Explore Gissing through its buildings and settlement pattern. The timber-framed houses of Lower Street, the round tower of the Church of St Mary, and settlements separated by former parkland each offer a different perspective. Planning your visit also means taking account of the limited bus services to Norwich and Diss.

Timber framing and architectural details

Glebe Farmhouse is a 17th-century timber-framed house. Its roof is covered with black glazed pantiles and has gable ends. A gabled porch was added later and stands off-centre in front of the chimney. The building brings together timber-frame construction, distinctive roof tiles and a later addition. Its position in front of the chimney makes the porch a striking feature of the house.

Another timber-framed building is the house at 52, 53 and 54 Lower Street. It probably dates from the early 18th century and is divided into three units. Its steep slate roof has one gable end and one half-hipped end. The half-hipped end slopes diagonally and differs from the gable. 18th- and 19th-century sash windows with transoms complete the façade. The different roof ends, window arrangement and division into three units can each be considered separately.

The church and its architectural history

The Church of St Mary offers a different point of reference in time: its western round tower probably dates from the late 11th century, and its bell openings are Norman. The comparison with the houses is clear: Glebe Farmhouse dates from the 17th century, and the house on Lower Street probably dates from the early 18th century. The church tower therefore points to a much earlier building phase and adds a place of worship to the picture of Gissing’s architectural styles.

Rural settlement pattern

The settlement pattern is as defining as the individual houses. Upper Street and Lower Street are separated by a large area of former parkland, now used for agriculture. Farms and isolated rows of houses in the parish lie outside the main settlements. For orientation, it is worth distinguishing the two settlements from the parish’s outlying rural areas.

Rooms, dance history and getting there

Gissing Community Building offers two rooms for hire: a large hall and a smaller, separate café and meeting room. They can be hired together or individually. If either room is important to your plans, check availability and arrangements in advance; both may change.

Gissing also has a long history of high-quality dance classes for children aged 2.5 and up. This local activity is another part of the village’s history. If you are interested in classes, check the latest dates, as specific timetables may change.

Bus services to Norwich and Diss are limited. Check current services before travelling, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Snettisham, Matlaske, Garboldisham, Langham, Burnham Market, Mundford, Burgh Castle, Great Cressingham

For the main travel guide: Norfolk.