| Overstrand lies on the North Norfolk coast between
Cromer and
Sidestrand. It's name
derives from 'narrow shore with a steep edge'. There is
a nice walk along the cliff-top path from Cromer which
passes the old lighthouse and the golf course. Like it's
larger neighbour, it was once a genteel Edwardian
holiday destination - but today has an air of faded
grandeur.
Overstrand beach
looking towards Cromer
Lord and Lady Battersea had a holiday home called The
Pleasaunce built here in 1897. It was designed for them
by Sir Edwin Lutyens and hosted a number of literary
visitors including Arthur Conan Doyle and George
Meredith. Winston Churchill used to stay at the Sea Marge Hotel in
the village and this may have provided the inspiration for
Jack Higgins' novel The Eagle Has Landed - which
is set in North Norfolk (see
Blakeney) and concerns an attempt by German
paratroopers to assassinate the English PM. While in
residence Churchill had elaborate arrangements in place
with Cromer Post Office in case the grand fleet needed
mobilising.
The Sea Marge Hotel Overstrand
R.H. Mottram used
to spend his childhood holidays at Overstrand - as he recalls in his Autobiography with a Difference
(1938).
Overstand beach is also the setting for George Barker's
long poem
In Memory of David Archer.
Barker, who lived in a cottage on the Blickling estate
at Itteringham, was a
frequent visitor to this stretch of the coast. Here is an extract
from the poem:
|
Supported
by Norfolk Tourism