| Spixworth | |
|---|---|
 St Peter, Spixworth | |
  Spixworth Location withinNorfolk | |
| Area | 4.80 km2 (1.85 sq mi) |
| Population | 3,718 (2011)[1] |
| • Density | 775/km2 (2,010/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TG249153 |
| • London | 121 miles (194.7 km) |
| Civil parish |
|
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | NORWICH |
| Postcode district | NR10 |
| Dialling code | 01603 |
| Police | Norfolk |
| Fire | Norfolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| UK Parliament | |
| 52°41′22″N1°19′36″E / 52.68951°N 1.32679°E /52.68951; 1.32679 | |
Spixworth is a village andcivil parish in theEnglish county ofNorfolk. The village lies close to theB1150 road and is 5 miles (8.0 km) north ofNorwich and some 10 miles (16.1 km) south ofNorth Walsham.It covers an area of 4.80 km2 (1.85 sq mi) and had a population of 3,769 in 1,508 households at the2001 census[2] includingBeeston St Andrew but decreasing to a population of 3,718 in 1,579 households at the 2011 Census. For the purposes of local government, it falls within thedistrict ofBroadland.
The village was known asSpikeswurda inNorman times and the name is believed to be derived from either the River Spikes (now Spixworth Beck) orSpic meaningswine pasture. The suffixworth is from theAnglo-Saxonyrth meaning land sloping from water or marsh. Alternatively the name is possibly derived from theOEspics (bacon farm) andworth (enclosure).[3]
FromSaxon times the village has been part of the Taverham Hundred.[4] Prior to theNorman Conquest of 1066 much of the land was held by a Saxonfreeman known as Suart. After the conquest, Spixworth and other surrounding villages were given toRoger of Poictiers.[5][6] In 1199, Peter Bardoph becameLord of the Manor, a position the family held to 1485. The estate was eventually sold to William Peck[7] in 1602. Peck, Sheriff of Norwich in 1561 and Mayor of the city in 1573 and 1586, builtSpixworth Hall in 1607. The house and estate was subsequently purchased by the Longe family in 1693 and remained in the family until 1950 when the hall was sold. The hall subsequently fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1952.[6] The title, Lord of the Manor is still owned by Longe family as well as the surrounding lands.
Due to its proximity to Norwich the village is a popular residential area. Amenities include an infant school, a junior school, a dental practice, adoctor's surgery, a village hall, amotel, theLonge Armspublic house[8] and a wide selection of retail outlets and services.[9]
A church has stood on the same site for 900 years. The present day church dates from 1160 and is built in theEarly English style. The narrow pencil shaped tower is the oldest part of the church. Inside the building is aNormanfont. Also, of note is the 17th century memorial depicting two life–sizedcorpses[10] and the church bells some of which date from 1350.
Scheduled services link the village to Norwich, North Walsham, Attleborough and further afield.[11]
The football clubNorwich CBS played in the village between 2009 and 2017 under the name Spixworth Football Club.
