A brief history of Docking, North Norfolk

Docking was and still is a thriving North Norfolk village. It appears on the map as a 'centre point' branching in every direction to the resorts and beauty spots of North Norfolk. These include beautiful North Norfolk beaches such as Hunstanton, Brancaster, Thornham, Holme, Burnham Overy Staithe, Holkham Beach, Wells and carrying on as far as Blakeney and Cley. The local beach of Brancaster is just a five minute car ride away.

Stately homes nearby include Sandringham, Houghton Hall, Holkham Hall. The charming market town of Burnham Market (sometimes referred to as 'Chelsea-on-Sea'), with its range of exquisite independent shops for all tastes, is just a ten minute car journey away. There are walks and hikes in all directions starting from or near Docking. The Peddars Way is very close by.

Docking is first mentioned in the Doomsday Book so its history stretches back a long time! Originally known as Dry Docking, The Reef at Kings Dock being on a hill with no natural water source and water having to be carried up to the village from below, it was a centre of the local agricultural community and was renowned for its wool and other agricultural products.

Great Eastern Railway (GER) constructed a railway line in the 1840s linking Kings Lynn Hunstanton to Wells-next-the-Sea on the coast and the line passed through the villages of Docking and Stanhoe on the way.

The construction of the railway provided employment for the Docking villagers and we know that the original row of terraced houses known then and now as "Oddfellows Row" was built in 1850 and were railwayman's cottages.

In the 1800s, Docking had an array of shops, including banks, butchers bakers blacksmiths, post office, several pubs as well as a village hall called 'Oddfellows Hall' (now 'Rippers Hall'), church etc. There was a busy station next to the present day 'Railway Inn'. Take a walk through the village and you will see lots of cottages named after the original tradesman or business that used to be there (banks, butchers, bakers, blacksmiths etc. ).

In World War 2, the uk and US Governments of the time feared that a German invasion of Britain would likely come from the East Coast. For that reason, the RAF and USAF built aerodromes and bases in and around Docking and the village became a meeting point and social venue for us and UK military personnel and civilians.

Many US GIs married locals from Docking. Actors Richard Burton and Warren Mitchell were stationed here as was the footballer Danny Blanchflower.

After the war, the airbases fell into disuse and were eventually closed and the American servicemen and women returned home. In the 1950s, the infamous "Beeching" report decided to recommend that more than half the railway network in the uk would be closed in a cost saving exercise.

Docking Station fell under the hammer and was sadly closed as a result despite strong protests from the local community. All that remains today of the Railway line is 'The Railway Inn', a beautiful Pub and restaurant. The station has been replaced by a modern housing estate.

Modern day Docking is perhaps unique in the sense that it still has a thriving local community. There is a school in the village frequented by children from Docking and surrounding villages. There is a busy Village Hall (Rippers Hall) where the Community meets often. There is a church, Doctors Surgery, Bowling Club, Darts Club, WI, etc.

Residents and the holidaymakers blend well together with visitors contributing to the local economy. Today, you can stay on Oddfellows Row as one of the original cottages is now let as a pretty holiday cottage.

Find out more about places to visit around Docking and North Norfolk.

Steph Makins has over ten years experience in sales and marketing. Throughout this time she has written for several publications, both online and off-line. Steph is based in Norwich in Norfolk and offers web design, PR & marketing services through PollyWiggle Promotions.

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