BUCKENHAM (NEW), a market-town and parish
in the hundred of SHROPHAM, county of NORFOLK, 15
miles (S.W.) from Norwich, and 96 (N.B.by N.) from
London, containing 720 inhabitants. This place owes
its origin to William D'Albini, Earl of Chichester, who,
disliking the situation of a .castle which was built at Old
Buckenham, about .the time. of the Conquest, caused,
that structure to be demolished, and -another to be
erected here, in the reign o;f Henry II. This castle was
pleasantly situated on an eminence to the east of the
former, and' consisted -of & keep, two round towers,"a
grand entrance tower, and a  barbican, enclosed with
embattled walls surrounded by a fosse; part' of the
gateway and keep is still remaining. Its lord, who had'
view of frank pledge, and the power of life and death,
obtained from Henry H. many privileges for his new
burgh, among which were those of holding a mercate
court, the assize of bread and ale, and a market. The
inhabitants have also the privilege of exposing goods
for sale, at any market or fair -in the kingdom, free of
toll and stallage, and are exempt from serving on juries.
The lords of this manor-claim the right of'officiating as
butler at the coronation of the kings of England. The
town is pleasantly situated, the houses are neatly built,
and there is an-ample supply of water.. A high bailiff is
chosen annually at the " Portman" court; and a courtbaron
and court leet are held by the-proprietor of the
manor. The market is on Saturday: the fairs are on
the last Saturday in May, September 28th, and November
2.2nd. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the archdeaconry
of Norfolk, and diocese of Norwich, endowed
with £1000 parliamentary grant, and in the patronage
of the parishioners. The church, dedicated to St. Marvicinity,
which was entirely demolished by Sir Philip
Knyvett, whose ancestors had resided in it. A little
southward from the site of this castle, which is1 still
visible, stood a chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Maryj
subsequently converted into a barn, to which purpose
also, the present parochial church was appropriated,
soon after its desecration, on being granted away as part
of the possessions of the priory. Here were three guilds;
dedicated respectively to St. Margaret, St. Peter, and St."
Thomas the Martyr. There is a small fund for the instruction
of children, besides some trifling benefactions
for the poor.