Tom Hickathrift was the legendary giant of the Marshland between the East Anglian towns of Kings Lynn and Wisbech. Tom grew up in one of the Tilney Villages and became so big and strong he was used to help the villagers with all manner of unwieldy tasks. He eventually went on to defeat an evil ogre in an area known as "The Smeeth". He eventually went on to become one of the King's knights. As he grew older there was much discussion as to where he should be buried. He hurled a giant bolder across the Marshland and decreed that he should be buried where it landed. It hit the side of the church in the village of Tilney All Saints. To this day you can still visit his grave at the rear of All Saints Church in the village.
Many stories of Tom's adventures exist, set in the Marshland Villages. This website, run by Heritage Alive! aims to keep these stories alive through recording activities, people and places in the quest to find out more about Tom Hickathrift.
Many stories of Tom's adventures exist, set in the Marshland Villages. This website, run by Heritage Alive! aims to keep these stories alive through recording activities, people and places in the quest to find out more about Tom Hickathrift.