LITCHAM, a parish (formerly a market-town) in
the hundred of LAUNDITCH, county of NORFOLK, 7?
miles (N. E. by N.) from Swaffham, containing 586 inhabitants.
The market has been discontinued; but a
fair for toys is held November 1st. The county magistrates
hold a session here once in six weeks; and a
court leet is held annually in October, by the lord of
the manor. The living is a discharged rectory, with
which that of East Lexham was united in 1742, in the
archdeaconry and diocese of Norwich, rated in the king's
books at £9. 2. 6., and in the patronage of Lord
Wodehouse. The church is an ancient structure, dedicated
to St. Andrew, and built of flint and stone; at
the west end is a square embattled tower of brick, with
freestone quoins; and there is an ancient carved oak
screen. A National school is supported by subscription.
An hospital, founded and endowed by Mr. John
Halcot, comprises tenements for two poor persons, who
receive a small weekly allowance, chargeable on land in
the adjoining parish of Beeston. Here was anciently
an hermitage, which has been converted into a farmhouse.