Several distinct historical themes are relevant to understanding Matlaske: St Peter’s Church dates from the late Saxon period, earthworks recall the medieval village of Matlask, and the former Matlask Airfield adds a chapter from the Second World War. Barningham Hall adds to the local history with a manor house from the early 17th century and a later park and garden. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Matlaske, you can choose what to explore based on the subject that interests you most: church and village history, architectural and garden history, or military history.
Church and Medieval Village Traces
St Peter’s Church in Matlaske dates from the late Saxon period and has a round tower. The dating places the church in time, while the round tower identifies a specific feature of its architectural form. The similarly spelled names help distinguish the historical references: the church is in Matlaske, while the earthworks belong to the medieval village of Matlask. Church and settlement history therefore stand side by side as distinct points of reference.
The earthworks of the medieval village of Matlask are visible in the fields near the Rectory. A hollow way may be a remnant of the former village road. The two traces can be identified with differing degrees of certainty: the earthworks belong to the medieval village, while the hollow way’s connection with the former road is possible but not certain. Together, they offer two different clues to the settlement’s history: visible earthworks and a tentative interpretation of the road’s course.
Barningham Hall: Manor House and Gardens
Barningham Hall adds architectural and garden history to the settlement themes. The manor house was built in 1612 for Sir Edward Paston and thus dates from the early 17th century. The surrounding park, garden and walled garden, by contrast, date from the early 19th century. These are therefore distinct periods: 1612 marks the construction of the manor house, while the park and gardens represent a later phase of landscaping. This contrast in dates helps make the development of the ensemble clear without reducing it to a single period of construction.
The main park gates are 600 m south-south-east of the manor house and on the southern boundary of the village of Matlaske. This information adds a spatial reference to the chronology: it identifies the gates’ position in relation to the manor house and places them at the edge of the village. The village layout and the development of the estate over time can therefore be considered as two distinct aspects.
Matlask Airfield and the History of the Second World War
Matlask Airfield, also known as Matlaske Airfield, was a military airfield during the Second World War. It opened in 1940, closed in 1945 and was established as a satellite airfield of Coltishall. The fighter squadrons stationed at the airfield carried out missions against enemy ships and aircraft over the North Sea. The dates define the airfield’s period of operation, Coltishall identifies its satellite relationship, and the North Sea its area of operations. This adds a distinct chapter in military history to the stories of the church, village and buildings.
Putting the Historical Themes in Context
The themes can be clearly distinguished when deciding what to focus on during a stay: the church and village traces lead into early and medieval history; Barningham Hall combines the construction of a manor house with later garden landscaping; Matlask Airfield represents the military history of the Second World War. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide which of these historical layers most shapes your interest in Matlaske.
Discover more destinations: Gorleston-On-Sea, Scratby, Hainford, Litcham, Brancaster, Belton, Acle, Narborough.
For the overview of the wider area: Norfolk.
