West Raynham
| West Raynham | |
| Norfolk | |
|---|---|
 The ruins of St Margaret's church | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TF871253 |
| Location: | 52°47’36"N, 0°46’28"E |
| Data | |
| Post town: | Fakenham |
| Postcode: | NR21 |
| Dialling code: | 01328 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | North Norfolk |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
North Norfolk |
West Raynham is a little village in the north of Norfolk, close to the A1065 road, some five miles southwest of Fakenham. It is the largest village on the Raynham estate. This is one of three sister villages, along with East Raynham and South Raynham.
The River Wensum flows nearby. In 1931, the parish had a population of 241.[1]
History
The village can trace its origins back and before the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was known as Reinham.
The villages name means 'Regna's homestead/village' or 'Regna's hemmed-in land'.[2]
Raynham Hall
Raynham Hall is a rectangular mansion built of brick and stone dressings. Work commenced in 1619, and was completed in 1630. It is the seat of the Townshend family, and is owned today by the 7th Marquis Townshend.
Parish church
The church was first built in the 11th century. It fell into ruins from the 1720s, when the lead roof was removed to help pay for the restoration of St Marys at East Raynham. The ruin has now been consolidated and the church is now back in occasional use.[3]
RAF West Raynham
The former Royal Air Force station, RAF West Raynham, is located two miles west of the village. It opened in 1939 and closed in 1994, when it was sold to a property developer. Most of the properties are empty and in need of restoration, but people do currently live on the site and all houses are available to rent. There is also a small shop on site.
Recreation
Much of the area can be visited by a circular walk which takes in mixed woodland, water meadows, arable land and historic buildings, almost entirely on the Raynham estate.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about West Raynham) |
References
- ↑ "Population statistics West Raynham AP/CP through time". A Vision of Britain through Time. https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10195597/cube/TOT_POP. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ↑ Place-Names
- ↑ "Norfolk Churches". http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/westraynham/westraynham.htm.