A Market Town Through Time: Watton, Norfolk

Watton became a market town in the early 13th century and ever since then it has served as the centre for the surrounding district. This book tells the stories of the men and women who made it what it is: the tradesmen and shopkeepers, businessmen and publicans, yeomen and husbandmen, lawyers and clergymen, craftsmen and labourers, schoolteachers and doctors.

Although its rural setting was always a significant influence, the core of Watton was its market place and main street. The people who lived and worked there showed ambition and enterprise, competed with each other and inter-married. All too often, they over-reached and became bankrupt. But they were also a community, who made decisions and celebrated together and, for the most part, looked out for each other. They were patriotic and showed deference to their rulers but sometimes embraced radical ideas. Women featured strongly in the public life of the town; widows, in particular, often played a key part in its economic and social activities. And throughout its history, people have moved into and out of Watton, connecting it to the county, the country and the world.

Although of particular relevance to those who live in or know Watton, this book also has much to offer to anyone interested in market towns and their evolution over time.