North Runcton

Description

The parish of North Runcton is situated in the west of Norfolk, and is 4.3 miles (6.9 km) directly southeast of the town of King's Lynn. The name North Runcton is thought to originate from the Old English for settlement at the north bridge, or northern settlement at the bridge. The village is close to the village of West Winch, which is 1-mile (1.6 km) west along Rectory Lane.

Half a mile from the village green is the junction with the A47. The road south from the common leads to Setchey 2 miles (3.2 km) away. Other nearby villages include Middleton and Blackborough End. The village surrounded by arable farmland. In the centre of the village is the green and All Saints' parish church. Also on the green are the buildings which used to house the school and the post office which closed in October 1975. The village school closed in July 1983 but the building now serves as the village meeting place and is also holds a nursery which opened 1996.

The English actor Michael Caine was evacuated to North Runcton from London during World War II.

Roman period

Evidence suggests that there had been a settlement in the parish during the Roman period. Crop marks visible on archaeology oblique aerial photographs taken in 1976 showed a complex series of features including rectangular and sub-rounded enclosures, linear features and pits. Evidence to back Roman occupation have been backed up with archaeological finds which have includes a bracelet, coins, a dolphin brooch and a plate brooch.

Saxons

During the 1920s and '30s archaeologist unearthed a Saxon inhumation or burial containing beads and a brooch within the parish. Also discovered and excavated was an early Saxon cremation cemetery. A few metal objects have also been recovered from the parish including a late Saxon stirrup strap of an unusual form found at Brooke Farm.

The Normans and the Domesday Book

North Runcton has an entry in the Domesday Book of 1085 where its population, land ownership and productive resources were extensively detailed In the great book North Runcton is recorded by the name of Runghetuna and Rynghetona. The main tenants being Hermer de Ferrers and William d'Ecouis. The survey also records always 11 villagers, 7 smallholders, 2 slaves, meadow, 30 acres (12 ha). Always 2 ploughs in lordship, 1 men's plough, 1½ mills.

In the Domesday survey fractions were used to indicate that the entry, in this case a mill was situated within more than one parish. woodland at 20 pigs, 4 salt-houses and one third of a fifth. Always 1 cob, 4 head of cattle, 27 pigs, 100 sheep. 1 church, 30 acres (120,000 m²). 13 Freemen appertain to this manor, 37 acres (15 ha). Always 1 plough. Value always £6 4s 0d. The whole has 1 league in length and in width, of a 20s King's tax, it pays 12d. West Winch is in this measurement.

All Saints' Parish Church

All Saints' Church, North Runcton, was built by the architect Henry Bell, a contemporary of Christopher Wren, who also built the Custom House in King's Lynn. At the time Bell lived within the parish at North Runcton Hall. The church is built on the site of the previous church, which was flattened when the tower collapsed in 1701. Most of the exterior is constructed from brick and carrstone but earlier Norman and possibly Anglo-Saxon materials have been incorporated.

Four Ionic columns support the domed roof with other columns supporting the tripartite chancel arch. The reredos panelling is the work of Bell. The tower has been re-built from Norman materials with carved fragments that might be older. The church was extended and altered in late 19th century. The church's internal furnishings date from the 1713 reconstruction by Bell. The font is from St Margaret's of King's Lynn. Bell had died in 1711, two years before the work was completed. It is a Grade I listed building. In the 19th century the rectorship was "in the gift" of Trinity College, Cambridge and the banker, Daniel Gurney. Appointments as rector included the astronomer, Nevil Maskelyne, and the chemistry professor, Joseph Cumming.

Governance

North Runcton is a parish of the Kings Lynn and West Norfolk district council, which is responsible for the most local services. Norfolk County Council is in charge of roads, some schools, and social services, and the county councillor is Richard Toby Coke. For Westminster elections the parish forms part of the North West Norfolk constituency, represented by Henry Bellingham (Conservative).