Fakenham
Fakenham is a market town and civil parish in Norfolk, England. It is situated on the River Wensum, about 25 miles (40 kilometres) north-west of Norwich. The town is at the junction of several local roads, including the A148 from King's Lynn to Cromer, the A1067 to Norwich and the A1065 to Swaffham.
| Fakenham | |
|---|---|
Market Place, with the war memorial | |
Fakenham Location within Norfolk | |
| Area | 9.04 km2 (3.49 sq mi) |
| Population | 7,617 (2011 census) |
| • Density | 843/km2 (2,180/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TF918296 |
| District |
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| Shire county |
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| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | FAKENHAM |
| Postcode district | NR21 |
| Dialling code | 01328 |
| Police | Norfolk |
| Fire | Norfolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| UK Parliament | |
The civil parish has an area of 3.49 sq mi (9.0 km2). In the 2001 census, it had a population of 7,357 in 3,292 households; this increased to 7,617 at the 2011 census. For the purposes of local government, the parish lies within the district of North Norfolk.
Fakenham has been a market town since 1250, known particularly for its corn, barley and wheat trading; in the 19th century, it became noted for its printing. Fakenham Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue to the south of the town.
The town has a long name of Fakenham Lancaster which derives from the ownership of the manor in 1377 being transferred to John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster. The name continues to be used today, including on recently-placed history trail plaques around the town; it is also used to name the town's two wards, for the purpose of electing councillors to North Norfolk District Council: Lancaster North and Lancaster South.