The origins of Great Massingham are thought to go back to the 5th Century AD. When the Romans left Great Britain the area was inhabited by a group of Angles and Saxons. Their leader’s name was Maesron, and his 'family' of settlers were called Maersings, hence Maersingham, the home of the Maersings. Over the period of time this became Massingham, spelt as we know it today.
Although the parish is mentioned in the Domesday report of 1086, 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, but there are no signs of 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, England's first Prime Minister in 1720 was educated in this porch as a young boy. His descendents still live in Houghton Hall. (Three miles north of Great Massingham)
The village has a shop, post office, a pub & restaurant, 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.
If you are searching for family history etc, please contact the Massingham Historical Society
Anthony Robinson: 01485 520455 or
e-mail: ant@greatmassingham.net
The Village
Agriculture has been the source of Massingham's wealth and survival over many hundreds of years, and still plays an important role. The Village has a population of around 900 and is made up of about 400 dwellings.
Massingham Airfield was the home to a number of RAF Bomber Squadrons during the World War II, and sadly, almost 600 aircrew based there lost their lives. Although now mainly farm land it is still in use as an airfield and is regularly used by light aircraft.
