Welcome to
Aylsham in Norfolk was twinned with La Chaussee-Saint-Victor in Loir-et-Cher, France at two ceremonies, one on August 28th 2000 at the Aylsham Show, and one at the gymnase (gymnasium) of La Chaussee-Saint-Victor on October 28th 2000.
Aylsham is a pleasant Norfolk market town, approximately 6000 inhabitants beside the river Bure valley. Situated on the A140 between the city of Norwich and the picturesque North Norfolk coast.
Probably named in Saxon times 'Aegel's Ham', mentioned in the Doomsday Book as Elesham, it was Crown property after the Conquest. It was eventually passed to the Earl of Buckinghamshire who owned the Blickling estate now acquired by the National Trust.
Centred around the old market square, it is overlooked by the 13th century St. Michael's church reputedly built by John O'Gaunt. The town sign bears his image. Humphrey Repton, the landscape gardener, is buried in the churchyard.
Monday is the traditional market day, no longer agricultural, but still a busy day in town.
Nowadays, during the week there are art and antiques sales attracting buyers from afar.
On the first Saturday of the month, a Farmers' Market now sells fresh, local produce.
The narrow streets of Aylsham are lined with independent shops
selling a variety of goods, and these have helped to achieve its 'Cittaslow'
status, helping to preserve this quality of life of which Aylsham is so
proud.
Nearby is the beautiful Blickling Hall with its history, lake, park and walks, all part of the vast heritage now supported by the National Trust, open to historians and ramblers alike, and ramblers can also enjoy the long distance footpaths, Marriot's Way and Weavers Way, which pass through the town, in part using the old railway lines which used to criss-cross Norfolk's countryside.
The Bure Valley Railway uses the old Aylsham South
station, seen as it was in the sixties to the left. Now with a 15-inch gauge track, this mainly steam line passes some
truly picturesque scenery on its way to the Broads town of Wroxham, through
the Bure valley.
All in all, a very pleasant town. That old Saxon farmer, Aegel, would have been very pleased.