Hanworth, Norfolk - A Brief History of Hanworth Common

A Brief History of Hanworth Common

Hanworth Common lies between Cromer and Aylsham in North Norfolk. The name is derived from Hagana (the Dane who invaded Norfolk in 870 AD, and whose name was anglicised to Han), and 'worth' meaning waters, which relates to the two streams that enclose the parish - Hagon Beck and Scarrow Beck. The Weavers' Way from Cromer to Great Yarmouth runs through the village.

The Common covers 35 acres (14 ha) protected by cattle grids, and is the largest such enclosed common in England.

The first maps of Hanworth Common go back to 1628, when the Doughty family bought the Manor of Hanworth from the Duke of Norfolk. They bought more land from the Earl of Surrey in 1690. At the time, there were three commons - Bell House Common, Hook Hill Common and Barn Stable Common - together constituting Hanworth Green.

In 1845, Hanworth Park, which did not include The Common, was bought by the Windham family of Felbrigg Hall.

In the 1860s, Hanworth was a thriving community of about 230 people, and several artists (including Humphry Repton and John Sell Cotman) came to paint it. There were many businesses — a dressmaker, stonemason, blacksmith, and wood-carver. The blacksmiths was destroyed by a German bomb in 1940.

Hanworth Common has been managed by a committee since at least 1909, the earliest minutes that are held, and all residents had grazing rights. In 1972, Hanworth Common was registered under the Commons Registration Act 1965, and, as there was no known owner, Possessory Title was granted to the Hanworth Commons Management Committee in 1974. The committee are responsible for managing The Common, and letting the grazing. About 50 cattle now graze the Common from May to October.

In late 2004, Robert Harbord Hammond, youngest son of the 11th Baron of Suffield, claimed ownership of Hanworth Common and attempted to charge residents of Hanworth to use the land. In October 2006 a court rejected his claim and ruled that the land belonged to the people of the village by virtue of adverse possession.