Little Plumstead showcases several historical building periods: the church’s two-stage round tower dates from the Saxon-Norman transitional period, The Grange is a 16th-century brick house, and the Clock Tower dates from 1903. The Walled Garden adds a focus on nature to the architectural history. For orientation, it is important to distinguish between the different Hall names and the two octagonal buildings at Manor Farm.
Historic estates and their names
The brick house The Grange was built in the 16th century, extended in the 17th century and given a Gothic Revival makeover in the 1830s. Faden’s 1797 map shows The Grange as Plumstead Hall. The map therefore provides a historical name; the building phases also tell of changes over several centuries.
Little Plumstead Hall is a separate property. It was built in 1889 on the site of an earlier manor house. The 1840 Tithe Map shows this predecessor building surrounded by a landscaped park. Faden’s 1797 map identifies The Grange as Plumstead Hall; by contrast, the 1840 Tithe Map shows the earlier manor house on the site of Little Plumstead Hall.
Church and other historic buildings
The two-stage round tower of the Church of St. Gervase and St. Protase dates from the Saxon-Norman transitional period. The church is listed Grade II*. It also contains a relocated military brass plaque commemorating Sir Edward Warner, who died in 1565. The tower places the building in its architectural context; the plaque adds a personal remembrance.
The Clock Tower at Little Plumstead Hospital reflects a different period and style. It dates from 1903 and is designed in the Arts and Crafts style. Together with the older church tower, it illustrates the different periods represented in Little Plumstead’s historic buildings.
Octagon Barn, an octagonal machine shed, is located on the grounds of Manor Farm. Manor Farm also has an octagonal brick engine house, regarded as a rare and important example of an engine house in the county. Although both buildings are octagonal and belong to Manor Farm, they are separate structures: Octagon Barn is the machine shed, and the other building is the brick engine house.
Walled Garden: wildlife and practical information
The Walled Garden adds a focus on nature to the architectural history. It is home to more than 400 different species of animals, including birds, butterflies, bees and other insects. All paths in the Walled Garden are suitable for wheelchair users. Check the latest accessibility information before travelling.
A November 2024 parish council update described the Walled Garden Community Shop and Café in Little Plumstead as a combination of a shop for everyday essentials, a café and a Victorian walled garden. Check whether the shop and café are currently open before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Gissing, Honingham, Thetford, Broome, Toft Monks, Baconsthorpe, Blofield, Hethersett
For the main travel overview: Norfolk.
