URPoint Details
The village is situated in the southeast of the county bounded by the river Yare, Loddon and the village of Thurlton.
Beside the village itself which lies on the edge of the marshes there are many scattered farms.
Norton is the last village before a chain ferry which crosses between Norwich and Yarmouth.
For most of the year the ferry performs a quiet service
It is said that in pre-Conquest times there was a priests’ settlement on the marshes. A track led from the settlement to a tower which was used by them as a fortress.
In the case of invasion they would transfer themselves and their valuables to the fortress. Using ropes they would climb up to a doorway (which is still there) halfway up the tower, then pull the ropes up after them.
The tower is now part of the church and contains six bells which were rung regularly. The church was built in the 13th century and has a dual dedication: the nave to St Mary and the chancel to St Margaret. Set in the north wall is the tomb of Sir John de Norwich who founded the church. There is a 13th century stone font, some original stained glass and a list of vicars since 1277.
- Type:
- Landmark