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|  |  | Find out more about Thetford’s ancient past, historic sites, famous figures and its mysterious ‘dark’ side ...
Thetford has a lot of history.
Activity in the Thetford area dates back to Neolithic times to around 2,500 years BC. In fact, Grimes Graves is believed to be the earliest major industrial site in Europe and the Icknield Way the oldest road in Britain (www.icknieldwaypath.co.uk)
As far back as 500BC the Iceni tribe had built earth fortifications and by 40AD Gallows Hill (where the famous Thetford Treasure was found) had become a major ceremonial site. The town is also known for its links with Boudicca the flame-haired warrior queen who led the revolt against the Romans.
In its heyday, the town could boast being the Saxon capital of East Anglia and in the 10th century Thetford even had its own mint with its coins being found as far afield as Scandinavia.
During the Middle Ages, Thetford established itself as an important religious centre and still retains a bishop to this day. However, when King Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries all the important religious buildings were destroyed and the town lost a lot of its wealth and prestige.
By the 19th century Thetford’s fortunes had again improved and for a while it enjoyed a reputation as an elegant spa town and the manufacturing centre of the world-famous Burrell steam traction engines.
Click here for our heritage trail to find traces of each of these eras still sitting comfortably alongside the modern town you see today.
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| |  | It is thought that the priceless Thetford Treasure was buried during troubled times in Roman Britain (around AD390). The pieces are very flamboyant and include 33 silver spoons, 22 exquisite gold finger rings, 4 pendants, several necklaces and a golden belt buckle. The treasure was found by a local man in 1979 when he was using a metal detector at Gallows Hill. It is now at the British Museum in London but you can find out more about it at the Ancient House Museum in Thetford.
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| |  | Thetford boasts a wealth of historic sites – most of which are free for you to visit.
Please click here for attractions listings
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| Thetford's Darker Heritage |
| |  | Scratch beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent town and you will uncover some of Thetford’s less savoury past …
Learn about ghosts, legends and folklore … the old gaol, the town cage and public stocks … invasions, crimes and hauntings … our Haunted Trail is coming soon …
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| |  | A number of notable figures are linked to Thetford, read on for more information on a selection of those who have made their mark.
Read More...
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