Aylsham is a town that predates the Norman Conquest, even today it has the hum and thrum of a small thriving market town.  Located near the valley of the river Bure, it was for or over 500 years a centre for the manufacture of linen and then of worsted. Aylsham's linens and canvases used to be nationally known.

Nowadays Aylsham is well known for hosting weekly auctions of antiques, furniture, collectables and garden plants, which bring in local people and visitors alike.

Interesting buildings surround the Market Place, that speak of centuries past and it is well worth taking a wander around the town. Both in the main shopping area and also the residential area as there are lots of lovely redbrick and flint houses all with their own unique quirky character and intriguing nooks and crannies .

The Blackboys public house used to be the place for both formal and social occasions and can trace its heritage back to the mid 17th century. During the 19th century it was the point where the coaches from Cromer and Holt would collect and deposit their passengers. 

The Bure Valley Railway and walk runs from here to Wroxham, passing through 9 miles of glorious countryside and just up the road is the National Trust Property of Blickling Hall. 

The name of Aylsham is thought to be of Saxon origin. In the Domesday book of 1086 the spelling was Elesham.

There is a plaque on the wall in the main high street to Christopher Layer born 1683 who was hung at Tyburn in 1723. He was known as a militant Jacobite and a supporter of bonnie Prince Charlie the 'pretender'. He plotted to put Prince Charlie back on the throne, he was arrested and tried for high treason.

There is an in-town supermarket, pubs and cafes. Aylsham is around half an hour from the city of Norwich with its cathedral, castle and shops.

The house near one of the entrances by the church that used to be the old Savings Bank and still bears that name.

Nelson is said to have danced in the assembly rooms at Aylsham.

Look at the display window of the Barber's shop in the market square with all its old implements.

In the churchyard of St. Michaels by the south chancel door is the rose-covered grave of the great landscape designer Humphry Repton (1752-1818).  Repton designed Sheringham Park along with many other parks and gardens. The church is one of the oldest building in the town.