The History of Hunstanton

Hunstanton is believed to be of prehistoric origin following the discovery of evidence of a Neolithic settlement in 1970.

The original settlement of Hunstanton is now known as Old Hunstanton and ajoins the main town.

At one time, this settlement was known as Hunstanton, and the newer development of the main town, as New Hunstanton. Over time, this reverted to Old Hunstanton and Hunstanton.

Old Hunstanton is now home to a once vital, but now disused lighthouse and the ruins of St. Edmund's Chapel, built in 1272. Photographs of these landmarks can be viewed in our image gallery.

Henry Styleman Le Strange, a local landowner, took on the project of turning Hunstanton into a seaside holiday resort in 1846. Many new buildings were built, mainly from the famous Norfolk carrstone.

After his death, Henry's son continued the project and completed his fathers dream creating a Victorian town with many delightful buildings, seaside villas and a multitude of parades and shops.

The town also boasted a Victorian pier (pictured above), until it was blown down by a storm in 1972, and has never been rebuilt, although the land bound remains, are still used today.

Further Reading

To find out more about Hunstanton and its history, we recommend looking through the selection of books available about the settlement. Links to buy books securely online are provided, but you may also be able to find them in the many shops in Hunstanton itself, such as those in the retail category of our directory.