacock".

After playing host to an ostentation of peacocks, Dereham resident Phillip Eglen has become the talk of the town.

Mr Eglen was greeted by the appearance of eight of the birds on April 20, when they strolled into his garden and spent hours at his home on Fox Club Drive. 

Wanting to see if they belonged to anyone he posted to the town’s community notice board on Facebook, not knowing this would gain hundreds of likes and nearly as many comments, as well as casting him into the national spotlight.

Eastern Daily Press: After playing host to an ostentation of Peacocks, Dereham resident Phillip Eglen has become the talk of the town.After playing host to an ostentation of Peacocks, Dereham resident Phillip Eglen has become the talk of the town. (Image: Phillip Eglen)

“I’ve spoken to the BBC, I featured on Radio 2 this afternoon, and I had the Daily Mail on the phone,” the property developer said.

“It was just a rare thing to happen and for them to be sitting there for so long, I’m very surprised by the whole story, I’ve now been given the nickname of Lord Peacock.

“I sat out in the garden, sunny afternoon with a cup of tea and a book, thought they might leave, but they were unfazed with me sitting with them.” 

Eastern Daily Press: Mr Eglen was greeted by the appearance of eight of the birds on April 20, when they strolled into his garden and spend many hours at his home on Fox Club Drive in DerehamMr Eglen was greeted by the appearance of eight of the birds on April 20, when they strolled into his garden and spend many hours at his home on Fox Club Drive in Dereham (Image: Phillip Eglen)

He had hoped to discover if the peacocks had belonged to someone local, but after a week no one has claimed ownership, with many people in the town believing they are feral. 

Later that day, he was greeted by a single peacock, who was making a lot of fuss, before he was greeted by two returning birds.

Since the incident, he has become a bit of a local celebrity.

Eastern Daily Press: After the Peacocks incident, Phillip Eglen has become a bit of a celebrity - with even an appearance on BBC Radio 2's news bulletinAfter the Peacocks incident, Phillip Eglen has become a bit of a celebrity - with even an appearance on BBC Radio 2's news bulletin (Image: Phillip Eglen)

“I walk through the estate and people have stopped me and asked, ‘How you getting on with the peacocks,” he added.

“Other people have asked me in The Cock pub, but I’m certainly enjoying my moment of fame.”