Only a few hundred metres from Cromer Pier, unbeknown to many gazing out across the waters, lies Shipden, a once-thriving town swallowed by the sea during the 14th century.

In medieval times, according to the Domesday Book, Shipden boasted 117 residents, three acres of meadow, 36 swine and four-and-a-half plough teams, a harbour, several manor houses and two churches.

But the town was lost to the sea, despite apparent efforts by villagers to build a jetty to stop St Peter's Church being submerged.

Guidebooks from the 18th century claim the church was visible at low tide on 'Church Rock', from which a ringing bell could occasionally still be heard.

'Church Rock', said to be the top of Shipden's church, jutted out about the waves until it was declared a hazard to ships and blown up (Image: Cromer Museum)

In 1888, the Great Yarmouth pleasure steamer Victoria, carrying about 100 passengers, struck Church Rock.

Following a dramatic rescue involving a flotilla of small boats from Cromer, the feature was blown up to protect other ships.

Fragments of the paddle........

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