Downham Market was originally called Dunham or Duneham which translates from the Anglo-Saxon to 'town on a hill'. As it rises about 128 feet from the Fenland to the west and the south, the name seems very appropriate. By 1050 town had been granted market status by Edward the Confessor, allowing a weekly market to be held. Originally this was held on Saturdays but nowadays takes place on both Fridays and Saturdays.
Downham Market has a few claims to fame. One of these is that Charles I of England, escaping across the Fens after the Battle of Naseby in 1646, stayed at an inn on the site of today's Swan Inn. Afterwards he is said to have gone to Snore Hall and Fordham. The footpath which runs past St. Edmund's Church is, still today, known as King's Walk.
Some historians also claim that Norfolk's Hero, Horatio Nelson was educated in Downham Market during his younger days. However, the location of his supposed school, is open to debate. Amongst others, Reeds furniture shop holds a fairly strong claim as a school was once located there and the house is named 'Nelson House'. Disappointingly there is no evidence to suggest that Nelson's education in Downham Market is any more than a myth. Although, this does not prevent his image being shown on Downham Market's town sign!
Key landmarks in the town are St. Edmunds Church, the town clock on Town Square (formerly the Market Place), The Crown Hotel, and the Town Hall. There is a Town Trail which can be followed for people who wish to spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the treasures of the town.