Hempnall Tourist Information

Hempnall is a large village in the north-east corner of the Hundred of Depwade in South Norfolk, about ten miles south of the City of Norwich, at the source of the River Tas.

The village was once a centre of commerce, holding a weekly market and annual fairs. In the past, the village was principally an agrarian community, although there was never a residential Lord of the manor, or influential landowner to dominate the village.

Politicians and preachers visited Hempnall, and John Wesley visited the village in 1759 and preached under a great oak tree.

Spinning and weaving were once important, but by the 19th century the villagers had diversified so that there was a cross-section of trades and small shops. Ten inns, taverns or beer houses are recorded for the period!

If you would like to read more about the village of Hempnall please read 'The Book of Hempnall - A Treasure Trove of History' by Maureen P. Cubitt.

This is a story about people within an historical landscape. It is about a community that throughout the years has worked together for the common good. It is also about murders, thefts, assaults, riots and very interesting eccentric people.

Hempnall, with its remarkable variety of resources, invites and inspires exploration.

Description by Mike Jones