Thetford in Norfolk, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Ancient Capital of East Anglia

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 24, 2026

1. Ancient Capital of East Anglia Marker

Inscription. The King's House was greatly rebuilt in the middle of the 18th century, it has the reputation of being the manor house of Thetford's medieval manorial lords. In the 17th century it was a royal hunting lodge frequented by King James I, whilst he hunted in the area. The Royal Arms are displayed above the front parapet. Later it became a private residence and the arms of the Wodehouse family can still be seen to the right of the front entrance. The last private owner was Mr George W Staniforth who bequeathed the house, gardens, valuable library and other gifts to the town after his death in 1947. Since 1952 the King's House has been the chambers and offices of Thetford Town Council and also the Wayland District Registry Office since 1993.

Standing in front of the King's House is the gilded statue of Therford's most famous son, Thomas Paine (1737-1809). Author of numerous political pamphlets. Thomas Paine has been described as the most prominent political thinker and writer during the [American] Revolutionary struggle against the British. The statue was given to the town by the Thomas Paine Foundation of the United States

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of America.

Among the famous and well known patrons of the ancient Bell Hotel are the actors and technical crew of the BBC television series "Dad's Army Many episodes were filmed in and around the town in the 1960s and 70s.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Buildings • Patriots & Patriotism.

Location. 52° 24.854′ N, 0° 44.862′ E. Marker is in Thetford, England, in Norfolk. It is on King Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 44A King Street, Thetford, England IP24 1BN, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Anglia.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Famous Scripts - Fact and Fiction (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peter's Church

The King's House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 24, 2026

2. The King's House

(within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Mainwaring's Statue (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Maharajah Duleep Singh (about 150 meters away); St. Mary the Less (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Thetford Priory (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Refectory (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Thetford Priory - The Church and Nave (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thetford.

Thomas Paine Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 24, 2026

3. Thomas Paine Statue

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.