| Heacham lies on the north-west coast of Norfolk -
fourteen miles north-east of
King's Lynn. The town sign depicts the Indian
princess Pocahontas who married John Rolfe (1585-1622).
The Rolfes had been lords of the manor at Heacham for
centuries.
Heacham Sign
Pocahontas
The story of Pocahontas has been the
subject of many novels, children's books and more
recently a Disney animated film. John
Rolfe travelled to America with his wife on board the
Sea Adventure - but when they arrived in Virginia
his wife fell ill and died. Rolfe then married
Pocahontas - the daughter of Powhattan - the most
important Indian chief in the area. Pocahontas had
previously saved the life of Captain John Smith in 1607
by throwing herself between him and Powhattan's braves.
In 1616, Rolfe, Pocahontas and their child returned to
England - where she became a celebrity and was presented
at court. She also converted to Christianity and changed
her name to Rebecca. However, the English climate did
not agree with her and she died in March 1617. Rolfe
remarried again and returned to Virginia where he died.
Inside St Mary's Church there is an alabaster carving of
Pocahontas which was made by one of Rodin's pupils.
|
Supported
by Norfolk Tourism