Aylsham, market town on the River Bure in north Norfolk, England
Aylsham is a market town in North Norfolk situated along the River Bure with historic buildings clustered around its market square. The town features St Michael and All Angels Church from the 14th century, several tearooms and cafes, and the Aylsham Heritage Centre housed in a former church building.
The name Aylsham derives from Aegel's Ham, meaning Aegel's village, and appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. From the 14th through 19th centuries, it served as a major centre for linen and wool cloth production, with local fabric used in royal palaces.
Aylsham holds the Cittaslow designation, one of only five in the UK, reflecting a commitment to quality living and community connection. This values local food and a relaxed pace of life, visible in how people use the town's spaces and markets today.
The town is easily accessible and offers several routes for exploring, including the Bure Valley Path for cycling and various walking trails like Lords of the Manor. Visit during the weekly markets or special monthly events to experience the most activity.
Within St Michael and All Angels Church sits a rare grave cover called a mortsafe, historically used to prevent body snatchers. This unusual artefact offers insight into a lesser-discussed chapter of Victorian graveyard practices.
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