Anchor Hotel, Thetford

Image: © Stephen McKay Taken: 19 Aug 2006

This is a very sad sight. This old coaching inn is a landmark on what was once the main approach into Thetford from the south, just before the bridge over the Little Ouse River. It has a claim to fame: the very first scene of the first episode of Dad's Army was filmed here and the hotel was regularly used by the cast when filming in the area (all of the outdoor scenes in the programme were filmed in the Thetford area). Although it continued until recently to be a busy hotel and restaurant, with a popular public bar, the current owners want to redevelop the site for housing. This is bitterly opposed by the Thetford Society who would prefer to see the building continue as a hotel; it is not listed, but is in a conservation area. However, the building is in poor condition and its current abandoned state means it will only deteriorate further.

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