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About the Village |
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It’s possible that the origins of Great Massingham lie back as far as the 5th Century AD, when the area was inhabited in the wake of the Roman withdrawal, by a group of Angles and Saxons, whose leader’s name was thought to be Maesron. This 'family' of settlers were called Maersings, hence the home of the Maersings - Maersingham - later spelt as we know it today.
The Parish is mentioned in the Domesday Commissioners’ report of 1086, but strangely no reference is made to a church or priest. Less than 100 years later there were 2 churches in the Village, St Mary's and All Saints. Where is All Saints now? An Augustinian Abbey existed from the 11th century and there is a recorded visit by King Edward I on March 29th 1302 on his way to the shrine in Walsingham. Some of the original Abbey stonework can be seen in Abbey House, formerly the main residence of Abbey Farm which existed as a working farm until relatively recently.
The church represented the focal point of village life for hundreds of years, and would have been used for various meetings other than religious occasions. The porch, which was added to the building around 1300, was used as a school room. Sir Robert Walpole, who became England's first Prime Minister in 1720 following the Civil War in 1651 is thought to have been educated in this porch as a young boy. His descendents still live in Houghton Hall which he had built for his own use. (3 miles to the north of Great Massingham)
Agriculture has been the source of Massingham's wealth and survival over many hundreds of years, and it still plays an important role today. The Village has a population of around 900 and is made up of about 400 dwellings.
More recent history is reflected in the remains of Massingham Airfield which was the home to a number of RAF Bomber Squadrons during the Second World War. Sadly, nearly 600 aircrew based there lost their lives in that conflict. Although now mainly farm land it is still in use as an airfield and is regularly used by light aircraft. See the page for RAF Massingham
History is being made in Great Massingham everyday by its residents, their actions and activities. The village has a successful primary school, a playgroup for younger children, and an active sports and social club offering tennis, bowls, table tennis, badminton, snooker, darts etc.
A walking group, “The Massingham Strollers” arrange regular Sunday morning rambles around the many footpaths in the area.
A monthly newsletter, “The Mallard”, is published for the residents of Great & Little Massingham containing news, forthcoming events, church services, local business information etc.
A ‘broadband’ ADSL telephone/internet service became available in July 2004
If you are searching for family history etc, please contact the Massingham Historical Society
Anthony Robinson: 01485 520455 or e-mail: |
