Stanford, Norfolk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stanford |
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 All Saints, Stanford |
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 Stanford
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| Area | 13.62 km2 (5.26 sq mi) |
| Population | 8 (2001 census) |
| • Density | 1/km2 (2.6/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TL 853 946 |
| • London | 91.9 miles (147.9 km) |
| Civil parish |
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| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | THETFORD |
| Postcode district | IP24 |
| Police | Norfolk |
| Fire | Norfolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Stanford is a special kind of village in Norfolk, England. It is known as a "deserted village." This means that most people no longer live there. Stanford is located about 7.5 miles (12 km) north of the town of Thetford. It is also about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of the city of Norwich.
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What Does the Name Stanford Mean?
The name Stanford comes from an old language called Old English. It means "stony ford." A ford is a shallow place in a river or stream where you can cross by walking or driving. So, Stanford was likely a place where people crossed a river over stones.
Why Stanford Became a Deserted Village
Taken Over by the Army
Stanford became deserted during the Second World War. The British Army took over the village and the land around it. They needed a large area for training soldiers. This area is now called the Stanford Battle Area. It is still used by the army today.
A Restricted Area
Because the army uses Stanford for training, it is a restricted area. This means that most people are not allowed to visit without special permission. The village and most of its surrounding area are off-limits to the public.
The Church of All Saints
Protecting the Church
Even though the village is deserted, the parish church of All Saints is still standing. It is one of the few buildings left in the training area. To protect it from army exercises, the church has special blast-proof sheeting. This sheeting helps protect the building from explosions.
Fencing for Safety
Wire fences surround the church and its churchyard. This fencing helps keep the area safe during military training. It also protects the church from any damage that might happen during army activities.
Stanford's Population and Area
A Small Population
In 2001, only eight people lived in Stanford. They lived in just four homes. This shows how few people live there now. By 2011, the population was still very small. It was counted with the nearby village of Croxton.
Size of the Area
The area that Stanford covers is about 5.26 square miles (13.62 square kilometers). For local government, Stanford is part of the Breckland district.
