The history of Potter Heigham is strongly linked to its location on the River Thurne, firstly seen as a strategic point on the Norfolk river system and then as an attraction for the tourist boating industry.

The original name for the area seems to have been Staunford, while the 12th and 13th centuries saw the village’s name changed from Hecham to Hegham Potere to Potteres Hecham, with the area’s fame for it’s pottery industry showing in the new name. The building of the 12th century and the 14th century bridge show the increasing importance of the area in medieval times, although it seems that Potter Heigham never grew to be much bigger than the village when we can see today.