Scarning

Scarning lies a few miles to the east of Dereham. The name Scarning may be derived from the old English for 'dirty brook'.

Dr Augustus Jessopp (1824-1914)  was the rector at St. Peter and St. Pauls' Church in Scarning for 32 years. Previously he was headmaster at the Norwich School in the Cathedral Close.

Augustus Jessopp

Gravestone of Augustus Jessopp

He was the author of Arcady for Better or Worse (1887) - a collection of stories which were inspired by his congregation at Scarning. One of the locals who became his friend was 'Loafing Ben' - a burly ne'er do well. Jessopp was also a passionate historian and remembered for The Coming of the Friars - a portrait of medieval East Anglia and One Generation of a Norfolk House - which dealt with Norfolk life during the 16th Century.

Jessopp is buried in the churchyard and a granite cross marks the spot - lying close to the entrance from The Hall.

The Arcadian Club was established to promote interest in Jessopp's work and occasional meetings are held in the village hall.