Hingham, Norfolk
Hingham is situated in rural Norfolk, home to just over 2,000 residents and 17 miles away from the county town of Norfolk, Norwich.
The town has a truly unique character and history, despite its small size. The town still acts like a small market town, though the shops are extremely varied and provide a wide range of modern conveniences.
Though many of the locals commute to Norwich and visit it regularly, Hingham itself is still a popular spot with its own independent attractions and town life. It also attracts visitors from across the Atlantic as a result of its close connections to Hingham, Massachusetts.
The History of Hingham
This rural market town has had its fair share of history, beginning with its ancient origins. The name Hingham is, in fact, Saxon and the town was held in royal ownership from the 10th century AD. As a display of its royal wealth visitors can still today see the 14th century parish Church of St. Andrews rising above the marketplace landscape.
Despite its rich history, many of Hingham's older buildings were destroyed in a fire in 1688.
Hingham Conservation Area
The town is home to a conservation area around its two greens. This includes the Market Place and the Fairland, where an historic fair takes place each and every year. Here visitors can see a number of Georgian buildings. In fact, the view of Georgian buildings is what gave Hingham its nickname of 'Little London' in the 1800s.
The Admiral's House is located on the eastern side of the Market Place and Beaconsfield House. Close by is the Southernwood 17th century house, owned for 20 years by Lord Ironside, who is famous for his role as Chief of Imperial General Staff at the start of the Second World War, and Commander of the Home Forces in 1940. Lord Ironside is commemorated near to the Abraham Lincoln bust within the church.
The Local Area
South Norfolk, where Hingham is situated, is home to picturesque countryside and farmland. In total, there are a number of 51 conservation sites in the area, including the historic area within Hingham itself.
