Old Buckenham

Old Buckenham. A village and civil parish in the Breckland District of Norfolk, England, situated approximately 5 miles west of Attleborough and 15 miles southwest of Norwich. The settlement is noted for its expansive village green, historic airfield, and a rich history dating to the Domesday Book. The parish includes the hamlet of Fen Street and is part of the South Norfolk parliamentary constituency.

History

The area is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Bucchenham", held by William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey. The village was historically divided between the parishes of All Saints and St. Andrew, with the latter now in ruins. In the medieval period, the de Albini family were significant local landowners, and Old Buckenham Castle was constructed as a motte-and-bailey fortress, later replaced by a Norman stone castle of which earthworks remain. The village played a role during the English Reformation, and local estates were later held by families such as the Knyvetts. The 20th century saw the establishment of the Old Buckenham Airfield, used by the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War.

Geography

The civil parish covers an area of approximately 2,100 acres within the county of Norfolk. It lies on relatively flat terrain typical of the region, with the River Thet flowing to the south. The soil is primarily a mix of Breckland heath and fertile loam. The parish is bordered by the parishes of New Buckenham, Banham, Wilby, and Attleborough. A significant geographical feature is the large, roughly triangular village green, one of the largest in the country, which historically served as common land. The hamlet of Fen Street is located to the southeast of the main village.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census, the parish had a population of 1,173 residents living in 491 households. The population density was significantly lower than the national average, reflecting its rural character. The age distribution was broadly similar to national figures, with a slight majority of residents identifying their ethnic group as White British. Employment was predominantly in sectors such as agriculture, retail, and manufacturing, with a notable number of residents commuting to Norwich, Attleborough, and Diss. The parish falls under the jurisdiction of Breckland District Council and Norfolk County Council.

Landmarks

Notable landmarks include the extensive village green, which hosts annual events like the Old Buckenham Country Show. The historic Old Buckenham Airfield remains active for general aviation and hosts a popular annual air show. The parish church of All Saints is a Grade I listed building with a round tower dating to the Saxon period, while the ruins of St. Andrew's Church are a scheduled monument. Remnants of Old Buckenham Castle, including motte and bailey earthworks, are located near the village centre. Other listed buildings include the Old Buckenham Hall and the 17th-century Dovecote on the green.

Transport

The village is served by the B1077 road, which connects it to Attleborough and the A11 trunk road to the east, and to New Buckenham and the B1113 road to the west. Public transport is provided by bus services operated by Konectbus linking the village to Norwich, Attleborough, and East Harling. The nearest railway station is in Attleborough, on the Breckland line between Cambridge and Norwich, operated by Greater Anglia. The Old Buckenham Airfield provides facilities for private aviation.

Education

The village is served by Old Buckenham Primary School, a community school located on Abbey Road. For secondary education, pupils typically attend Old Buckenham High School in the neighbouring parish, or schools in Attleborough and Wymondham. Further education is available at colleges in Norwich, such as City College Norwich and Easton & Otley College. The village also has a pre-school playgroup and benefits from community learning programs supported by Norfolk County Council. Category:Villages in Norfolk Category:Civil parishes in Norfolk