Hethersett Area Guide

Hethersett is a large village in south Norfolk located roughly 6 miles south west of the city of Norwich. Hethersett lies so close to Norwich that many think of it as just another of its suburbs. It is, however, a separate community with its own vitality and quite a marked community spirit. This shows itself not only in the wide range of activities in the village but also in more permanent ways in items provided for the village through the efforts of villagers.

Amenities

The village has a good community spirit with an array of clubs and organisations to suit all ages. Hethersett has an excellent choice of shops including a butchers, farm shop, florist, furniture and gift shop, pet shop and picture framing shop. Hethersett church, St Remigius, is a large attractive church built in the 14th century.

History

The meaning of the name of Hethersett is not clear; the guide to the church suggests the enclosure for the deer: Heedra is an old English word for heather or heath, and set is Old English for a dwelling place, camp, stable or fold. This would give the meaning as being that of a camp or enclosure on the heath. It was the main settlement in the ancient Hundred of Humbleyard and it lies in the Deanery of Humbleyard and in the South Norfolk District.

Attractions

Two areas of much interest are the Kissing and Suckling Lanes, both public footpaths. From the former the walker has excellent views of the Park with its remaining large trees and lake. There are many interesting walks in the parish including footpaths to the Village Pit and from New Road to Great Melton church. They contain old hedges and mature trees providing suitable homes for various birds. Hethersett continues to grow but it remains a village with much natural beauty for those with the eyes and ears willing to seek it.