The 1910 Book 'The Land of Babes in the Wood' by Rev Charles Kent is now freely available on the Web

The Land of the "Babes in the Woods" or The Breckland of Norfolk

This book was written by Rev. Charles Kent, M.A of Merton in Norfolk and published in 1910,he drew heavily apron the papers and notes of his predecessor Rev. George Crabbe of Merton that had been left at the church and rectory. It is one of the few books that has covered the Wayland area in any depth.  You will find a wonderful range of topics such as superstitions, highwaymen and local traditions. There are chapters on Watton, Merton, Thompson, Stow Bedon, Breccles, Tottington, Carbrooke, Caston, Griston and Scoulton.
                                                                                                        The 'Capturing Our Wayland Heritage' project is working to make out of print reference books, such as this, easily accessible to researchers. The text is searchable and the whole book can be downloaded as a PDF from Google Docs once there click on the file button (top left) and a drop down menu will give the option to download. The book, from Sue White's collection, was scanned, edited and the PDF prepared by Gary Pearce.

Video from top of Caston church tower on 5th September 2009

Click on the picture to run the video.
The view from the top of Caston church on 5th September 2009. The tower was open to raise funds for the church. It was a spur of the moments video so the quality is not to good. I had to walk over the struts that support the weather vain so it is also rather jumpy. It would be good to go up again and do a better job.

To discover more about the history of the church follow this link http://www.watton.info/OurHeritage/TheChurchesofWayland/Caston/tabid/117/Default.aspx From this link you can also listen to a audio guide and download the files to your computer to use on your MP3 player to take with you on a visit to the church.

Waylands Summer Fairs & Fetes

The Fete and Fair Season is in full swing, following the Horn Fair at Hockham, the project had a stand at the History Fair at Gressenhall, where the Scoulton History Group put on a display of their research.

The project gazebo and I have travelled to the fates at Caston, Ovington and Watton carnival over the last two weeks. The project has had a very warm and friendly welcome every where it has been. A great amount of interest has been shown in the project, which is reflected in the number people that have signed up to take part in 'Capturing Our Wayland Heritage'.