Acle

Acle is a small market town in the county of Norfolk, located in the East of England, Acle is situated on the River Bure and is known for its picturesque surroundings and rich history.

A popular destination for tourists, Acle is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a great place to relax and unwind. There are a number of interesting walks and cycling routes in the area, as well as several nature reserves and birdwatching sites.

In addition to its natural beauty, Acle is also home to a number of historical landmarks. The most well-known of these is Acle Bridge, which was built in the 14th century and is now a Grade II listed building. The town also has a number of other historical buildings, including the Acle War Memorial, which commemorates the town's fallen soldiers, and the Acle Old Rectory, which is a Grade II listed building and is now used as a residential property.

The town has a long history dating back to the Roman era, and it was mentioned in the Domesday Book as a small village with a population of just over 100 people. In the Middle Ages, Acle became an important market town and was known for its weekly markets, which attracted traders from all over the region.

Acle is the perfect place to visit if you want to enjoy the amazing scenery of the Norfolk Broads. This beautiful area of Norfolk has a huge range of activities to enjoy from wildlife spotting, walking, cycling, bird watching, canoeing, and more.

It is home to a number of small businesses, including a number of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs offering delicious homemade food, as well as local markets which is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists where you can pick up some tasty produce straight from the farmer.

Acle is a civil parish of around 2,800 people, located ten miles (16 km) east of Norwich.

There are two schools, Acle Academy and St Edmund C of E Primary School.

Acle railway station is on Station Road and is on the Wherry line which goes from Norwich to Great Yarmouth.

Overall, Acle is a charming and welcoming town that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Whether you're looking to relax in the countryside, explore the town's rich history, or enjoy the local shops and pubs, Acle has something for everyone.

The History Of Acle

Acle was on the Norfolk shoreline in Saxon times and rapidly grew as a fishing village. Great Yarmouth did not exist, the area it now occupies being a sandbank, and all the marshes between Great Yarmouth and Acle were under the sea. The land was gradually reclaimed from the estuaries of the Rivers Yare, Bure and Waveney leaving large expanses of flat land stretching towards the sea.

There is evidence of the Romans. In the late 1980s, Roman coins were found in The Street when the A47 bypass was being constructed.

There are more than 100 surviving round-tower churches in Norfolk, and the church of St Edmunds is one of them. The tower is the oldest part of the church and is thought to have been built between AD 850-950. In the 13th century, there was an octagonal stage added to it. Near the pulpit is a fragment of a medieval wall painting depicting a dragon, which was painted in the 13th century.

The industrial revolution boosted Acle's importance in the 19th century. It was the first time that it was possible to travel to Great Yarmouth without using Fleggburgh when the Acle Straight opened in 1831.

The market was given the go-ahead in 1272 which included the sale of livestock. During the next couple of hundred years, Acle was an important trade centre for the surrounding areas. Livestock trading has ceased in recent years.

Acle Bridge

Acle bridge over the River Bure has been replaced a few times over the years. Starting in 1101 the first crossing was built, then in 1931, a replacement bridge was constructed. Due to heavier traffic, this bridge was showing signs of movement and was finally replaced again in 1997, with the current bridge which is still being used today. At Acle bridge, you will also find the Acle Bridge Inn which has some great food and a lovely outside seating area by the river.

Alongside the river, at Acle bridge, there are moorings available if you are travelling by boat.

Acle Bridge Inn

Acle Farmers Market

Acle farmers market is held every Saturday between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm in Acle Church Hall which is on Norwich Road in Acle. The market is mainly run by volunteers, mostly from 'Market Aid'. It consists of approximately 45 stalls with produce including fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, eggs, flowers and plants. The farmers also sell a large selection of homemade cakes and preserves.

Acle Auction

Acle Auction is held weekly in Horner's auction yard in Acle. They cater for sellers of all sizes and have a team of knowledgeable experts who will work with you to create an exciting sale that fits your requirements and budget. If you're looking for quality used vehicles, equipment or machinery, then they're sure to have something for you at their next auction. To find out more about upcoming Acle sales auctions and dates visit the Horners auction website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Acle is a charming market town in Norfolk, with a rich history dating back to the Roman era. It is known for its picturesque surroundings, beautiful countryside, and abundance of wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking to relax and unwind. The town has a number of historical landmarks, including Acle Bridge and St Edmunds Church, as well as a vibrant local community that supports a range of small businesses, including independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Whether you're interested in exploring the town's history, enjoying the local scenery, or sampling some delicious local produce, Acle has something for everyone.