Thetford is a market town located in the Breckland district of Norfolk, England. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Breckland region, which is known for its unique landscape of heathland and forest. Thetford is a historic town with a rich heritage dating back to the Saxon and Norman periods. The town is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the ruins of a 12th-century Cluniac priory, the ancient Thetford Castle mound, and the impressive Thetford Warren Lodge, which dates back to the 15th century. Thetford also has a strong connection to the famous author Thomas Paine, who was born in the town in 1737.