brundall (towns and villages)

Brundall, known in the Domesday Book as 'Brundala' meaning 'Broomy nook' is a thriving village in the Norfolk Broads National Park situated six miles from Norwich.

waterways of the broads

Brundall's position on the northern bank of the River Yare with the entire 150 mile network of waterways and Broads stretching away down river helps attract many visitors wishing to explore this picturesque area by land or by water.

Marinas both large and small cater for all manner of private craft while Brundall's boatyards offer hirecraft ranging from tiny day-boats to luxurious cruisers.

Most water activities and sports are available while a trip on a restored Norfolk Wherry evokes the not-so-distant past when they were the main mode of transport on the river.

Just across the river in Surlingham Broad the skeletons of several wherries can be seen jutting above the water. Only a five minute row from the village the broad offers magnificent fishing.

wildlife and the countryside

For nature lovers the Mid Yare Nature Reserve, stretching from Surlingham to Cantley is a must. Its status as a National Nature Reserve is formal recognition of the area's importance for wildlife. If you like to keep your feet on dry land, it's also a lovely area for cycling, with a network of quiet lanes to explore.

village life

The closeness of different amenities to the centre of the village helps to foster a positive and friendly community spirit. Close by is the Memorial Hall, which is a regular home to many sports and other local groups.

As the village has excellent road access and regular bus and train services it's not surprising that many people decide to make it their permanent home.

historic brundall

Brundall's history is inextricably bound up with the River Yare, once the main artery for trade between Norwich and the sea.

The remains of a Roman villa, and traces of pottery, brick, and tile manufacture have been found in the village. With the settlement of the Anglo Saxons, probably complete by the end of the 5th century, the story of Brundall really began. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 Brundall had grown into a thriving village. Local remains from the Anglo Saxon period can now be found in Norwich Castle Museum.

The Ram public house is possibly the oldest medieval building in the village while the buildings of Brundall's Long Street offer an insight into the last 300 years of life in the village.

brundall and braydeston churches

Before they grew into one large village, Brundall and Braydeston used to be two small separate communities each with its own parish church. Although the communities merged in 1883, the two churches still survive.

st laurence's church

St Laurence Church, situated off The Street at the heart of Brundall, dates from about 1250. The original nave and chancel were extended by the addition of a north aisle in 1900 and a further extension to the west in the 1970s. The church has no tower; instead a small double bell turret containing a single bell, dated 1778.

The church's 13th century lead cased font is the only one of its kind in Norfolk, while among its stain glass windows, a small roundel of St Laurence is of particular interest.

st michael's church

The mid 15th century church of St Michael, Braydeston is separated from the village in a picturesque setting surrounded by fields. It is probable that the village moved away from the church after the ravages of the Black Death in 1349. Evidence exists that a church predating the current building was built on the site in the Saxon period.

The church is a very simple building with a nave, chancel and square tower housing a single 15th century bell bearing the Latin inscription "Hec fit scorum campa laude bonorum " ("This bell was made to praise the good saints"). It also retains a fireplace and oven used to bake communion bread; one of only three remaining examples in Norfolk.

An attempt by the Bishop of Norwich and the Church Commissioners in 1948 to close the church led to a celebrated legal battle, eventually tried by the Lord Chief Justice in Downing Street. The people of Braydeston won the day and the church retained its status as a parish church.