Pictures of Worstead

About Worstead

Worstead is one of those delightful places that prospered and thrived during the great days of the 'wool' industry. Flemish weavers came to East Anglia in the Middle Ages when they brought with them a new technique for the production of fine wool cloth which was to become known throughout the world as worsted. From then on, Worstead became the centre for the new cloth and for several centuries the town enjoyed stability.

Everywhere you look in Worstead, there are reminders of this great period, none more so than in the beautiful church of St. Mary which was built from money donated by wealthy wool merchants who had settled in the village. The church dates 14th-century and has an imposing 109ft tower and, amongst it's treasures are copies of designs made by Sir Joshua Reynolds for some of the windows of New College Chapel, Oxford. These are believed to date 1831. The church also has a splendid Hammerbeam Roof. It is a place of worship that is quite fascinating and well worth a visit.

Interestingly, of the pleasant buildings in the town are some weavers cottages - these housed 12ft high looms, and John Cubitt was one of the last known of the town's weavers, he died aged 91 in 1882. Around Church Plain there are several well preserved 17th-century properties.

Worstead hosts an annual festival which is attended by folk from all over the region and beyond. It is a 3 day event, which is hugely enjoyable and offers something for everyone.

The glorious countryside around here is matched only by the beautiful coastline of the Norfolk Heritage Coast which is around 12 miles away. Other nearby attractions are Blickling Hall and the Bure Valley Railway.