Thetford
Grimes Graves were in use about 2500 BC
Thetford derives its name from its location as a crossing point on the River Thet.
We know that there was human activity in the area around 2500 BC. Largely due to the neolithic flint mines at Grimes Graves (http://missgshostnationwebsite.weebly.com/the-local-landscape.html).
Earth fortifications were constructed by the Iceni people around 500 BC. The Iceni ruled East Anglia at that time. Boudicca is the most famous of the Iceni leaders; she was Queen of the Iceni tribe at the time of the Roman invasion and led a revolt agains the Romans.
We know that there was human activity in the area around 2500 BC. Largely due to the neolithic flint mines at Grimes Graves (http://missgshostnationwebsite.weebly.com/the-local-landscape.html).
Earth fortifications were constructed by the Iceni people around 500 BC. The Iceni ruled East Anglia at that time. Boudicca is the most famous of the Iceni leaders; she was Queen of the Iceni tribe at the time of the Roman invasion and led a revolt agains the Romans.
Thetford Castle Mound
By 1066, Thetford was England's sixth largest town. The Normans built a castle here, as was their custom, to control their newly conquered subjects. All that is left today are the earthworks and castle mound.
For a short while there was a cathedral church in Thetford. In the 1190s, King Richard I granted a Royal Charter to the town and religious establishments were important until Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in 1536.
For a short while there was a cathedral church in Thetford. In the 1190s, King Richard I granted a Royal Charter to the town and religious establishments were important until Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in 1536.
Tranquility at Nun's Bridge, Thetford.
More recently, the town has been developed to incorporate residential and industrial areas, leading to the influx of many businesses and their employees. The majority of new residents have moved from the London area. Despite all of this new construction, there is still plenty of the old town for visitors to explore.
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine statue, Thetford
Thomas Paine, a contemporary of Benjamin Franklin, was born in Thetford in 1737. He emigrated to America in 1774. He settled in Philadelphia and was heavily involved in the fight for American Independence but after this was won he played no part in the establishment of the new republic. After this he led a radical life, becoming involved in the French Revolution and even becoming a French citizen. His most famous written works is 'The Rights of Man' in 1791 (part 1) and 1792 (part 2).
Until this page has been developed please go to http://www.thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/ or http://www.explorethetford.co.uk/