Broome can be explored through its nature, archaeology and architectural history. Broome Heath encompasses designated nature areas as well as prehistoric monuments; the Roman period is also part of the area’s history. A country house, a farmhouse and St Michael’s Church add to the historical perspective. If you are planning a stay, you can choose different points of focus, from the landscape and early settlement to later architecture. The waterways provide the broader geographical context, while individual buildings and named paths offer specific landmarks.
Broome Heath and the Landscape
Broome Heath is designated as a Local Nature Reserve and a County Wildlife Site. Low-lying marshland lies along the River Waveney in Broome; the river forms the south-eastern boundary of the parish. Broome Beck runs through the parish from east to west and is a tributary of the Waveney. The two waterways therefore have different geographical roles: the Waveney marks the south-eastern edge, while the Beck runs through the parish. Together with Broome Heath, they shape the area’s landscape.
From the Neolithic to the Roman Period
Excavations uncovered an Early Neolithic oval enclosure in Broome in 2001. A Neolithic long barrow also survives on Broome Heath, where there are also surviving Bronze Age round barrows. The long barrow and round barrows are protected as Scheduled Monuments. These finds and monuments represent different kinds of archaeological evidence: an enclosure uncovered during excavations on the one hand, and surviving barrows on the other.
Broome’s Roman past is located in the south of the parish. There was a Roman settlement and a Roman cemetery there. A Roman road probably ran through the settlement. The timeline in Broome therefore spans early Neolithic traces, Bronze Age monuments and Roman settlement.
Country Houses and Architectural History
Broome Place is a country house dating from around 1700. Edmond Tyrel de Poix extensively remodelled and enlarged it in 1887. The date of around 1700 and the later alterations in 1887 therefore refer to different phases in the house’s history.
Alma House is an early 18th-century farmhouse. Its brick panels are made of red and grey brick, with red brick surrounds adding definition. This offers two different points of interest for exploring architectural history: the documented remodelling at Broome Place and the brickwork at Alma House. Those interested in historic architecture can consider these differences alongside the much older archaeological remains.
Church and Paths
St Michael’s Church stands in an isolated position overlooking open countryside. It can be reached via a public footpath about a quarter of a mile long. A walking route through Ditchingham and Broome follows Broome Beck; from Loddon Road, it runs via a footpath to Rectory Road. Check local path and road conditions before setting out.
Cycling offers a different kind of landmark: on the Godric Way cycle route, a turn-off lies opposite the path to Broome Church. For your planning, the distinction is clear: the walking route follows Broome Beck and uses a footpath from Loddon Road to Rectory Road; on the Godric Way cycle route, the turn-off is opposite the path to Broome Church.
Discover more destinations: Dereham, Great Plumstead, Whissonsett, Swaffham, Langham, Sculthorpe, Gissing, Mundford.
For the broader travel overview: Norfolk.
