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A visitors guide to the village of Burnham Thorpe in Norfolk.
Most people are surprised when visiting the small hamlet of Burnham
Thorpe that it retains its off the beaten track atmosphere, unlike its
neighbour Burnham Market, which always seems to be bustling. This
tranquil setting is even more surprising when you consider its
connections with the illustrious Horatio Nelson who was born in the
village.
Unfortunately, Nelsons birthplace was demolished just after his father's
death and replaced by the present rectory. Now only a roadside plaque
marks the place where the old rectory stood and where Nelson grew up.
The village has a wide green overlooked by brick and
flint Georgian houses. In the church there is a marble bust of the
hero above his father's tomb. The church was restored in Nelson's honour
in the 19th century and a cross in the chancel arch and a lectern are
both made from timbers taken from HMS Victory.
Horatio Nelson used to frequent the local pub, that in his day was known
as The Plough, which is now known as The Lord Nelson. Nelson actually
gave a dinner to the young men of the village here before he left to
take up his command of the Agamemnon. Two years after Nelson’s death
the inn changed its name to the Lord Nelson. The pub/inn is full of
Nelson memorabilia and interesting oldie worldly rooms and in winter has
roaring log fires.
Nearby Burnham Market has an
attractive range of unusual shops gathered around its village green,
along with cafes and restaurants. Inland is the village of North
Creake where on its outskirts are to be found the remains of Creake
Abbey, founded in about 1206, by Sir Robert de Narford. Originally an
almshouse for the poor in 1231 it was given the status of an Abbey of
the Augustinian.
Heading towards the coast you will find Burnham
Overy Staithe a small coastal village with salt marshes and channels
out to the sea, well known for its sailing and bird watching pursuits.
Holkham Hall around 5
miles away has been home to the Earls of Leicester for over two hundred
and fifty years. The house is set in a Deer park with a scenic
lake. Also attached to the estate are miles of unspoilt beach and
woodland. The hall is open to visitors from the end of May until the end
of September. There is also a Bygones Museum, a Pottery and Cafe and
Nursery Gardens.
 On
the church door is a notice - "All who
enter of your charity pray latch these doors lest a bird enter and die
of thirst"
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