Thetford Warren Lodge

Thetford Warren Lodge

At Thetford Warren stands a fortified lodge constructed about 1400 by the Prior of Thetford to provide accommodation and protection for gamekeepers. It says a lot about the climate of that time that the prior felt the need to create a defensive building capable of withstanding attacks by local poachers.

The fine interior finish suggests that it was intended from the start to serve as genteel accommodation for hunting parties, in addition to providing accommodation for the gamekeeper.

The lodge stands two storeys high and measures 8.5 metres by 5.8 metres wide. The walls are up to 1 metre thick in places, another indication of the defensive role the lodge was meant to fulfil. The walls are of flint rubble and brick, dressed with limestone.

The lodge from the rear

During the 18th and 19th centuries this area of Breckland was heavily used for managing rabbit warrens, and the lodge was taken over by local rabbit warreners.

Visiting

It can be hard to find Thetford Warren Lodge. When I visited, there was no discernable sign-posting to be seen. Even the OS map for the Thetford Forest area was not much help; it shows a picnic area and footpaths beside the lodge, but there was no picnic area signposted from the road and none that I could see on the ground.

The front facade

The best way to find the parking area for the Lodge is to look for the Thetford Golf Club, which is located on the B1107 immediately south of the dirt road that leads to the warren. From the parking area at the end of the road, take the footpath uphill that leads beside the golf club fence. The lodge will be found amidst the trees after about 100 yards.