The Village Sign

Great Hockham's current wrought iron sign is shown above on our Village green and in detail below and is an excellent way of learning about the some of the history of the village.

This sign replaced a wooden version that had been the work of Harry Carter and that had been in place since the mid 1960's, having been unveiled by Christopher Bush Hockham's local author.

The front of the current sign shows a cottage on Market Hill (the correct name for the area containing the Village Green) with Oak and Pine behind forming a backdrop to the scene. The cottage, in medieval style, is built of local timber-clay and wood. 

In front of the cottage, the Great Hockham Horn Fair, granted in 1272, is being held. The Bailiff, with his horn, is collecting dues from the traders, who are selling their wares: lavender, agricultural produce and fairings.

Seated on the Stone, a Musician is adding enjoyment to the occasion.  The Reedmace reminds us that the surrounding countryside was very wet with many Glacial Pingoes.  Behind the cottage, (on the rear of the sign) a trader had left his horse and cart.

The central figure is Tinker Joe who lived in the village for much of his 112 years and is buried in Hockham Churchyard. 

The Red Squirrel still exists today in Thetford Forest and the English Partridge was once common on the Brecks.  It also reminds us of the Partridge family who lived at the Hall for many years and built the first Village School in the early nineteenth century.

The Cranberry can still be found in the Parish on Cranberry Rough, which, although drained by 1797 was an extensive lake of over 200 acres in Tudor times.

Christopher Bush unveiling the old Village Sign in the 1960's