Diss Norfolk Tourist Information

Farming became the foundation of the area's wealth and helped build the prosperity of towns like Diss. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book as a 'moderately sized Royal Manor of no great importance', but when a market was established it brought wealth into the town.

Flemish weavers came across the Channel and for many Centuries wool and linen became the chief industries. Also, many of the historic buildings remain intact.

The focal point of the town is the Mere and, in fact, Diss gets its name from 'Dic' or 'Disce' which is Saxon for 'ditch of standing water'.

In 1640, a serious fire broke out and it was only the water from the lake, which covers 5.5 acres, that saved the houses in the street.

The greatest event of all came 250 years later, when the Mere completely froze over. The highlight was a carnival of ice when hundreds of skaters donned fancy dress to dance to a band that played in the middle of the ice.

Denmark Green, in Diss, is quiet and tranquil today, but it had a colourful and lively past! Also, known as Cock Street Green until 1863, it was a hive of activity for nearly 700 years. The Cock Street Fair took place in late October and November, which was a market for local produce. However, it was more famous for being the scene of the barbaric pastimes of bull and bear baiting and cock fighting.

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