Tuesday 2 November 2010

West Raynham - Its historical Snippet!

The origins of West Raynham can be traced back to and before the Domesday Survey of 1086 (King William 1-of the Conqueror) when as King’s Land, it was known as Reinham. Today ‘The Raynhams’ covers the names of three villages East, West and South Raynham – West Raynham being the largest village on the Raynham Estate.
The area is attractive parkland and farmland owned by the Townshend family who live in the 17th century Raynham Hall. George John Patrick Dominic Townshend, 7th Marquess Townshend, (13 May 1916 – 23 April 2010) was the longest serving British peer. He was a businessman and notably served as Chairman of Anglia Television from 1958 to 1986. His son Charles George Townshend is now the 8th Marquess Townshend.


Raynham Hall is a stunning statley mansion which is not open to the public.

However there is a public footpath through the estate which passes along the bottom of the drive.

The Raynham Estate and Holkham Estates were at the centre of the Agricultural Revolution. The 2nd Viscount Townshend Charles Townshend, (18 April 1674 – 21 June 1738) was a British Whig statesman, who served for a decade as Secretary of State, directing British foreign policy. He was often known as 'Turnip Townshend' because of his strong interest in farming, and his role in the British Agriculural Revolution.