Houghton on the Hill, Norfolk
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Houghton on the Hill | |
|---|---|
 St Mary's Church, Houghton on the Hill | |
  Houghton on the Hill Location within Norfolk | |
| Population | 0 |
| OS grid reference | TF868053 |
| Civil parish | |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Swaffham |
| Postcode district | PE37 |
| Dialling code | 01760 |
| Police | Norfolk |
| Fire | Norfolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| UK Parliament | |
Houghton on the Hill is a deserted medieval village and former civil parish, now in the parish of North Pickenham in the Breckland district of Norfolk, England, notable for its Grade I listed church.[1] The only surviving buildings are a farm and St Mary's Church. The church was rescued in the 1990s after being left in a ruinous state. During the restoration some wall paintings dating from about the time of the Domesday Book were discovered; these are the earliest-known large-system wall paintings in the country.[2] The restoration was driven by the efforts of one man, Bob Davey MBE.[3][4] The church is supported by a charitable trust 'The Friends of St Mary's', who open the church on a regular basis and provide guided tours. In 1931 the parish had a population of 21.[5]
There is evidence of habitation in this area going back to prehistoric times, with flint tools and a Bronze Age spearhead being found in local fields. The village was located close to the Peddars Way Roman road, and a large villa and, possibly, a temple were located nearby.[6]
The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book, being owned by Reynold, son of Ivo. A man called Herlwin held land in Houghton from Reynold. The present nave of the church was built at this time, and the paintings inside probably date from this period.
Francis White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Norfolk of 1854,[7] states that the parish consisted of 10 houses, with 50 residents and 600 acres of land. During the First World War, the church was damaged when a Zeppelin dropped a bomb close to the churchyard.[8] The church was abandoned in 1937. The last derelict cottages were demolished in the 1990s.
On 1 April 1935 the parish was abolished and merged with North Pickenham.[9]
Bob Davey of North Pickenham started the rescuing of the ivy-covered roofless ruin in 1992.[3][10] He received the MBE in the 2006 Birthday Honours "for services to Church Restoration in Norfolk".[11] Davey died on 4 March 2021, aged 91[12] and his life and the restoration of the church were discussed on BBC Radio 4's obituary programme Last Word in April 2021.[13]
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