It is appropriate that one of the earliest historical records of Watton, Norfolk concerns its Market.  In 1202 King John granted a Market Charter but this was challenged as being prejudicial to one in the adjoining parish of Saham Toney, then a Royal Manor and of greater importance than Watton.  None-the-less, Watton's market won the day but resentment was rife.  There was an outbreak of violence in 1375 and grudges continued for hundreds of years, some say even to this day. The main trade of the town was in wool and cloth, then came butter and agriculture. Part of the town's insignia consists of a 'hare' and a 'tun', as was depicted on the original market cross in the market square, most of which is now occupied by trade premises built between Middle Street and the High Street in Victorian times.  The hare (wat) and the barrel (tun) motif can now be seen both on Clock Tower and atop it as the weather vane. The Watton Clock Tower was built in 1679 by a mercer called Christopher Hey, supposedly to house a fire warning bell after the great  fire of Watton in the 1670's.  
Originally built in brick, and thought to be of a rare quality and design, the tower was cement rendered when a new clock, the present one, was installed in 1827.  The tower has had several uses including, reputedly, as a lock up for local miscreants.  In recent times, it was used as a rubbish store until being internally refurbished as a very compact Tourist Information Centre.  On display inside is a example of Watton's only known trade token, issued by Christopher Hey, and an early photograph showing the Town Pump in front of the tower where now stands the 'Babes in the Wood' town sign.  The origins of this sign are steeped in folk lore related to an incident at nearby Griston Hall and Wayland Wood in the mid 16th. century.  Nowadays, however, Watton is a busy, bustling, market town with most of its business being done on the main high street.  The market is on a Wednesday, and now also there is a Farmer's market on the first Saturday every month, bringing shoppers in from all over the countryside and boosting the trade in the town centre shops.  There are shops of all kinds here from your local friendly newsagent or bakery to the larger shops and supermarket. 

The atmosphere of friendliness is prevalent throughout the whole town and one cannot help but be impressed by the smiling, 
local people of Watton. 
Please enter the site for information and a "Complete Guide" to the town of Watton in the county of Norfolk, the gem    There is a detailed Map showing how to get to Watton from different parts of the country and a list of some of the  Local Facilities that you might require.
It will show you exciting Shops and Businesses in and around Watton and some of the best Eating and Drinking establishments in the area.  It will find some beautiful accommodation like The Crown Hotel and also suggest some exciting places to visit whilst in the area. 
The site shows the Local Attractions and Stately Homes in this the area. We offer the visitor a wonderful insight into this area of Wayland Norfolk in East Anglia in the UK which includes other towns and villages including Dereham and Hingham which are close by.  
Have a look at other Norfolk Towns and Villages