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

The Angel Field Millennium Green

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 29, 2026

1. The Angel Field Millennium Green Marker

Inscription.
History
Bounded by Downham Road, School Road and Fairfield Lane, the Green was at one time part of the tenancy of The Angel public house. Bit Cameron, landlord for 38 years, kept his donkey here. Historically the field has had many other uses.

A metal detector survey unearthed a small lead holy water flask evidence, that this was a stopover for pilgrims on the way from Walsingham (the Easter Cross still journeys through the village on its way there). Many Victorian coins were also found. These were thought to have been lost when the green was used for travelling fairs, which were frequently held here, hence the name of the adjoining path Fairfield Lane. During WW2 there was a searchlight battery sited here, also a "pill box" which is still standing.

For many years the Village Pound was sited on the green, stray animals were "impounded" there until the owner paid a fine. As part of the Jubilee celebrations it was moved to the road edge, to accommodate the village sign. Later a memorial seat was provided, and the parish council has had this area brick paved and fenced.

The Creation of the Green
As part of the Millennium

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celebrations, the field was purchased and given to the village, to be administered by a group of trustees After public consultations, a plan was produced. Volunteers worked hard to plant trees and hedges, construct hard core paths, plant the wild flower meadow, and build the amphitheatre, petanque pitch and bog area. As a Millennium Feature, the sundial was designed and crafted by a local blacksmith and the puzzle path was commissioned.

Tree planting is ongoing, and five more trees have been planted. A copper beech commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Green, and a Scots pine, used as a Christmas tree, marks the retirement of Dr. Hugh Lacey, who served for many years a Parish Councillor and Chairman. Three blossom trees celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

This green is administered and maintained by its trustees, helped by volunteer labour and some professional services. The Trustees wish to acknowledge, with gratitude, that without Mr. Richard Rockcliffe at the outset of this project there would not be a Millennium Green.

These boards were made possible by a generous donation from Mr. G. Beaumont for his wife Georgie.

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 52° 40.415′ N, 0° 23.56′ E. Marker is in Watlington, England, in Norfolk. It can be reached from School Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is by the entrance to the green. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Watlington, England PE33 0HE, 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.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on November 10, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

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