Research and Library

Research Enquiries

Have you thought of doing your own research? Perhaps about a local landmark, industry or family?

We welcome visitors to Discover Downham to do their own research. To ensure we can assist you effectively, please consider making an appointment by emailing: info@discoverdownham.org.uk before your visit. While this service is provided free of charge, we gratefully accept donations to support the continued operation of the Centre.

If you would like us to search our records for you, we can email information and photographs (where available) regarding the many artefacts, documents, maps and photographs that we have in the collection. To that we add our volunteers local knowledge. For this service there is an initial Fixed Charge of £20. There is also a list below of subjects that we have printed research notes on that can be provided by email within that fee

Do you have any memories, photos or artefacts that help to tell the story of Downham Market and the surrounding area? If so, we would love to hear from you, please email us at: info@discoverdownham.org.uk with any information.

 

Documents and Research Information.

We are able to supply information about a number of families who have links with Downham Market. If you would like to know if your family is there, click the link below. If you require further information about them, or any other family, property or business, please email us at: info@discoverdownham.org.uk. or alternatively use the information request form via the second link giving as much detail as possible.

View a selection of the family names we have research material for.
Download an information request form

Library

Our library has recently been transformed into a brighter, more welcoming, and fully accessible space for anyone interested in the history of Downham Market and its surrounding villages.

Our shelves are filled with a wide variety of books on local history, complemented by a selection of general works on Norfolk. You’ll also find unique contributions from local historians and village-specific collections – many kindly donated by members of our community.

Alongside officially published histories and personal notes, we hold a small but fascinating range of fiction and non-fiction titles. Together, they offer a rich resource for those tracing family roots, delving into the town’s past, or simply discovering more about the character of the area.

We’re also in the process of listing all our book titles and resources on the website, so visitors can browse the collection from home before calling in. This ongoing project will continue to grow, building an extensive and easy-to-use online catalogue that makes our library more accessible than ever. You can explore it via the button below (coming soon).

You’re very welcome to drop in and browse at your own pace – no appointment is needed, just call in. Whether you’re a dedicated researcher, a casual reader, or simply curious about local stories, our library is here for you.

We look forward to welcoming you and hope you’ll find something to spark your interest.

For more information email us at: info@discoverdownham.org.uk

Or telephone us on: 01366 384428

Normal Opening Hours

Thursdays, Fridays 10am – 4pm Free Entry

Saturdays 10am – 1pm. Free Entry

View our titles