Hockwold cum Wilton village sign

Image: © Adrian S Pye Taken: 29 Mar 2021

Hockwold cum Wilton's sign is located at the bowls green. It depicts the two churches, on the left, the church of Wilton St James and its rare 14th century spire. On the right is the now redundant church of St Peter, Hockwold. The stream depicts the Little Ouse, which is the southern boundary of the parishes and the county. In the foreground are a hare, two dogs and their handler, recalling the activities of the widely known Hockwold Coursing Club (1920-1939). Below the name, are three devices. Three bee skeps relate to the 17 mentioned in the Domesday Book. The wool sacks recall the days of the 15th and 16th century wool industry. Finally, the chequerboard pattern symbolises the blue and gold arms of Earl William de Warenne who held much land in the area after Domesday. The previous sign also bore six loaves of bread and acorns. The loaves represented an early charity when six loaves were provided weekly for six poor Protestants, and the acorns represented the 'pannage for 200 hogs and 30 goats'. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6793533

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