West Beckham

Civil Parish in Norfolk North Norfolk

England

West Beckham

Rectory Road
Rectory Road Credit: Hugh Venables

West Beckham is a civil parish located in the county of Norfolk, England. It is situated approximately 4 miles south-east of the market town of Holt and 4 miles north-west of the coastal town of Sheringham. The parish covers an area of around 4 square miles and is home to a small population of approximately 150 residents.

The village of West Beckham is characterized by its picturesque rural setting, with rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands surrounding the area. It is primarily an agricultural community, with farming being the main economic activity. The landscape is dotted with traditional farmhouses and barns, adding to the charm and character of the area.

West Beckham is also known for its historic buildings and landmarks. One notable structure is the Church of St. Helen, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 14th century. The church features a beautiful nave, chancel, and tower, showcasing medieval architectural elements.

Despite its small size, West Beckham offers a range of amenities and services to its residents. These include a village hall, a primary school, and a local pub, providing a sense of community and social gathering spaces. The surrounding countryside also provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and exploring the nearby Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Overall, West Beckham offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for those seeking a rural lifestyle in Norfolk. Its rich history, natural beauty, and close-knit community make it a desirable place to live or visit.

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West Beckham Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.909263/1.184389 or Grid Reference TG1439. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rectory Road
Rectory Road
Solar farm near Bodham Hill
Solar farm near Bodham Hill
Field by New Road
Field by New Road
Solar farm near Bodham Hill
Solar farm near Bodham Hill
Buildings by Rectory Road See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3938108">TG1338 : RAF West Beckham radar station (C Site)</a> for more details.
Buildings by Rectory Road
Road to West Beckham
Road to West Beckham
Barley field near Bodham Hill
Barley field near Bodham Hill
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.
Show me another place!

West Beckham is located at Grid Ref: TG1439 (Lat: 52.909263, Lng: 1.184389)

Administrative County: Norfolk

District: North Norfolk

Police Authority: Norfolk

What 3 Words

///factor.swooned.glossed. Near Sheringham, Norfolk

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.909263,1.184389
West Beckham
Place: village
Lat/Long: 52.9115497/1.1811394
The Street, adj
Naptan AtcoCode: 2900B160
Naptan Bearing: E
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: The Street
Naptan Indicator: adj
Naptan Landmark: Wheatsheaf PH
Naptan Locality: West Beckham
Naptan NaptanCode: nfogpdwt
Naptan ShortCommonName: The Street
Naptan Street: The Street
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.9116273/1.1827097
Give Way
Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 52.9116266/1.1784862
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 16:30; Sa 08:30
Operator: Royal Mail
Post Box Mounting: wooden_post
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: NR25 2511
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113
Lat/Long: 52.9115354/1.1781013
Chestnut Farm
Place: farm
Lat/Long: 52.9113147/1.1784187
Church Farm
Place: farm
Lat/Long: 52.9117497/1.1850864
West Beckham
Inscription: 1984 / WI / At the initiative of the Bodham and District WI and by public subscription, this sign was erected in 1984. Designed by Mr Paul Milliard, it depicts the agricultural nature of the village, both ancient and modern. By 1998 the sign was in a
Inscription 2: dangerous condition. It has been rebuilt to its original condition by Mr Ray Smith, a craftsman & parishioner with the funds and encouragement of The Millennium Committee and re-erected in the Millennium year 2000.
Man Made: village_sign
Material: wood;metal
Old Name: Beccheham
Start Date: 2000
Lat/Long: 52.9116631/1.1783263
Give Way
Direction: backward
Lat/Long: 52.9117705/1.1783018
All Saints
Demolished Amenity: place_of_worship
Denomination: anglican
End Date: 1890
Historic: ruins
Religion: christian
Ruins: church
Tower: round
Website: http://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?MNF6570
Wikidata: Q26466717
Lat/Long: 52.9069609/1.1903107
Grit Bin
Lat/Long: 52.9115896/1.1858287
Give Way
Lat/Long: 52.9115144/1.185932
Board Type: notice
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.9113069/1.1862566
Bench
Backrest: yes
Colour: brown
Seats: 2
Lat/Long: 52.9113498/1.1862331
Entrance: yes
Lat/Long: 52.9113239/1.1864894
Entrance: main
Lat/Long: 52.9112889/1.1862962
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9129814/1.1859307
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.9123248/1.1856946
Power: pole
Transformer: distribution
Lat/Long: 52.9116923/1.1854666
Give Way
Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 52.911537/1.1790492
Give Way
Direction: backward
Lat/Long: 52.9116171/1.1781731
Military: checkpoint
Lat/Long: 52.9049768/1.1828293
Man Made: tower
Tower Type: communication
Lat/Long: 52.9057166/1.1807316
Man Made: tower
Tower Type: communication
Lat/Long: 52.9058762/1.179616
Man Made: tower
Tower Type: communication
Lat/Long: 52.9072509/1.183397
Man Made: tower
Tower Type: communication
Lat/Long: 52.9067101/1.1845909
Military: checkpoint
Lat/Long: 52.9049768/1.1828293
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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