Dereham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dereham |
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 The market place on High Street |
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 Dereham
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| Area | 21.51 km2 (8.31 sq mi) |
| Population | 19,256 (2021 Census) |
| • Density | 895/km2 (2,320/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TF988132 |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | DEREHAM |
| Postcode district | NR19, NR20 |
| Dialling code | 01362 |
| Police | Norfolk |
| Fire | Norfolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Dereham (pronounced like "deer-um"), also known as East Dereham, is a town in Norfolk, England. It is located about 15 miles (25 km) west of Norwich. Dereham is a busy market town and the main center for the Breckland District.
The town has a population of about 19,256 people (2021 Census). It covers an area of about 8.31 square miles. Dereham is twinned with two towns: Rüthen in Germany and Caudebec-lès-Elbeuf in France.
Contents
- History of Dereham
- Transport Around Town
- Saint Withburga's Well
- How Dereham is Governed
- Jobs and Businesses
- Shopping and Economy
- Sports and Fun Activities
- Local News and Media
- Schools and Youth Groups
- Things to See and Do
- Dereham Blues Festival
- Famous People from Dereham
- Twin Towns
- Images for kids
- See also
History of Dereham
How Dereham Got Its Name
The name Dereham comes from an old English word "deor." This word means "deer" or "wild animal." The ending "-ham" means "village" or "homestead." So, Dereham might have been a place where deer were kept or grazed.
Early Days and a Saint
Local stories say that Saint Wihtburh started a monastery here in the 600s. She was believed to be the daughter of King Anna of the East Angles. Even though old writings don't mention her monastery, there is proof of an early church site in Dereham.
The Domesday Book from 1086 shows that Dereham was already an important market town. It had three mills back then. The town grew around Saint Nicholas Church, which was built in the Norman era. Many old buildings were destroyed by big fires in 1581 and 1679. This is why the town looks more Georgian today.
Ancient Discoveries
People have found many old things near Dereham. A polished greenstone axe head from the Neolithic (New Stone Age) was found in 1986. Other tools and burnt flints from the Bronze Age have also been discovered.
An old horse bridle bit from the Iron Age was found in 2000. Dereham is also thought to be on a Roman Road. In 2004, over 1000 Roman coins from the 200s AD were found here. This was the largest find of Roman coins in Norfolk.
Prisoners of War
In the late 1700s, the bell tower of Dereham church was used as a prison. French prisoners of war were held there while being moved. In 1799, a French officer named Jean de Narde tried to escape. He was shot and killed when he refused to surrender. Jean is buried in the churchyard. A memorial stone marks his grave.
Windmills and Volunteers
One of the windmills built around this time is the East Dereham Windmill. It was built in 1836 and used wind power until 1922. It was later restored and opened as an exhibition center in 2013.
In 1859, a group called the Dereham Rifle Volunteer Corps was formed. They were a local defense group. They even formed a guard of honor when the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the town.
World War I and Zeppelins
During the First World War, Dereham was attacked by a German Zeppelin airship. This happened on September 8, 1915. Several buildings were damaged, including the headquarters of the 5th Norfolk Regiment.
In December 1915, another Zeppelin dropped 75 bombs on Dereham. Several houses were destroyed. Bombs also hit the Red Cross hospital, but they did not explode. Four people were killed and six were injured in this raid.
World War II Defenses
During the Second World War, Dereham was an important defense point. It was partly fortified to slow down any German invasion. A pillbox (a small concrete fort) from this time can still be seen at the railway station yard. It is kept as a memorial.
A Cold War-era bunker was also built underground near the Guild Hall.
Railways in Dereham
The railway came to Dereham in 1847. Lines connected the town to Wymondham, King's Lynn, and Fakenham. Dereham had its own railway depot and many sidings for local businesses.
Passenger trains stopped running on most lines in the 1960s. The line to King's Lynn closed in 1968. The last passenger train from Dereham to Wymondham ran in 1969. However, the railway stayed open for freight until 1989.
A section of the old railway line was used to build the A47 bypass in 1978. This road helps traffic go around the town. Dereham railway station has also been used for filming. It appeared in the TV show Dad's Army and the BBC series Bodyguard.
Transport Around Town
Roads for Travel
The main road, the A47, used to go right through Dereham. Now, a bypass built in 1978 helps traffic flow around the town. Other important roads meet in Dereham, connecting it to places like Fakenham, Watton, and Wymondham.
Biking and Buses
National Cycle Route 13 goes through Dereham, making it easy to cycle.
Buses run often from Dereham to Norwich and Peterborough. There are also services to nearby villages. Dereham does not have a bus station. Most buses stop in the marketplace.
Railway Connections
Dereham does not have regular National Rail services today. The closest station for national trains is Wymondham. This station is on the line between Norwich and Cambridge.
Heritage Railway Fun
The railway line between Wymondham, Dereham, and County School is now a heritage railway. It is run by the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust. This group runs special tourist trains. They also have fun events like the Polar Express Train Ride in winter.
There are plans to bring back regular train services between Dereham and Norwich. This would help people commute for work or school. Local councils and politicians support these plans.
Saint Withburga's Well
At the western end of Saint Nicholas Church yard, there is a holy well. Local stories say this well started flowing when Saint Withburga's body was taken from the town by monks from Ely.
In 1752, people tried to make Dereham a spa town like Buxton. They built a bathhouse over Withburga's Well. But it was not popular and was later pulled down. Today, the well is a "sunken spring" and is kept clear of weeds.
How Dereham is Governed
Dereham has three levels of local government:
- Dereham Town Council: This council looks after local things like play areas, parks, cemeteries, and markets. Their office is at the Assembly Rooms.
- Breckland District Council: This council has its main office in Dereham.
- Norfolk County Council: This council handles bigger services for the whole county.
Dereham used to be called East Dereham. It became just Dereham in 1991.
Jobs and Businesses
Dereham was once home to several large factories. "Jentique" made furniture and parts for bombs during World War II. The Metamec factory made clocks.
Hobbies of Dereham made kits and tools for wooden models and toys. They were very popular. Cranes of Dereham (later Fruehauf) built huge trailers for carrying heavy equipment. These big industries have mostly moved away since the 1980s.
In 2015, Crisp Maltings planned to restore the old maltings complex by the railway. They wanted to make malt for craft beer. However, these plans were later dropped. Today, the maltings buildings are empty but protected from the weather.
Some companies still based in Dereham include Flagship Housing and Zip Industries.
Shopping and Economy
Dereham is a busy market town. It serves both local people and those from the countryside around it. The town has a market on Tuesdays and Fridays. You can buy food and household items there.
The shops in Dereham are a mix of local businesses and bigger national stores. In 2005, a new shopping area called Wright's Walk was built. It has mostly national chain stores.
A second part of Wright's Walk was planned but never built. Instead, that land became a "pocket park." This park is a quiet public space with a community garden and a performance area.
Sports and Fun Activities
Dereham has many sports and leisure facilities near the railway station. The Dereham Leisure Centre has a swimming pool, gym, and sports areas. There are also outdoor tennis courts, a children's play area, and a skate park. You can also go ten-pin bowling.
Football and Rugby
Dereham has a football club called Dereham Town. They play at Aldiss Park. The club also runs a special program with Northgate High School. Students can study and play football at the same time.
Dereham Rugby Club plays on Moorgate Road. Dereham Cricket Club, formed in 1856, plays its home games on Norwich Road. Dereham Hockey Club is also nearby.
Running and Cycling
Every August, Dereham hosts a 5K race around the town. This race is organized by Dereham Runners.
National Cycle Route 13 runs through Dereham. This is great for cyclists.
Parks and Green Spaces
Neatherd Moor is a large green space to the north-east of town. It's a County Wildlife Site, used by walkers and joggers. It also has a modern children's play area.
Another big open space is Dereham Rush Meadow. This is a special scientific site with lots of wildlife.
Library and Cinema
In 2005, Dereham got a new £2 million library. It is one of the busiest libraries in Norfolk.
Dereham also has a three-screen cinema. It is in the old Corn Exchange building. This building used to be a music venue in the 1960s. Famous bands like Pink Floyd and The Jimi Hendrix Experience played there.
Local News and Media
You can get local news and TV from BBC East and ITV Anglia.
Dereham's local radio stations are BBC Radio Norfolk, Heart East, and Greatest Hits Radio East.
The Dereham Times is the town's weekly local newspaper. The regional newspaper is the Eastern Daily Press.
Schools and Youth Groups
Schools in Dereham
Dereham has many schools for different age groups:
- Nursery and Pre-school: East Dereham Day Nursery, Magic Tree Day Nursery, Scarning Pre-School, Toftwood Nursery Pre-School.
- Infant and Junior Schools: Dereham CE VA Infant School and Nursery, Dereham Church of England Junior Academy, Grove House Nursery and Infant Community School, King's Park Infant School, Scarning Primary School, Toftwood Infant School, Toftwood Junior School.
- Secondary Schools: Neatherd High School, Northgate High School.
- Sixth Form College: Dereham Sixth Form College.
- Special School: Fred Nicholson School.
Youth Groups
Dereham has two active Scout groups. The 1st Dereham group was one of the first in the world, started in 1908.
The town is also home to the 1249 Squadron of the Air Training Corps. The Army Cadets also meet here.
DOSYTCo is a youth theatre group in Dereham. They work with children to put on shows at the Dereham Memorial Hall.
Things to See and Do
Some interesting buildings in Dereham include:
- Bishop Bonner's Cottage: Built in 1502, it has special decorated walls.
- Saint Nicholas Church: A beautiful old church with Norman architecture.
- East Dereham Windmill: This old windmill was restored in 2013.
- Water Tower: A large, mushroom-shaped water tower.
The Gressenhall Museum of Rural Life is also nearby.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway has its headquarters in Dereham. You can ride their trains on an 11.5-mile railway line.
Dereham Blues Festival
Since 2013, Dereham has hosted an annual Blues Festival. It is organized by The Norfolk Blues Society. In 2019, 50 acts played in 13 different places around town. Most performances are free. Famous blues artists have played at the festival, including Paul Jones and Dr. Feelgood.
Famous People from Dereham
Many notable people have been born in or lived in Dereham, including:
- Brian Aldiss, a novelist.
- Todd Cantwell, a footballer.
- Stephen Fry, a famous comedian and actor, got married in Dereham.
- William Cowper, a poet, died in Dereham and is buried in St Nicholas's Church.
- Freddie Steward, a rugby union player.
- Chris Rankin, an actor who attended Northgate High School, Dereham.
Twin Towns
Dereham is twinned with:
- Caudebec-lès-Elbeuf, France
- Rüthen, Germany
Images for kids
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The market place on High Street
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A map of Dereham from 1946
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Locals view the damage after the 1915 Zeppelin raid on Dereham, Norfolk
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Trains at Dereham Station
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The Flying Scotsman at Dereham station on the Mid-Norfolk Railway
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East Dereham, showing the two towers of St Nicholas Church. The left tower is the belltower
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The maltings complex beside the railway, closed in 2000.
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Cowper Church Sunday School
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East Dereham Windmill
See also
In Spanish: Dereham para niños
