East Raynham
East Raynham is a village in the county of Norfolk. It is located on the A1065 some south-west of Fakenham. The River Wensum flows close to the village. The village can trace its origins back and before the Domesday survey of 1086 when it was known as "Reinham". Raynham, Massachusetts took the village's name at its incorporation in 1731 at the time of Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend (1674–1738), Leader of the House of Lords. The population is now included in the civil parish of Raynham. The villages name means 'Regna's homestead/village' or 'Regna 's hemmed-in land'. The Raynhams. Today, The Raynhams would cover the names of three villages East, West Raynham and South Raynham, a large area of farmland known as Raynham Park, which the Raynham villages and 17th century Raynham Hall border. Raynham Hall. Raynham Hall is a rectangular mansion built of brick and stone dressings. Work commenced in 1619 and was completed in 1630. It is the seat of the Townshend family, and is owned today by the 8th Marquis Townshend. The Church of St Mary. The church stands in the park of Raynham Hall. It was rebuilt in 1868  but retains the 15th century Easter Sepulchre. The 2nd Viscount, "Turnip" Townshend is buried here. In 2002 the ring of eight bells was restored and augmented. The Queen paid a private visit to the church in July 2002. Recreation. Much of the area can be visited by a circular walk, which takes in mixed woodland, water meadows, arable land and historic buildings, almost entirely on the Raynham estate.