It is a small Norfolk village with an extraordinarily long and detailed Wikipedia page.

And now Tasburgh has a new chapter to add to its online history.

The community - which is thought to have the longest Wikipedia entry of any Norfolk village, at an astonishing 10,000 words - is being asked to approve its 'neighbourhood plan' for how it should expand over the next 15 years.

Eastern Daily Press: Tasburgh Iron age fort. Photo: Nick ButcherTasburgh Iron age fort. Photo: Nick Butcher (Image: Nick Butcher)

South Norfolk Council (SNC) has signed off on the document, which sets out a series of policies for how the community should develop between now and 2038. 

The plan will now go out to the public for final approval.

Eastern Daily Press: A fingerpost and waymarker sign at TasburghA fingerpost and waymarker sign at Tasburgh (Image: Archant)

While the neighbourhood plan does not set out specific areas for houses to be built it does provide policies, objectives and projects for SNC to follow when determining planning applications in the town.   

These include policies aiming to protect local green spaces - including an ancient oak tree which is believed to be one of the oldest in the country at 1,000 years old – as well as important local views and dark skies.  

It also aims to ensure new development should also fit in with the surrounding properties, with a series of design guidelines developed. 

The plan, which was put together by Tasburgh Parish Council, also includes a list of projects it would like to see developed to help the community. 

These include the replacement of the village hall play area, a cycle path to be created between Tasburgh and Long Stratton, and additional allotment provision identified. 

Eastern Daily Press: Snowy Tasburgh in the sunshine. Picture: Janet CaneSnowy Tasburgh in the sunshine. Picture: Janet Cane (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

At an SNC cabinet meeting on Monday, members praised the plan. 

John Fuller, leader of SNC, said: “We have seen a number of these neighbourhood plans sprinkled around the district but this is one of the best ones we have seen.  

“The people of Tasburgh should be congratulated.” 

The plan will now go out to public consultation. 

 

The 'Wikipedia village'

Despite having a population of only around 1,100 people, Tasburgh has an exceptionally long Wikipedia page, providing an incredibly detailed history of the village.

At around 10,000 words it is almost twice the length of the 6,000-word history of Norwich in the city’s entry. 

Tasburgh.pdf

The article provides an incredible in-depth summary of the events in the village before coming to an abrupt stop in 2012.

It details how the first humans to visit Tasburgh were "fur-clad Mesolithic hunters" through the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43.

It is in the early 20th century where the entry provides the greatest insight into village life, listing villager's professions and every rector who served the community.

Eastern Daily Press: Tasburgh war memorial currently listed 12 men who died during the First World War. Picture: Simon ParkinTasburgh war memorial currently listed 12 men who died during the First World War. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

"In the early years of the century, Tasburgh continued as a mainly agricultural community, only one villager worked in Norwich, one at Dunston Hall and two on the nearby railway; all the rest found their livelihood in the village.

"In addition to farmers, smallholders and farm workers, there was a rat and mole catcher and a hurdle maker."

It also provides anecdotes and insight on local landlords.

"The Cherry Tree in Church Road was a free house and the publican made horehound beer, which was reputed to be good for coughs.

"The landlady of The Bird in Hand was appropriately named Mrs Alice Sparrow."

Eastern Daily Press: A swan swims majestically up and down the River Tas with the picturesque old mill in the background. The mill was Duffield's first roller mill with auxiliary steam engine fitted in 1896.A swan swims majestically up and down the River Tas with the picturesque old mill in the background. The mill was Duffield's first roller mill with auxiliary steam engine fitted in 1896. (Image: Newsquest)

It also details school life with details about teachers. 

"The infant teacher at the school after the war was Miss Hewitt, who travelled every day from St Faith's on a motor-cycle.

"Two senior boys were detailed to wait at the school gate every morning to grab the cycle as she arrived and hold it while she disengaged gear, switched off and dismounted.

"What arrangements she made at the other end of her journey we do not know."