the village

Weston Longville is on the A1067, about eight miles out of Norwich.  It's a very small place, as are all the villages in the group - there are a total of around 1,300 souls in the whole benefice.  It's famous for just one thing: Selwyn's famous predecessor, Parson Woodforde, who was incumbent at Weston between 1774 and 1803.  The portrait below hangs in the church, of course.

He was well known for his diaries, which are a wonderful social commentary on the time; whilst they hardly make earth-shattering reading (he seems mostly concerned with recording what he's had for dinner and which member of the parish has annoyed him this week), his gentle observations on life in rural ministry remain popular to this day.   For more information on the Parson, visit the website of the Parson Woodforde Society.

Our village contains an important benefit: an excellent pub.  Called (naturally) the Parson Woodforde, we've already sampled the excellent food and friendly hospitality.  The photo below is taken literally from the front door of the rectory, so as you see, it's easy staggering distance (60 steps - we've counted).