Thetford is a little town that began in the Celtic times. At one time it was the capital of a the Iceni tribe from East Angilia and home to their queen, Queen Boudicca. The While there is not archeology finds to back up this beliefs it is a fact that the town was important during the early Roman times and Iron Age. Archeologist have found a ceremonial grove there that had a collection of rings, spoons, necklaces and buckles. The collection is on display at the British museum and is called the Thetford Treasure.
Thetford used to be on of the most influential and biggest cities during early medieval England. It once had 20 churches. The tallest medieval earthwork in England, Castle Hill, can be found there but the Norman Castle that used to set upon the hill is no longer there. Grimme Graves, Neolithic flint mine form 2500 BCE, is just five miles from the town.
Thetford's history is turbulent. In 1004 Sein Forkbeard, a Danish leader, destroyed and burned the town. A Cluniac priory was established there in the 12th century only to be dissolved by Henry the 8th latter in his Dissolution of the Monasteries. The remains of the priory buildings can still be viewed. It is believed to be haunted and was once on an episode of Ghosthunters. Thetford was home to a mint during the Saxon era and what the center of bishopric.
A television show called Dad's Army was filmed in Thetford. There is a Dad's Army Trail that has been set up around the town to allow people who visit the chance to walk where the characters had once walked around the town. Thomas Paine is a real life character that came from Thetford. He was a writer who had many ideas about democracy who was a major player in the American and French Revolutions in the 18th century. He was born in Thetford and did work as an excise man. Later he emigrated to America. There has been a statue of Paine erected on White Street to honor him.
Thetford only has a population of 21,000 but there is still plenty for visitors to do and see. Besides the Thetford Treasure there is also a variety of Portuguese and European cafes. There are many annual events in Thetford. The Autumn Equinox festival is about astronomy, and there is also the Star Party. Plus a concert every year called STORM.
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