Melton Constable

Civil Parish in Norfolk North Norfolk

England

Melton Constable

Belvue Farm, Briningham Credit: Evelyn Simak

Melton Constable is a civil parish located in the county of Norfolk, England. It is situated about 16 miles northwest of the city of Norwich and covers an area of approximately 7.6 square miles. The parish is part of the North Norfolk district and has a population of around 1,000 residents.

The village of Melton Constable is known for its picturesque countryside and charming rural setting. It is surrounded by farmland and is located near the River Wensum, which adds to its scenic appeal. The area is rich in natural beauty, with rolling hills, woodlands, and open fields.

Historically, Melton Constable was an important railway hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The village was home to a large railway works, which played a significant role in the development of the railway industry in Norfolk. Today, the railway works are no longer operational, but remnants of its industrial past can still be seen in the village.

The village itself has a range of amenities, including a primary school, a post office, a village hall, and a local pub. There are also several historic buildings in the area, such as Melton Constable Hall, a Grade I listed Jacobean mansion that dates back to the 17th century.

Melton Constable offers a peaceful and idyllic countryside lifestyle, with easy access to nearby towns and cities. Its rich history, natural beauty, and close-knit community make it an attractive place to live for those seeking a rural retreat in Norfolk.

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Melton Constable Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.846474/1.027699 or Grid Reference TG0331. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Belvue Farm, Briningham

Evelyn Simak

Belvue Tower, Briningham

This attractive 4-storey high brick tower is a Grade II listed building. Originally built for use as a look-out tower it was later converted into a windmill and then into a folly. The lower stage is believed to date from the 16th century. The brick refacing was carried out when the building was converted into a smock windmill by Sir Jacob Astley 1st Bart, in the 18th century. The mill was replaced by the 4th Bart in 1781 when upper floors were added to make 5 domestic storeys, the lower stages of which are octagonal and the upper circular, topped by a battlemented parapet and stack. The attic with hipped tiled roof above the parapet is C20. A house was added in the 20th century.

Evelyn Simak

Belvue Plantation, Briningham

Viewed across harvested field west of Belvue Farm.

Evelyn Simak

The harvest is in

Just as well, as thundery clouds threaten to bring rain anytime soon. The woodland seen in the background is Old Limekiln Plantation, to the south of the B1354 road. Belvue Farm can be seen at right.

Evelyn Simak

Belvue Plantation and Belvue Tower, Briningham

For a more detailed view of and information about the Grade II listed tower see > Link.

Evelyn Simak

Hawthorn hedge beside Mill Lane, Briningham

Evelyn Simak

Mill Lane, Briningham

Evelyn Simak

Melton Street, Melton Constable

Wholly untypical of rural Norfolk, Melton Constable has the ambiance of a northern industrial town, a product of the railway age, which in fact it was. The houses here were built in 1882 for workers at the new railway works and major junction close by. The works closed down in the 1930s and the last train ran in the 1960s but the old streets have remained.

Stephen McKay

Melton Constable village sign

The village sign at Melton Constable reflects the railway history, although no trains have run here for nearly half a century.

Stephen McKay

Entering Melton Constable

Looking along the B1354 Briston Road into the village. The bus shelter opposite incorporates some features salvaged from the long-closed station, at one time one of the most important in Norfolk.

Stephen McKay

Water tower, Melton Constable

This impressive cast iron water tower was originally built in 1898 to supply water to the railway works and to the village. It remains as a monument to the railway age and Melton Constable's heritage but now stores water for irrigation purposes.

Stephen McKay

Entering Melton Constable, near site of former railway station, 1997

View eastward on B1354 Briston Road. The important key Station and Works of the former Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway had been just off to the right. However, as early as 2/3/59 almost all of the M&GN system had been closed, although the line from Sheringham survived for passengers until 6/4/64, for goods until 28/12/64. Virtually no trace remains of the latter-day Railways at Melton Constable in modern times.

Ben Brooksbank

Melton Constable: former Railway Works, 1997

View southward on Ashley Avenue off Peacock Way: the former Works of the M&GN Joint Railway are on the left. (See also TG0433 : Entering Melton Constable, near site of former railway station, 1997).

Ben Brooksbank