BURNHAM-MARKET, or BURNHAM-WESTGATE,
a parish (formerly a market-town) in the hundred
of BROTHERCROSS, county of NORFOLK, 36 miles
(N. W.) from Norwich, and 120 (N. N. E.) from London,
containing 937 inhabitants. This place derives its name
from the small river Burn, on which it is situated, and
takes the adjunct Westgate to distinguish it from the
numerous villages of the same name in this county. It
is pleasantly situated in a fertile valley, environed by
a range of hills on the north, west, and south, within
four miles of the sea; and though its market has been
discontinued, and the building appropriated. to that
purpose converted into dwellings, it has experienced
considerable improvement of late years, and is rapidly
advancing in prosperity; the houses are in general
well built, and amply supplied with water from springs.
The trade is chiefly in corn, which is greatly facilitated
by a small harbour formed by the river, and-by its
proximity to the sea. A small manufactory for iron
has been recently established, and hemp is prepared in
the town to a limited extent. Fairs for toys are held
on Easter Monday and Tuesday, and August 1st and 2nd.
The county magistrates hold a meeting here once a
month: courts baron are occasionally held by the lords
of the respective manors. The living is a rectory, with
which a mediety of the consolidated rectories of Burnham-
Norton and Bumham-Ulph is united, in the archdeaconry
of Norfolk, and diocese of Norwich, rated
jointly in the king's books at £20. 16. 8., and in the
patronage of the Master and Fellows of Caius College^
Cambridge. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a neat
structure of stone and flint, with a square embattled
tower ornamented with sculptured figures; and in the
chancel are some interesting monuments and a rudely
sculptured statue. The site of another parochial church,
dedicated to St. Margaret, is at present occupied by a
carpenter's shop; and at the lower end of the town
is the chapel of Burnham-Ulph, dedicated to All Saints.
There is a place of worship for Independents. Mr.
John Wilmot bequeathed £100 for the instruction of
poor children, the produce of which is applied to the
education of a certain number in a private boarding"
and day school. There are almshouses for the aged
poor, and some bequests for charitable purposes.