Sharrington: Village History, Landscape and Culture

Sharrington lies on the edge of the Glaven Valley in North Norfolk; the surrounding area is predominantly agricultural. If you are looking for a hotel in Sharrington, you could start by considering whether the village’s architectural history, its rural setting or its recurring cultural events is the main draw for you. These three perspectives cover distinct, clearly identifiable topics here—from the medieval village cross to workshops in the village hall.

Landscape and geological setting

The valley describes the location in its wider regional context, while the agricultural character refers to the surrounding area. The main part of the village has an additional geological feature: glacial till lies over the chalk layer there. This description of the sequence of soil layers is therefore more geographically specific than the description of the surroundings. When putting Sharrington in context, it is worth considering these scales separately rather than extending the geological detail to the entire landscape.

Medieval cross and architectural history

The Sharrington village cross is a medieval, upright cross. It is believed to stand at or very close to its original location. A medieval socket stone and parts of the shaft and head have survived. Its historical context therefore depends both on the surviving parts and on the cautious wording about its location. The cross may have been erected as a preaching station for pilgrims; this remains a possibility.

Other buildings mark different periods. A 17th-century barn stands northwest of Sharrington Hall. It is built of flint, has brick dressings and a red pantile roof. Daubeney Hall Farmhouse and Attached Stable to South has a 17th-century core and 19th-century details. In contrast to the medieval cross, the barn and farmhouse date to the 17th century; the farmhouse also has explicitly later details. This makes it possible to distinguish the buildings by period rather than treating them broadly as a single historical category.

Culture in the village

Recurring cultural events give the village a different focus from its architectural history. At the arts and crafts workshops in the village hall, a new art or craft technique is tried each month. If you are planning around a particular technique, it is best to check the current date before your visit; arrangements may change. A live music evening is also held regularly in Sharrington. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the latest information on the village website before making plans. The Noble Rotters Wine Club was founded in 2014; this date provides a point of reference for the wine theme in Sharrington.

Getting your bearings and regional connections

All Saints Sharrington is just off the A148 between Fakenham and Holt. Visitors are welcome; check locally for current visiting arrangements before your visit. Sharrington also lies on or near the route from East Norfolk to Binham Abbey and the medieval shrine at Walsingham. Thus, alongside the village’s buildings, Sharrington is also connected with named historic destinations in the region.

Discover more destinations: Castle Acre, Wymondham, Corpusty, Scratby, Foulsham, Horning, Aldborough, Edingthorpe

For the main travel overview: Norfolk.