Puneet Varma (Editor)

Methwold

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Population
  
1,502 (29011)

Civil parish
  
Methwold

Country
  
England

Area
  
49.12 km²

Shire county
  
Norfolk

OS grid reference
  
TL731940

Region
  
East

Sovereign state
  
United Kingdom

Local time
  
Monday 2:25 AM

Dialling code
  
01366 (Within UK)

Methwold

Weather
  
11°C, Wind SW at 26 km/h, 91% Humidity

District
  
King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Methwold ("Middle forest") is a civil parish in the English county of Norfolk, on the edge of the Norfolk Fens and Breckland. With an area of 49.12 km2 (18.97 sq mi) it is the second largest parish in Norfolk. It had a population of 1,476 in 591 households at the 2001 census, increasing to 1,502 at the 2011 Census. For the purposes of local government, it falls within the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

Contents

Map of Methwold, UK

The parish also includes the hamlets of Methwold Hythe, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the town and on the edge of the fens, and Brookville to the north west.

Its economy is based on agriculture with a little light industry. The village is situated about 20 miles (32 km) from King's Lynn and 15 miles (24 km) north west of Thetford (its postal town).

The Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School is located in the parish. The secondary and sixth form departments of Iceni Academy are also located in Methwold, previously being known as Methwold High School.

Methwold parish is the second largest parish in Norfolk in terms of land. The parish currently has approximately 20 farms ranging from about 60 acres (243,000 m2) up to 1,000 acres (4.0 km2). Farming in Methwold and the surrounding areas accounts for a vast majority of jobs in the fens. Even if people don't farm, much of the work is connected with the land.

According to John Marius Wilson, Methwold can technically be classed as market town following its market charter granted by King Charles I of England during a brief visit.

Methwold became famous for its abundance and excellence of its rabbits which were sold by poulterers as "Muel Rabbits". A meal of Muel Rabbits was reputed to have pleased Charles I to such an extent that he granted the village a charter for the market to be held.

Notable residents

  • William Thorold M.Inst.C.E., millwright, architect and civil engineer was born in Methwold on 9 October 1798.
  • References

    Methwold Wikipedia