James the Aylsham Barber - window display

Image: © Evelyn Simak Taken: 9 Dec 2007

The Christmas decoration of this Barber Shop window on the Market Place matches the interesting display of a barber's tools and paraphernalia from times gone by. A market existed here in 1296; a weekly market, held on the Market Place just south of St Michael's church, was re-granted in 1519. Before wool and the production of woven cloth became increasingly important during the 15th century the prosperity of the town derived from the manufacture of linen. By the early 19th century agriculture had become the mainstay. A canal for carrying produce was cut from Burgh Bridge alongside the river Bure in 1772-9; the turnpike from Norwich followed in 1794 and in 1883 the railway arrived. Today, the Market Place is owned by the National Trust, who acquired it as part of the Blickling Estate. The 19th century Town Hall, now located on the northeastern corner, once stood in the centre of the original medieval market place. (N. Pevsner & B. Wilson: The Buildings of England/Norfolk 1-Norwich and North-East).

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