Barton Bendish


Barton Bendish is a village and a civil parish in the English county of Norfolk.
The village is east of Downham Market, west of Norwich and south of the town of Kings Lynn.The nearest railway station is at Downham Market for the Fen Line which runs between Cambridge and King’s Lynn. The civil parish has an area of 15.92 km² and in the 2011 census had a population of 210 in 96 households. For the purposes of local government, the parish falls within the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

History

The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 were the name is given as Bertuna. The main tenant of the village was William from Hermer de Ferrers. Other tenants were Reynald Fitzlvo and Ralph Baynard. Barton Bendish is a settlement of scattered households where there are two churches which are little more than a field apart. What is more remarkable is that up until 1787 the parish had three churches. All Saints was pulled down in that year with much of the material used to repair local roads and for repairing Saint Mary’s Church. The other remaining church is called Saint Andrew’s. From the time of Richard I to Henry VIII the Lovells were lords of the manor here. Thomas, the third son of Sir Ralf Lovell was a loyal supporter of Henry VII. He fought at the Battle of Bosworth 1485, when Henry landed on the south coast with a couple of thousand French mercenaries and a few Lancastrian knights. Lovell was knighted by Henry VII for his prowess. His elder brother Sir Gregory was made banneret at Stoke. In 1485 he was created President of the Council and Chancellor of the Exchequer for Life.
The present owner, Albanwise Ltd, a UK based farming and real estate company - which is ultimately owned by the Vighignolo Investment Trust -, purchased the Estate in 1992 and has ever since then invested to preserve the village historic significance and enhance the surrounding landscape.

Amenities

The local Public House is called The Berney Arms and named for former owners of Barton Bendish Hall. In 2006 the pub was one of the Three Finalists in the Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Best Pub & Restaurant 2006 Food Awards. There is also a very well used Village Hall. A popular sport played in the village is bowls. The Village bowling green, was officially opened in 1952 although before that the game was played in front of Avenue farmhouse courtesy of Commander Mansfield.