Bixley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bixley |
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 The former St Wandregesilius church, Bixley |
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 Bixley
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| Area | 5.42 km2 (2.09 sq mi) |
| Population | 144 (2011) |
| • Density | 27/km2 (70/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TG254059 |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | NORWICH |
| Postcode district | NR14 |
| Dialling code | 01603 |
| Police | Norfolk |
| Fire | Norfolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Bixley is a small area in Norfolk, England. It used to be its own local area, called a civil parish. Now, it's part of a bigger parish called Caistor St Edmund and Bixley. Bixley is located in the South Norfolk district.
In 2011, about 144 people lived in Bixley. It covers an area south of the city of Norwich. This area includes a small village called Arminghall. On April 1, 2019, Bixley joined with Caistor St Edmund to form the new combined parish.
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What's in a Name?
The name Bixley has an interesting meaning. Experts believe it means 'clearing in bushy land'. This tells us that long ago, this area might have been a place where trees and bushes were cleared to make space. Another place called Bixley near Ipswich has the same name origin.
Historic Church and Village
St Wandregesilius Church
Bixley is home to a very old church dedicated to St Wandregesilius. This church was built way back in 1272. St Wandregesilius was a French abbot from the 600s. This is the only church in all of England named after him!
Sadly, in May 2004, the church was badly damaged by a fire. It was gutted, meaning the inside was completely destroyed. The church did not have electricity. It used gas cylinders for heating. These cylinders were thought to have been used to start the fire.
Bixley Medieval Settlement
Near the old church, you can find the site of the Bixley medieval settlement. This is where a deserted medieval village once stood. A deserted medieval village is a place where people lived during the Middle Ages, but for some reason, everyone left. Now, only the remains of the old village can be seen.
The Tallest Windmill
Bixley is also known for its impressive windmill. Sir Timothy Colman, a famous local figure, lived at Bixley Manor. On the grounds of his home, there is a seven-story stump of what was once a huge windmill. This mill, called Bixley Tower Mill, was built in 1838.
When it was first built, Bixley Tower Mill was eleven stories tall. This made it the tallest windmill in Norfolk. It might even have been the tallest windmill in all of Britain! However, its height was reduced in 1872 to what you see today.
