OUR HISTORY

In 1890 the Revd. Knight loaned the money for the Nelson Memorial Hall to be built. Land was purchased from the Orford Estate and the stone and flint used in its construction came from the Nelson Rectory. The hall was initially built as a place of worship whilst All Saints’ Church was being renovated for the Centenary of Trafalgar. When the church repairs were completed, the hall was given for community use.

In 1901 the Conveyance and Declaration of Trust stated; ’Said piece of Land and Memorial Hall should be dedicated as a Village Hall for the benefit of the inhabitants of Burnham Thorpe & the neighbourhood as a Memorial to Lord Nelson in addition to the restoration of the Parish Church.’

By 1948 the hall had fallen into disrepair and needed updating. All but two of the original trustees were deceased so The Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance was appointed as Custodian Trustees. An additional piece of land was purchased from Holkham Estate for a parking area and the villagers fundraised to raise money to add an extension that provided a kitchen, toilets and front hall.

The hall displays much historical Nelson associated imagery and interesting village photographs and relics.

The Nelson Memorial Hall is a registered charity and is run as a Village Hall by a management committee of 9 volunteers with close local connections to the village.