Gissing: Timber Framing and Settlement Pattern

Gissing can be understood through its historic architecture and settlement pattern. Its buildings include timber-framed houses from the 17th century and probably the early 18th century, as well as the Church of St Mary, whose round tower probably dates from the late 11th century. The separation of Upper Street and Lower Street by former parkland is also part of the character of the place. For your travel planning, facilities at the Gissing Community Building and the limited bus service to Norwich and Diss are also relevant.

Timber Framing and Historic Building Styles

Glebe Farmhouse is a timber-framed house from the 17th century. Its roof is made of black-glazed plain tiles and has gable ends. A later-added gabled porch is positioned off-centre in front of the chimney. The house therefore shows both its original form and a later addition; the position of the porch is also precisely described by its location in relation to the chimney.

Numbers 52, 53 and 54 Lower Street together designate a timber-framed house, probably dating from the early 18th century, which is divided into three units. Its steep slate roof has one gable end and one hipped end. The two roof ends are designed differently. The house also has 18th- and 19th-century mullion-and-transom windows: mullions divide these windows vertically, and transoms horizontally. The roof form and window details from different periods thus sit side by side on this house.

The Church of St Mary has a different architectural emphasis. Its western round tower probably dates from the late 11th century and has Norman bell openings. The dating remains approximate; the Norman openings are a specific feature of the tower. Together with the timber-framed houses, they provide several distinct building styles that you can distinguish when exploring Gissing.

Upper Street, Lower Street and the Former Parkland

The main settlements of Upper Street and Lower Street are separated by a large area of former parkland that is now used for agriculture. Both settlements and the land between them are therefore important to understanding Gissing’s layout. Outside the main settlements, the parish also has farms and individual rows of houses. Settlement is thus not confined to the two main areas, but also includes more scattered rural forms. When exploring Gissing, it is worth distinguishing this layout from individual building features such as the roof, windows and tower.

Community Life and Practical Planning

At the Gissing Community Building, the large hall and the smaller, separate café and meeting room can be hired together or individually. If you are considering using the venue, check availability and arrangements directly with it in advance, as these can change.

Gissing also has a long history of high-quality dance classes for age groups from two and a half years upwards. If dance classes are relevant to your travel plans, check current dates in advance; specific class times can change. This keeps the historical significance of the classes separate from the question of finding a suitable time during your stay.

For trips to Norwich or Diss, take the limited bus service into account when planning and check the current timetable before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel in Gissing, it may help to weigh this up alongside the buildings that interest you and the purpose of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Great Dunham, Briston, Drayton, Thornham, Brundall, East Barsham, Tivetshall St. Margaret, Hemsby

For the wider travel guide: Norfolk.