Forthcoming event

A Day in the Burnhams

• 15 October 2024 10.15am - 4.30pm
• Burnham Market, Norfolk PE31 8HG
• Exclusive to EAAF Members - if you're not a member and would like to attend this event Join Now.

Event Sold Out! To join the waiting list, please email info@eastangliaartfund.org.uk

The six North-West Norfolk coastal villages of 'The Burnhams' are much sought-after destinations for holidaymakers. The Burnhams derive their names from the beautiful chalk stream, the River Burn, which flows over 12 kms from South Creake out into the sea at Burnham Overy Staithe.

On our Day in the Burnhams, we will visit three Burn villages - Burnham Market, Burnham Norton, and Burnham Thorpe and discover something of their history, and their evolution into the sophisticated and delightful places we know today.

Our tour begins in the biggest village, Burnham Market, at the famous Hoste Arms. There, over coffee and biscuits, long-time resident and historian, Jane Ridley, will give us a light-hearted introduction to the history and architecture of Burnham Market – and the Burnham Murders! We then set off with Jane on a circular walk around some of this most picturesque village, much celebrated as somewhere with 'not a brick out of place'.

We return to The Hoste for lunch. After lunch, we have invited well-known writer and local historian, Jim Ring, to give us some insights into his 2024 book – LIFEBLOOD: THE CREEK, THE BURNHAMS AND OVERY STAITHE. Jim gives a brilliant account of this remarkable cluster of Burnham villages. The book will be available to buy in hardback @ £20 each – a definite Christmas present for any Norfolk lover! (Please bring cash - all proceeds donated by Jim to Overy Staithe Harbour Trust)

We then head off to the church of St. Margaret, Burnham Norton. Here Lyn Stilgoe, the church historian and author of another wonderful illustrated book, THE ROUND TOWER CHURCHES OF NORFOLK will illuminate this ancient little church, with its round tower and sea views. Features include the 15^th century 'wine-glass' painted pulpit and fragments of the painted Rood screen, plus the Norman font - still used today for christenings. We will also see the newly installed Coronation Gate made by James Spedding, of Holkham Forge and designed by local sculptor Polly Ionides. The gates depict the victory of St. Margaret of Antioch over the Dragon.

Next, we drive past the impressive 13^th century gatehouse and extensive ruins of the former Burnham Norton Carmelite Friary, en route to our final Burnham village of this tour – Burnham Thorpe, famed as the 1758 birthplace of Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Our final stop is The Shooting Box, the ancient Burnham Thorpe house, beside the River Burn, owned by EAAF Patron, Dr. Paul Zuckerman. Paul and his partner Sarah Greenall, have very kindly invited us for tea and cake, with the opportunity to enjoy some of their art collection.

Tickets are £65 per person and include refreshments, lunch and tours. Car sharing is encouraged, please let us know if you need a lift or can offer one. The day is organised by Charlotte Crawley.

10.15am	Arrival at the Hoste Arms, Burnham Market - tea and coffee
10.45am	A talk and walking tour of Burnham Market with Jane Ridley
12.30pm	Lunch at the Hoste Arms with historian Jim Ring
2.00 pm	Church of St Margaret, Burnham Norton, with Lyn Stilgoe
3.30pm	Afternoon tea at The Shooting Box, Burnham Thorpe
4.30pm	Event Close

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