Abbey Wood

Wood, Forest in Norfolk North Norfolk

England

Abbey Wood

Road to West Beckham
Road to West Beckham Credit: Hugh Venables

Abbey Wood, Norfolk, commonly referred to as Wood or Forest, is a picturesque village located in the eastern part of England. Situated in the beautiful county of Norfolk, Abbey Wood is known for its stunning natural surroundings and tranquil atmosphere.

The village is named after the ancient abbey that once stood in the area, although only ruins now remain. Abbey Wood is renowned for its dense woodlands, which cover a significant portion of the village's landscape. These woodlands are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a diverse range of bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.

The village itself is small but charming, with a handful of traditional cottages and houses scattered throughout. Abbey Wood is a close-knit community, with a strong sense of community spirit and pride. Residents often come together for various events and activities, fostering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearby Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes, provide opportunities for boating and fishing. Additionally, the village is close to the coast, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the sandy beaches and quaint coastal towns of Norfolk.

Overall, Abbey Wood, Norfolk, is a serene and idyllic village, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling cities. Its natural beauty, community spirit, and proximity to both countryside and coast make it a desirable place to live and visit.

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Abbey Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.912866/1.2025678 or Grid Reference TG1539. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road to West Beckham
Road to West Beckham
Barley field near Bodham Hill
Barley field near Bodham Hill
All Saints' church, Gresham See <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/gresham/gresham.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/gresham/gresham.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
All Saints' church, Gresham
See LinkExternal link.
Transmitter on the former RAF West Beckham radar station This is a modern mast.
Transmitter on the former RAF West Beckham radar station
This is a modern mast.
Farm building at Bodham Hill
Farm building at Bodham Hill
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham (A Site) RAF West Beckham, which had close links with the local fighter station RAF Matlask, was opened in 1938 and comprised a transmitter and receiver site, a generator site and underground reserves. It reported to the filter room at RAF Watnall which was the HQ to No. 12 Group RAF, and the station was originally parented to RAF Bircham Newton, followed by later RAF Wittering and finally RAF Coltishall.

The radar site proper, located at Bodham Hill, was known as A Site.  During World War II the station was commanded by the famous dance band leader Marius B. Winter and because of his background the soldiers based at the camp were very well entertained. A Site was closed in 1956.

There were also two separate camps:  The B Site provided accommodation for the WAAFs and airmen from 1939 to 1946. The B Site, which was also known as "The Marlpit Camp" due to its close proximity to a disused marl pit - now a fishing lake > <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3938061" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3938061">Link</a> -  was closed down in 1958.

Site C was home to the Royal Norfolk Regiment in 1940 and in 1941 was used by the Military Police, followed by an RAF regiment from 1942 until 1945. After the war the site went into care and maintenance.

Today the station is privately owned and many of the buildings are still in existence.
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham (A Site)
RAF West Beckham, which had close links with the local fighter station RAF Matlask, was opened in 1938 and comprised a transmitter and receiver site, a generator site and underground reserves. It reported to the filter room at RAF Watnall which was the HQ to No. 12 Group RAF, and the station was originally parented to RAF Bircham Newton, followed by later RAF Wittering and finally RAF Coltishall. The radar site proper, located at Bodham Hill, was known as A Site. During World War II the station was commanded by the famous dance band leader Marius B. Winter and because of his background the soldiers based at the camp were very well entertained. A Site was closed in 1956. There were also two separate camps: The B Site provided accommodation for the WAAFs and airmen from 1939 to 1946. The B Site, which was also known as "The Marlpit Camp" due to its close proximity to a disused marl pit - now a fishing lake > Link - was closed down in 1958. Site C was home to the Royal Norfolk Regiment in 1940 and in 1941 was used by the Military Police, followed by an RAF regiment from 1942 until 1945. After the war the site went into care and maintenance. Today the station is privately owned and many of the buildings are still in existence.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Remains of the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) hut.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Remains of the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) hut.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) The overgrown concrete bases of the wooden mast adjacent to the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
The overgrown concrete bases of the wooden mast adjacent to the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Approach to the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Approach to the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Entrance into the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Entrance into the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) View from the blast wall surrounding the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
View from the blast wall surrounding the receiver block.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Pillbox located above the entrance/exit of the receiver block. It would appear to have been accessed via a ladder.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Pillbox located above the entrance/exit of the receiver block. It would appear to have been accessed via a ladder.
West Beckham ROC post The Royal Observer Corps post on the A Site of the former RAF West Beckham radar station.  The post was set up in 1960 and  closed in 1991. This area is fenced in and inaccessible.
West Beckham ROC post
The Royal Observer Corps post on the A Site of the former RAF West Beckham radar station. The post was set up in 1960 and closed in 1991. This area is fenced in and inaccessible.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) Apparently this large brick structure is the stand-by set house.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
Apparently this large brick structure is the stand-by set house.
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham - interior For an exterior view of this building see > <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3937705" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3937705">Link</a>.
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham - interior
For an exterior view of this building see > Link.
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham - interior For an exterior view of this building see > <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3937705" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3937705">Link</a>.
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham - interior
For an exterior view of this building see > Link.
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham - interior For an exterior view of this building see > <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3937705" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3937705">Link</a>.
Guardhouse at the entrance to RAF West Beckham - interior
For an exterior view of this building see > Link.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site) This is the old gate on the road out of the A site in the north.  A large and now very overgrown RAF pillbox is guarding it.
RAF West Beckham radar station (A Site)
This is the old gate on the road out of the A site in the north. A large and now very overgrown RAF pillbox is guarding it.
Show me another place!

Abbey Wood is located at Grid Ref: TG1539 (Lat: 52.912866, Lng: 1.2025678)

Administrative County: Norfolk

District: North Norfolk

Police Authority: Norfolk

What 3 Words

///manifests.launcher.exist. Near Sheringham, Norfolk

Related Wikis

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.912866,1.2025678
Barrier: stile
Bicycle: no
Foot: yes
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 52.914823/1.199405
Abandoned Amenity: place_of_worship
Denomination: anglican
Historic: ruins
Listed Status: Grade II
Material: stone
Old Name: Saint Helen's Church
Religion: christian
Ruins: church
Short Name: Saint Helen
Website: http://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?MNF6631
Wikidata: Q26654601
Lat/Long: 52.9127/1.2036735
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9157116/1.2014848
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9157084/1.1997628
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9157148/1.1984217
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9159437/1.1985679
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9159121/1.2001088
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9159138/1.201525
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9155563/1.2030566
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9154253/1.2045345
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9152701/1.2059748
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9150679/1.2077263
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9158766/1.203188
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9158523/1.2047034
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9158232/1.2067017
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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