Methwold

Methwold
St George, Methwold
Methwold
Methwold shown within Norfolk
Area	49.12 km² (18.97 sq mi)
Population	1,502 (29011)
• Density	31/km² (80/sq mi)
OS grid reference	TL731940
Civil parish	Methwold
District	King's Lynn and West Norfolk
Shire county	Norfolk
Region	East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	THETFORD
Postcode district	IP26
Dialling code	01366 (Within UK)

Police	Norfolk
Fire	Norfolk
Ambulance	East of England
EU Parliament	East of England
List of places UK England Norfolk 52°31′00″N 0°33′00″E / 52.5167°N 0.55°E / 52.5167; 0.55Coordinates: 52°31′00″N 0°33′00″E / 52.5167°N 0.55°E / 52.5167; 0.55

Methwold ("Middle forest") is a civil parish in the English county of Norfolk, on the edge of the Norfolk Fens and Breckland. With an area of 49.12 km² (18.97 sq mi) it is the second largest parish in Norfolk. It had a population of 1,476 in 591 households at the 2001 census, increasing to 1,502 at the 2011 Census. For the purposes of local government, it falls within the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

The parish also includes the hamlets of Methwold Hythe, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the town and on the edge of the fens, and Brookville to the north west.

Its economy is based on agriculture with a little light industry. The village is situated about 20 miles (32 km) from King's Lynn and 15 miles (24 km) north west of Thetford (its postal town).

The Duchy of Lancaster Methwold CofE Primary School is located in the parish. The secondary and sixth form departments of Iceni Academy are also located in Methwold, previously being known as Methwold High School.

Methwold parish is the second largest parish in Norfolk in terms of land. The parish currently has approximately 20 farms ranging from about 60 acres (243,000 m²) up to 1,000 acres (4.0 km²). Farming in Methwold and the surrounding areas accounts for a vast majority of jobs in the fens. Even if people don't farm, much of the work is connected with the land.

According to John Marius Wilson, Methwold can technically be classed as market town following its market charter granted by King Charles I of England during a brief visit.

Methwold became famous for its abundance and excellence of its rabbits which were sold by poulterers as "Muel Rabbits". A meal of Muel Rabbits was reputed to have pleased Charles I to such an extent that he granted the village a charter for the market to be held.

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Wikipedia