| Weeting is situated approximately 2 miles north of
Brandon and has two literary connections.
Weeting Castle (now
a ruin) appears in Hereward the Wake
by Charles Kingsley (1819-1875). In the story
William the Conqueror was based at Weeting hoping to
capture Hereward's stronghold on the Isle of Ely.
However, Hereward disguises himself as a potter and
infiltrates William's court and discovers vital
information before escaping and returning to Ely.
Remains of Weeting
Castle
Charles Kingsley
was a history don at Cambridge University and
therefore was familiar with the fens and the
surrounding areas. However, there is no historical
evidence to suggest that the events portrayed in his
novel actually occurred.
The poet and
dramatist Thomas Shadwell (1742-1792) is thought to have
been born at Weeting - either at Stanton Hall or at
Bromehill Farm. In his day he was well known for his
witty plays but, today, he is best remembered for his
war of words with the poet John Dryden. Dryden attacked
him in both Mac Flecknoe and Absalom and
Architophel.
Thomas Shadwell
Weeting Heath
provides one of the finest examples of
Breckland
heath in the county. It is home to 280 plant species
and is the only site in the UK where stone curlews
can be viewed from hides. The reserve is open daily
from dawn to dusk and is managed by the Norfolk
Wildlife Trust.
|
Supported
by Norfolk Tourism