Burnham Overy Staithe

Settlement in Norfolk King's Lynn and West Norfolk

England

Burnham Overy Staithe

In St Clementâs graveyard A simple coffin-shaped stone marks this grave. The surface was too badly weathered to make out any of the inscription. — In St Clementâs graveyard Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Burnham Overy Staithe is a picturesque village located on the north coast of Norfolk, England. Situated within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. The village is nestled on the banks of the River Burn, which flows into the nearby North Sea.

The main focal point of Burnham Overy Staithe is its small harbor, which has been a hub for local fishing and sailing activities for centuries. The harbor also serves as a popular starting point for boating trips to the nearby Holkham Bay and the National Nature Reserve.

The village itself is characterized by charming traditional cottages made from local flint and brick, giving it a quintessentially English feel. It is also home to a few local businesses, including a pub, a café, and a small village store.

Nature enthusiasts are drawn to Burnham Overy Staithe for its stunning salt marshes and sand dunes. These habitats support a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, seals, and rare plants. The area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, reflecting its ecological importance.

Visitors to Burnham Overy Staithe can enjoy various outdoor activities such as walking, birdwatching, and sailing. The village offers easy access to the Norfolk Coast Path, which provides breathtaking views of the coastline and opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside.

Overall, Burnham Overy Staithe is a charming and peaceful village that offers a slice of tranquility amidst the natural beauty of Norfolk's coastal landscape.

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Burnham Overy Staithe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.963866/0.744645 or Grid Reference TF8444. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

In St Clementâs graveyard

A simple coffin-shaped stone marks this grave. The surface was too badly weathered to make out any of the inscription.

Mary and Angus Hogg

St Clementâs gravestone

This stone marks the grave of Samuel Brookbank who died in 1776. The carving shows a beautiful winged soul that represents Samuel’s rise to Heaven.

Mary and Angus Hogg

In St Clementâs graveyard, Burnham Overy

The skulls on this 18th century stone represent man’s mortality while the central cherub, or winged soul, indicates Heavenly life after death.

Mary and Angus Hogg

A carved stone in St Clementâs graveyard

A lovely carved headstone marks this 18th century grave. The skull and crossed bones represent death and remind the passer-by that earthly life is limited. The two cherub-like faces may actually be winged souls which represent the rise of the deceased up to Heaven.

Mary and Angus Hogg

St Clementâs Church, Burnham Overy Town

There has been a church on this site since the 12th century. The Grade 1 listed building has been completely restored.

Mary and Angus Hogg

West Harbour, Burnham Overy Staithe

Chris Morgan

East Harbour, Burnham Overy Staithe

Chris Morgan

Burnham Overy windmill, A149, Burnham Overy Staithe

Grade II* Listed tower windmill. The mill was built in 1816 by Edmund Savory. Savory worked the mill until his death on 9 February 1827, when it passed to his son John. The mill was six storeys high, with a ground floor diameter of 24 feet and had a stage set around the first floor. It had four double shuttered sails with a span of 81 feet, each had 12 bays of 3 shutters and drove 3 pairs of stones. The mill ceased working between 1912 and 1921 depending on who you believe. Mr. Hugh Hughes architect bought the mill in 1926 and by then all the machinery had been removed. Hughes converted the mill for use as holiday lets and added the single storey extensions. Restoration was carried out by R. Thompson & Son of Alford, Lincs. who added a fixed cap, skeleton sails, stage and fan in 1957. The following year Hughes donated the mill to the National Trust who soon after had to again replace the sails as they had deteriorated badly. Plans by the Trust to restore the mill to working order were opposed by the Norfolk County Council due to the inadequate highway in the locality which did not have the capacity to cope with large numbers of visitors. The mill was renovated internally to meet fire safety regulations and retarred in 1981. The stocks and sails were removed in 1983. Two new 62 feet (18.90 m) long stocks of Jamaican Pitch pine were fitted on 17 July 1985, and four new sails the following day. The new stocks and sails cost £26,500. It is now used for holiday self catering accommodation by the National Trust.

Jo and Steve Turner