Thetford

Thetford, a market-town on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk, at the Thet's confluence with the Little Ouse, 31 miles SW. of Norwich and 12 N. of Bury St Edmunds. Doubtfully identified with the Roman Sitomagus, it was the capital of Saxon East Anglia, the seat from 1070 of a bishopric, transferred to Norwich in 1094; suffered much from the Danes between 870 and 1010; and in Edward III.'s time had eight monasteries and twenty churches (now only three). The steep Castle Hill, 100 feet high and 260 yards in circumference, is one of the largest earthworks in the kingdom; and there are considerable remains of Bigod's Cluniac priory (1104). The grammar-school (1566) was rebuilt in 1879. The industries include brewing, tanning, and the manufacture of farming machinery; and there is some trade by barges on the Ouse. 'Honest' Tom Martin, the antiquary, and Tom Paine were natives. Incorporated in 1573, Thetford returned two members till 1867-68. Pop. (1851) 4075; (1891) 4247. See works by Martin (1779) and A. L. Hunt (1870).