Aylsham's fascinating history
Aylsham's story stretches back to around 500 AD, when a Saxon named Aegel set up his homestead here. "Ham" in the old tongue means homestead, so the village would have been known as Aegel's Ham. This transformed into Aylsham, a name recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
After the Normans arrived, Aylsham's fortunes rose. The crown held the manor until it passed to John of Gaunt, a powerful nobleman and son of King Edward III.
John of Gaunt's influence is evident in the parish church, a grand 13th-14th century cruciform design built partly with flint. Look for the red rose of Lancaster and John of Gaunt's own coat of arms in the north transept window – a testament to his mark on the town.
John of Gaunt's son, Henry IV, became King, and the Duchy of Lancaster merged with the crown. However, the twists of history continued.
When Charles I ascended the throne, Aylsham's manor was mortgaged and eventually sold. It passed through several noble families before landing with the National Trust, which explains why the Buttsland car park and the Market Place remain under their care today.
Heritage Centre
Located in the old Parish Rooms beside St Michael’s Church in Aylsham’s market square, the Aylsham Heritage Centre is a great place to explore the history of the town with displays, archives, photographs and information. Admission is free with optional donations
Blickling Hall
No trip to Aylsham would be complete without a visit to Blickling Hall, the Jacobean mansion at the heart of the nearby Blickling estate. Step inside a loved family home and explore its collections, including the magnificent library in the Long Gallery
Uncover Aylsham’s Past: Stories, Streets and Centuries of History
Step back in time and uncover Aylsham’s rich and fascinating past through its exceptional online heritage resources, where centuries of local stories, historic buildings and everyday life are brought vividly to life; explore the town archive and heritage centre from the comfort of home, then wander the streets to see beautifully preserved landmarks in person, following in the footsteps of medieval traders, market-goers and notable residents who have shaped this distinctive Norfolk market town.
The Aylsham Town Archive
The Town Archive website preserves and shares a vast collection of historic photographs, documents and records chronicling the people, places and events of our town, providing a valuable resource for local history research and discovery. Search and maybe you'll see your home as it used to be
