The village of Langham
has a central core old cottages and farm buildings towards
the west end of which stands the Vicarage
and the church. On either side of this linear development of
the village is one Council housing estate and two private estates.
The village has its Post Office cum mini-store, a successful
and well run State Primary school, a Parish room - the centre
for a variety of village activities, social and official and
a Public House with dining facilities. The school is very popular
and draws children from many of surrounding villages, having
over 80 children.
Langham is famous
for its connection with Captain Marryat, who lies buried in
the churchyard. The old manor where he lived is
now occupied by a small group of Carmelite (RC) nuns - an enclosed
order, though contact is maintained through occasional village
activities. The population of Langham in 2004 is 405 of whom
approximately 70 are under the age of 18 and 40% of the remaining
adults are retired. Of c. 209 houses in the village 40 are holiday
or "second homes".
The
main industry is agriculture with several large farms surrounding
the village. The village is essentially a commuter village. Most "incomers" are
people from professional backgrounds, who are accepted by the
local residents and contribute much to the many and varied activities
which take place.
There is a biennial Street Fair, which provides a welcome source
of income divided among the Church, the Parish Room, the Playing
field and the School.
Among the many activities,
which take place during a village year are the Book Club, Poetry
Reading Group, a painting class,
Yoga group, Indoor Bowling club and a Ladybirds Group. In addition
there is a voluntary car driving group run under the auspices
of the WRVS providing transport for those who need to attend
medical appointments or the nearby Glaven Caring Centre.
The Parish Church
is mainly 14th century but retains a 13th century font. It
was restored in 1868. It contains interesting items
of stained glass, in particular the Burne-Jones window from the
Morris studio, and the west end window from the Kempe studio.
In recent years the south aisle roof has been repaired and leaded
and the interior re-wired to provide more efficient heating and
lighting. |