Origins

The name Cromer possibly dates back to the 9th century at the time of the Danish conquest in the form of Kroemmer. The towns original name being Shipden at the time of the compilation of the “Little Domesday” book, which was written some time after the main “Domesday” and covers East Anglia.

It was on occasion spelt Shipedana, Scepedana, Scipedene and Scipedana ..
Historian Walter Rye proposed that the name derived from “Ship-hill” but it also could have derived from “Sheep Hill” as the wool industry has always been at the heart of Norfolk commerce.

The town had two churches “Shipden-juxta-mere’s church which stood close to the sea was dedicated to St Peter and “Shipden-juxta-felbrigg” (Cromer) which stood further inland, was dedicated to St Paul. During storms in the middle ages, Shipdens church was washed into the sea

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This information was compiled by Penny Ling
Any comments, suggestions or family to add email cromer@postmaster.co.uk
April 98.