West Raynham

Infobox UK place
official_name = West Raynham
country= England
region= East of England
shire_district= North Norfolk
shire_county= Norfolk
civil_parish= Raynham
static_

static_image_caption= The ruins of St Margaret's church
population= 257 ( Combined with South & East Raynham 2001 census)
population_density=
os_grid_reference= TF871253
latitude= 52.79334
longitude= 0.77447
post_town= Fakenham
postcode_area= NR
postcode_district= NR21
dial_code= 01328
constituency_westminster= North Norfolk
london_distance= 110 miles

West Raynham is a village in the county of Norfolk. Located close to the A1065 road, some 5 miles SW of Fakenham and is the largest village on the Raynham estate. The river Wensum flows nearby. The village can trace its origins back and before the Domesday survey of 1086 when it was known as "Reinham". [http://www.raynham.org/content/view/29/32/ The Raynhams] Retrieved February 12 2008]

The Raynhams

Today, The Raynhams would cover West, East and South Raynham, a large area of farmland known as Raynham Park, which the Raynham villages and the 17th century Raynham Hall border.

Raynham Hall

Raynham Hall is a rectangular mansion built of brick and stone dressings. Work commenced in 1619 and was completed in 1630. It is the seat of the Townshend family, and is owned today by the 7th Marquis Townshend.

The Church of St Margaret

The church was first built in the 11th century. It fell into ruins from the 1720s, when the lead roof was removed to help pay for the for the restoration of St Marys at East Raynham. The ruin has now been consolidated and the church is now back in occasional use. [ [http://www.acny.org.uk/venue.php?V=2710 Church history] Retrieved February 12 2008] [ [http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/westraynham/westraynham.htm St Margarets] Retrieved February 12 2008]

RAF West Raynham

The former Royal Air Force station, RAF West Raynham, is located 2 miles west of the village. It opened in 1939 and closed in 1994, when it was sold to a property developer.

Recreation

Much of the area can be visited by a circular walk which takes in mixed woodland, water meadows, arable land and historic buildings, almost entirely on the Raynham estate. [ [http://www.countrysideaccess.norfolk.gov.uk/walk-51.asp?id=51 Circular walk] Retrieved February 12 2008]

External links

* [http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/consumption/groups/public/documents/general_resources/ncc017867.xls 2001 census]
* [http://www.westraynham.norfolk.sch.uk West Raynham primary school]
* [http://www.northnorfolk.org/downloadfiles/community_transport_North_Norfolk.pdf Community transport]

References