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Buttercross, Swaffham, Norfolk, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Buttercross,_Swaffham_-_geograph.org.uk_-_191653.jpgAuthor: Eileen Henderson
Swaffham is a small market town in Breckland district, at the west-central part of Norfolk, England. Covering 29.57 sq km (11.42 sq mi), it has a population of 7,000 people (2012 estimate).
The history of Swaffham goes back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Manors in the area were mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. In the early days, surrounding villages were bigger, among them Castle Acre to the north. Swaffham came into its own in the 14th century, when it developed into a center for the sheep and wool trade. The resulting prosperity is reflected in its sizable market place.
Modern Swaffham is known for its two large wind turbines owned by Ecotricity. One of them has an observation deck.
The Ecotricitiy Wind Turbine in Swaffham with its observation deck: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ecotricity_wind_turbine_at_Swaffham.jpgAuthor: Crispin Semmens
Visiting Swaffham
From London, take the M11 motorway till Exit 9, then continue on the A11 road until you reach Mildenhall. From there, continue north on the A1065 road until you arrive in Swaffham.Places of Interest in Swaffham
- Buttercross, Swaffham: Market cross or pavilion dating to 1783, at the Swaffham market place.
- Castle Acre Castle: Remains of a motte-and-bailey castle in the village of Castle Acre, some 8 km to the north of Swaffham.
- Castle Acre Priory: Ruins of a 11th century priory in the village of Castle Acre near Swaffham.
- Swaffham Museum: Museum of local history, though interestingly it devotes a section to egyptology and the life or Egyptologist Howard Carter.
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