Sunday 7th June 2026 - Village History

On Friday morning we went on the first of this year’s Guided Walks in the village.  Led by Tim Bennett, with the assistance of Martin Dennis, we spent a very informative couple of hours adding to our knowledge of Overstrand’s history in the 1920’s and 1930’s.  I can definitely recommend Tim’s walks to anyone who has an interest in the village’s history – of which there is a considerable amount.  As I learn more and more about times gone past, in this very special part of the North Norfolk coast, the more I become angered at North Norfolk District Council’s policy of not protecting the village. 

Tim’s latest book, Seaside Homes and Fishing Boats, can be ordered direct from Poppyland Publishing. As far as I can see, his first book ‘Overstrand in the Great War’, is out of print.  However, anyone interested in reading about the village men and boys involved in the war may be able to find a copy on Amazon, Abe Books or any other secondhand book seller.

On the subject of the village’s history, I can recommend David Thornton’s book Echoes of History.  A perfect gentleman and sadly no longer with us, David’s book also links into some of Cromer’s past.

Also, sadly no longer with us, Terry and Joyce Richards, delved in depth into Overstrand’s past.  Unfortunately, Terry passed away before he was able to set up a website, populated with all the data he and Joyce researched.  However, I’m told all the documents have been lodged with the Parish Council, so all their work is not lost.

Currently David Brake, is in the process of finding out, using census’s currently available to the public and local knowledge, to produce a document of who and when they lived in the village.  To this end, David has walked the village noting each road, building’s numbers and names.  This isn’t going to be an easy task, matching names and dates to properties - we know our home has at some point been re-numbered.     

Anyone who prefers a more visual tour of the village and are unable to join one of Tim’s walks, may like to purchase the Parish Council produced DVDs.  More information, regarding these as well as the availability of a walks leaflet can be found on their website.

I am sure there must be records of the village and residents, tucked away in homes.  As Terry Richards once said to me, there is a danger when someone passes on, that these documents may be not be considered of interest and get thrown away.

I took today’s photo on our walk last Saturday afternoon..  I was impressed with the profusion of ox-eye daisies which have been planted on a field edge in Northrepps.