Erpingham

The village of Erpingham lies approximately five miles north of Aylsham. The name derives from the homestead of Eorp's people.

Erpingham Church

Sir Thomas Erpingham's Coat of Arms

It is famous for its links with Sir Thomas Erpingham who led the English archers at the battle of Agincourt in 1415. Erpingham also appears as a character in Shakespeare's Henry V.
 

Erpingham:
Not so, my liege; this lodging likes me better,
Since I may say "Now lie I like a king."

The victory at Agincourt - where the English were heavily outnumbered - was largely due to the effectiveness of the English longbowmen.

Sir Thomas, once the owner of Blickling Hall, was a supporter of John of Gaunt (see Aylsham). He was also responsible for building the Erpingham Gate at Norwich Cathedral between 1416-25. There is a statue of him on the gable of the gate - kneeling and praying.

Statue of Sir Thomas Erpingham, Norwich

Erpingham Gate, Norwich

His tomb lies inside the cathedral but some believe that he is actually buried at Erpingham.
 

Links:

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church