Market towns: Wymondham

Summary

Photo of the market square in Wymondham town centre

The historic market town of Wymondham has much to offer. It has been a settlement from at least Saxon times – and possibly earlier. William D’Albini, Chief Butler to Henry I built a priory for the Benedictine monastery of St Albans on the site of the Saxon church in 1107.

This grew in size and importance and became an Abbey in 1448 before being largely destroyed in the Reformation in 1538. All that remains today is the great twin-towered Abbey Church with its fine hammer-beam roofs and magnificent altar screen.

Further information

In tudor times Robert Kett and his brother William led the Norfolk rising against the enclosure of common land. They held the City of Norwich for six weeks until defeated by the King’s forces. Robert Kett was hanged from Norwich Castle and William was hanged from the west tower of Wymondham Abbey.

A great fire in 1615 destroyed many of the buildings in the town. Including the Market Cross. As a result, much of what you can see today dates from the 17th century, particularly in Market Street and Damgate Street. The Market Cross dates from 1617 and now houses the Tourist Information Centre.

Market Day – Friday.

Farmers’ Markets – third Saturday of every month.

External links

Wymondham online
Comprehensive site covering community news, events and a business directory.


About links to other websites.

Contact us

contact officer/team: Tourism Development Manager
web: online enquiry form
email: tourism@s-norfolk.gov.uk
telephone: 01508 533816
minicom/textphone: 01508 533622
address: South Norfolk Council
South Norfolk House
Swan Lane
Long Stratton
Norwich NR15 2XE

INTRAN interpretation service logo If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us. About our translation services

Last updated on: 30 April 2008