Stalham, Norfolk Broads

History

The name comes from Old English for a 'Settlement by the River', a reference to the River Ant, which was a much more important waterway in the medieval period than it is today. At the time of the Domesday Book, there were 4 large landowners holding manors at Stalham, with the largest probably being the Abbey of St Benet's at Home.

The River Ant was drained in the late medieval period and the first house was not erected by the Staithe until 1648. Stalham was a relatively self-sufficient farming community until the late 19th century. Even the coming of the railway in 1881 did little to change that. The old railway station is at the end of High Street and is now a council depot. The rail line itself closed in 1959.

St Mary's Church

The 15th-century parish church of St Mary's is worth a visit. It has an oddly truncated west tower and a beautifully carved 15th-century font. Look for the tomb of Catherine Catfield, who died in 1718, and a memorial brass to William Riche (d. 1624). Five panels of a vividly painted medieval screen are set upon the wall.

Museum of the Broads

Museum of the Broads

On Stalham Staithe, a short walk from the town centre, you will find the Museum of the Broads, which tells the intriguing story of how the Norfolk Broads came to be, and how it is being preserved. Also on the Staithe are several boatyards where you can hire a boat to enjoy the Broads waterways.

The former Maids Head Inn, opposite the church, is a medieval building said to have been built to house workers constructing St Mary's. Legend says that a secret tunnel connected the inn and the church. The inn closed several years ago and the building now houses several shops.

The Firehouse Museum

Firehouse Museum

Across the road is the free Firehouse Museum, housed in a very small town firehouse erected in 1833. It is thought to represent one of the earliest town fire brigades in England. The museum collection includes an original horse-drawn pump engine and a wealth of historical items used in fighting fires locally. Beside the museum is the old town lockup, accessed by a small door.

On the edge of town is Stalham Hall, an attractive Jacobean manor (not usually open to the public).