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Bylaugh is a civil parish in the Breckland District of Norfolk, England, 4.5 miles (7.2 km) northeast of East Dereham and 13.5 miles (21.7 km) west northwest of Norwich. According to the 2001 UK census it had a population of 65. At the 2011 census the population remained less than 100 and was counted with that of the civil parish of Sparham. This smaller than average parish has three farms and is bounded to the south by the winding River Wensum. The rest of its people have smallholdings, live in the distant row of three cottages or live in homes in the grounds of Bylaugh Hall (see below). The small parish church of St Mary the Virgin lies across the road from the edge of Bylaugh Park, on the north bank of the River Wensum. The round tower, one of 124 in Norfolk, with its hexagonal belfry dates from the early 14th century. Whilst the nave is perpendicular in style, the transept and chancel date only to the early 19th century. Inside are still very intact ornate box pews. It stands out among the area’s buildings being listed at Grade I architecturally, an accreditation achieved particularly for its rarity. Bylaugh Hall, built of stone in 1851, and its estate are immediately north of the church. The house is currently under restoration after it was stripped of its lead and interior fittings, and abandoned in 1950. The hall was the headquarters of 100 Group Royal Air Force during World War II. Its flat (parapet) roof has "obelisks and heraldic beasts". Its gatepiers, farm-enclosing railings and gazebo are separately listed, as is a farmbuilding and clocktower. [edit] Research Tips
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