Sprowston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sprowston |
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 Village sign |
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 Sprowston
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| Area | 9.46 km2 (3.65 sq mi) |
| Population | 17,126 (2021) |
| • Density | 1,810/km2 (4,700/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TG252121 |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | NORWICH |
| Postcode district | NR6, NR7 |
| Dialling code | 01603 |
| Police | Norfolk |
| Fire | Norfolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Sprowston is a town and civil parish (a local government area) in the Broadland district of Norfolk, England. It is located near the city of Norwich. Sprowston is surrounded by other areas like Heartsease, Mousehold Heath, Old Catton, and open farmland. In 2021, about 17,126 people lived in Sprowston, making it the largest civil parish in the Broadland district.
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A Look Back at Sprowston's History
Sprowston was first mentioned in a very old book called the Domesday Book in 1086. Its name comes from old English words and means "the settlement belonging to Sprow."
For many years, Sprowston was divided into two main areas, called Manors. One Manor was owned by the Mounteney family for about 250 years. The other Manor was owned by the de Sproustons and then the Aslakes, and it belonged to the Bishop of Norwich.
In 1545, the Jermy family gave the Mounteney Manor to John Corbet. A few years later, in 1549, during a time of rebellion led by Robert Kett, a house in Sprowston was broken into and robbed. Kett's army camped nearby on Mousehold Heath.
The first large house, known as Sprowston Hall, was built in 1560.
Later, the Aslakes Manor was sold to Sir Thomas Corbet, who already owned the Mounteney Manor. In 1592, these two Manors became one.
You can find memorials to the Corbet family in the local church, St Mary and St Margaret. The Corbets of Sprowston supported the King during the English Civil War. Sir Thomas Corbet was even knighted by King Charles I. However, Sir Thomas's uncle, Miles Corbet, signed the paper that led to King Charles I's execution. Because of this, Miles Corbet was later executed himself when King Charles II returned to power.
Sir Thomas Corbet became a very important local official, the High Sheriff of Norfolk, in 1612. He had no children, so the Sprowston manor was sold to Sir Thomas Adams. Sir Thomas Adams had been the Lord Mayor of London in 1645. He helped King Charles II with money when the King was living away from England. In 1660, Sir Thomas Adams helped bring the King back to England.
Sir Thomas Adams also supported education. He helped create a special teaching position for Arabic at Cambridge University. He also had the Gospels (parts of the Bible) printed in Persian. Even though he died in London in 1667, his body was brought to Sprowston to be buried under the altar at St Mary and St Margaret's church. A large marble monument was built above his burial place.
In the 1700s, the manor was sold to Sir Lambert Blackwell. In the 1800s, the manor changed hands several times until it was owned by the Gurney family. In 1876, John Gurney, who was blind and the mayor of Norwich, rebuilt Sprowston Hall. He also gave money for a new church, St Cuthbert's, and a new house for the vicar (a church leader) in 1885. This was to help the growing area known as New Sprowston.
In 1973, Sprowston Hall was turned into a hotel and is now home to the Sprowston Manor Golf Club.
In the 1700s, fewer than 200 people lived in Sprowston. But by 1901, the population had grown to 2,359 people.
Sprowston Mill was built in 1780. It became famous because of a painting by John Crome, an artist from the Norwich School of painting. Sadly, the mill burned down in 1933. Even so, it is still a symbol used by Sprowston Community High School and is shown on the village sign.
The artist Thomas Lound was born in Sprowston in 1801.
How Sprowston is Governed
In 2011, the people of Sprowston decided to change their local government from a parish council to a town council. This means they have a town council that helps manage local services and decisions.
Schools in Sprowston
Sprowston Community Academy is a large school for students aged 11 to 18. It used to be called Sprowston Community High School. In 2018, it became an academy, which means it gets funding directly from the government and is part of the Broad Horizons Education Trust.
Sprowston also has three junior schools: Falcon, Sprowston, and White Woman Lane. There are also three infant schools: Cecil Gowing, Sparhawk, and Sprowston.
Places of Worship
The town has three churches: St Mary and St Margaret's (the main Anglican church), St Cuthbert's (also Anglican), and the Sprowston Methodist Church. There is also a chapel called Gage Road Chapel.
Fun and Leisure
The Sprowston Manor Hotel and Sprowston Manor Golf Club are located in the old Sprowston Hall. This is a great place for people to stay and play golf.
Getting Around Sprowston
Buses
Bus services in Sprowston are mainly run by First Eastern Counties and Sanders Coaches. Some of the main bus routes include:
- Route 11: Goes to the city centre, the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, and Wymondham.
- Route 12: Travels to the city centre, the University Hospital, Hoveton, and Wroxham.
- Route 13: Connects to the city centre, Attleborough, and Spixworth.
- Route 21: Leads to Old Catton, the city centre, and the University Hospital.
- Route 54: Goes to North Walsham.
- Route X55: Travels to Mundesley.
Trains
The closest train station is Norwich. From there, you can catch direct trains to places all over East Anglia and to London. These trains are operated by Greater Anglia.
Images for kids
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The Pavilion on the Recreation Ground
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The Millennium wood
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Effigy from the tomb of Sir Thomas Adams
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Gage Road Chapel
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St Cuthbert's Church
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Wroxham Road Methodist Church
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Medieval glass in the parish church
