Downham Market Walk: Town Centre【4K】

Located in the county of Norfolk, and around 40 miles west of Norwich, is the town of Downham Market, sometimes abbreviated to, simply, Downham.

The 'Downham' portion of the town's name is derived from Old English 'dūn', meaning hill and 'hām', meaning village or homestead. The hill alluded to in its name (i.e. the town centre itself) is just over 100 feet above sea level, thus immune from flooding, whilst its surrounding area is mostly flat, being located on the edge of the marshy Fenlands. The river Great Ouse runs just west of the town.

The 'Market' portion of the town's name has its own significance as it is one of Britain's oldest markets, dating all the way back to 1046 when Edward the Confessor granted a charter. A horse fair was also held here which, for many centuries, was one of the largest in Europe. The fair would commence on St Winnold's Day (the 3rd of March) and last for several days. On record, over 10,000 horses were bought and sold here. Whilst the fair has since stopped, it is commemorated in an annual procession through the town each March.

At the geographical peak of the town is St Edmund's Church. This was built in the 13th century, allegedly on the site of an earlier Saxon edifice. Alteration works were carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is Downham's only Grade I listed building.

In 1646 Downham Market received a royal visit like no other. Following defeat at the Battle of Naseby in June 1645, Charles I spent the winter in Royalist-friendly Oxford. In April of 1646, with the enemy closing in, Charles escaped, disguised as a servant, and travelled to Downham. It is claimed that while here he received a haircut and stayed at what is now the Swan Hotel (in the centre of the shot around the 5-and-a-half minute mark).

In 1846 the railway arrived in Downham Market. Today it is situated on the Fen Line which runs between Cambridge and King's Lynn. Trains to and from London take just over 90 minutes.

In 1878 a local businessman named James Scott unveiled the Downham Market Clock Tower. Made of cast iron, it was funded by Scott and built by William Cunliffe, and has stood at the junction of Bridge Street and High Street ever since.

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Filmed: 9th July 2022

Link to the walk on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/PFhVn9Va9xfUgZsZ6

Filmed on a Sony FDR-AX700 with a Zhiyun Crane 2 and a Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Bridge Street
5:47 High Street
6:56 London Road
7:37 High Street
11:06 St Edmund's Church
11:34 Church Road
12:06 St Edmund's Church