Syderstone
| Syderstone | |
| Norfolk | |
|---|---|
 Signpost in Syderstone | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TF829326 |
| Location: | 52°51’36"N, 0°43’0"E |
| Data | |
| Population: | 445 |
| Post town: | King's Lynn |
| Postcode: | PE31 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | King's Lynn and West Norfolk |
Syderstone is a small village in Norfolk, to the west of Fakenham. The parish population was recorded at 445 at the 2011 Census.
Churches
St Mary's, the parish church, is one of 124 round-tower churches in Norfolk, as is the nearby church at Barmer. St Mary's has a service every Sunday at various times.
In its present form the church has its origins in the Norman period, but may date from earlier. It was remodelled and reduced in size in 1785, and underwent major restoration and refurnishing in 1859.
The initials "A. R." on the church gates refer to Amy Robsart, whose family were lords of the manor. She and her husband, Robert Dudley, later Earl of Leicester, lived for a time at Syderstone Hall, which no longer stands. She died young amid rumours that her husband had poisoned her. She provided the basis for a novel, Kenilworth, by Sir Walter Scott. The village hall is named after her.
About the village
Natterjack toads have been seen near the popular but overgrown duck pond. Syderstone is also known for its large common, which spans roughly 4 square miles. Much wildlife can be seen there including snakes, hares, rabbits and foxes.
In a field alongside the road that passes the duck pond there is a Second World War Home Guard pill box. On a bright spring day in 1944 or 1945 two P-51 Mustangs collided over Barwick Hall Farm near Stanhoe. One of the Mustangs crashed on Syderstone Common, killing the pilot.
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Syderstone) |
- Syderstone Parish Council
- Syderstone Common
- St Mary's: European Round Tower Churches