Brampton was the subject of an archeological excavation in the 1960s which revealed the existence of a Roman bath house and almost 140 pottery kilns. The village name is
Anglo-Saxon in origin and in the
Domesday Book it is recorded as a settlement of 30 households in the
hundred of
South Erpingham. It was part of the estates of
William de Warenne and Ralph de Beaufour. Oxnead Hall was built by the
Paston family during the 16th century on medieval foundations.
Clement Paston was responsible for the original phase of building, and during the 17th century the house became "one of the most magnificent houses in England". It is thought that
King Charles II was entertained in the hall by
Robert Paston, 1st Earl of Yarmouth. Most of the building was demolished during the 18th century, although earthworks and some sections of building remain. == Geography ==