Reepham

Reepham is an attractive small town set in picturesque countryside between the Wensum and Bure Valleys. Lovely 18th century houses, many with Flemish influence, surround the Market Place, which has been designated a conservation area. The churchyard once had three churches, but one has been a ruin since 1543 with only a fragment now remaining. The parish church of St Mary's stands back to back with St Michael, the parish church of neighbouring Whitwell. Today, Reepham has some good shops to browse, a range of places to stay, eat and drink. Market day is Wednesdays and regular antiques fairs are held at the Old Reepham Brewery. Nearby Booton is a small village and contains one of the most intriguing churches in Norfolk. At the former Reepham Station there is a small museum, tea room and cycle hire. The station is the start of the Marriott's Way, 21 miles of former railway trackbed, made available as a rural trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Reepham Town Sign, showing everything in three's, a reference to a myth that 3 sisters were responsible for the 3 churches in Reepham

Part of Reepham Marketplace

Butchers and other shops around the Marketplace

The Old Brewery House is a listed Georgian building built in 1729 and originally named The Dial House (because of the large sun dial above the main door). The name was changed in 1972 to recognise it's previous use as a brewery.

Although Reepham dates back to just after the Norman conquest, much of it was destroyed by fire in 1543 and many of the older properties were lost. However, the town was rebuilt and the majority of the existing buildings date from the 18th century, with a Flemish influence. The buildings are located along pretty streets, alleys and lokes.

Attractive buildings in Reepham

Georgian Property in Dereham Road

At one time three churches stood in the churchyard at Reepham. The great fire in 1543 virtually destroyed one, with only a fragment remaining. St Mary’s is now the single parish church and stands back to back with St Michael’s, although consecrated, is mainly used as a community building. St Mary's church is usually open to visitors and the interior was extensively restored in the 19th century. A few medieval treasures have survived including a Norman font, a superb altar tomb and some lovely stained glass.

Reepham Churches of St Mary and St Michael

Inside the church of St Mary's

Stained glass in St Mary's

Car-parking can be found in the market place (free).

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