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 | | The Brecks has five market towns – Thetford, Swaffham, Watton, Brandon and Mildenhall. Each town lies at the heart of a vibrant community and has a special history and distinctiveness. Bustling weekly markets and Farmer’s Markets are held selling a range of goods and delicious local product. | |
| | | | Brandon www.forest-heath.gov.uk
Flint, fur and forestry have been the lifeblood of Brandon which dates from Anglo Saxon times.
The Little Ouse river runs through the town and It was a busy inland port for barges navigating the river to Kings Lynn and an important communications link where east, west and southern England met. The town’s market received its Charter in the 16th century and it was famous for its flint industry. From primitive weapons and tools of the Stone Age, local craftsmen “flint-knappers” turned out 1 million musket flints a month in the early 1900s. Today flint is in demand for decorative building work.
Collections in the Brandon Heritage Centre offer a unique view of the town’s colourful history from the Stone Age to the present.
Hire a boat or take a leisurely stroll along the Little Ouse river. Aircraft enthusiasts can visit the Plane spotters areas at the USAF airbases at nearby Mildenhall and Lakenheath.
Brandon has a bustling shopping area and markets are held every Thursday and Saturday in the Market Place.
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| | | | | Mildenhall www.forest-heath.gov.uk
For thousands of years people have lived in and visited the Mildenhall area, as evidenced by the remains of Stone Age and Bronze Age settlements. Mildenhall became famous in 1942 when probably the most beautiful objects to survive from Roman Britain were found as part of the Mildenhall Treasure, an impressive hoard of 34 pieces of fourth century Roman silver tableware.
The River Lark flows peacefully through the town. You can follow the riverside walk to Barton Mills or stroll to West Row. Enjoy a picnic or a riverside drink at one of the pubs along the way.
Mildenhall is also known for modern day technology and the USAF bases at Mildenhall and Lakenheath attract much interest to view the giant planes overhead from designated plane spotters’ areas.
Today the old market town of Mildenhall still offers much that is appealing of the past. Traditional fronted shops and a bustling Friday market attract many visitors and parking is also free.
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| | | | | Swaffham www.aroundswaffham.co.uk
“Norfolk’s most attractive Market Town” and featured on televisions’ "KINGDOM"
Swaffham’s fine Georgian buildings are a reminder that this town has long been a commercial centre – reputed to be a one time favourite of Lord Nelson. Amongst its more famous sons was Howard Carter, the Egyptologist who discovered the treasures of Tutankhamun. When he lived in Swaffham, he could often be seen touring the town’s weekly market in the main square, bargaining with traders. It’s a pleasure which can still be enjoyed by today’s visitors!
The Eco-tech Centre has an Education and Conference Centre with climbable E66 Wind Turbine as well as an organic garden, shop and café. (link to Ecotech page)
Each Saturday, the market place is filled with stalls as local food produce vies for attention with everything from antiques to clothing with over 70 stalls.
On the first Wednesday of every month the Farmer’s Market is held at the War Memorial/Market Place. A Poultry Auction organised by Fabien Eagle is held at Lynn Road.
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| | | | | Thetford www.explorethetford.co.uk
The ancient market town of Thetford is filled to the brim with history and heritage sites, huge earthworks, quiet gardens, open parkland and a relaxing riverside to enjoy.
There are excellent transport connections with a mainline station linking to the national train network and has regular coach services with National Express.
Churches have been important in Thetford since Saxon times and five were named in the Domesday book. In the 18th century, Burrell’s steam traction engines were world renowned and the wooden paint shop is now a museum.
Thomas Paine, the influential and sometimes controversial writer, was born here and the last Maharajah of the Indian Punjab surrendered his sovereign rights and came to live in Thetford.
Dad’s Army, the famous BBC television series was filmed in and around the town but it was known as Walmington-on-Sea. A range of free town trails have been developed visiting interesting sights and with quirky stories. You can choose from the ‘Dad’s Army’, ‘Thomas Paine’ ‘Heritage’ ‘Maharajah Duleep Singh’ or a special ‘Haunted Trail’.
A small market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Market Square and there is a selection of individual shops as well as some of the High Street names. All parking in Thetford is free!
A Farmer’s Market is also held monthly in the Carnegie Rooms.
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| | | | | Watton www.wayland.org.uk
The market at Watton is the strongest link with the past. Between 1200 and 1204 the Lord of Watton Hall, John de Vaux, obtained a charter for a market to be held on Fridays. Very quickly the people of nearby Saham Toney complained to the King that the market was harming their own held on the same day. Their complaints were upheld and the charter was withdrawn. However, John de Vaux conveyed the manor to his brother, Olivers, who was on better terms with the King since he immediately obtained a new charter for a Wednesday market and so it has remained ever since.
There are some interesting buildings in Watton including the Clock Tower built in 1679. The Town Clock has a mechanism, which was presented to the town in 1827 by a leading citizen, Edward Stevens.
Many of the shops in the town are still family businesses run by 2nd and 3rd generations, having seen much expansion.
Watton Sports Centre has a range of facilities including carpet bowls, badminton, squash, tennis and a fully-fitted fitness centre.
Family events are held throughout the year including the ever-popular summer Wayland Show.
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