【Studio Ghibli】A Complete Guide to Norfolk, England: The Original Setting of “When Marnie Was There”
“When Marnie Was There,” a Studio Ghibli work released in 2014. While the film is set in Hokkaido, the setting of the original novel is a small port town in Norfolk County in eastern England. This article provides a detailed introduction to the charm of Norfolk, which was beloved by original author Joan G. Robinson, and the real locations that served as models for the story.
The Relationship Between the Original Novel “When Marnie Was There” and Norfolk
Joan G. Robinson and Norfolk County
“When Marnie Was There” is a children’s literature work published in 1967 by British author Joan G. Robinson. The setting of the original was a fictional village called “Little Overton” in Norfolk County, located in eastern England. However, this village has a clear real-life model.
Author Joan G. Robinson frequently visited a small port town called “Burnham Overy” in Norfolk County with her family as a summer retreat. Her experiences in this place and an impressive sight she witnessed one day became the catalyst for the birth of the story.
The Genesis of the Story: “The Girl in the Blue Window”
While Robinson was strolling along the inlet in Burnham Overy, she witnessed a golden-haired girl having her hair combed in the blue window frame of an old mansion. This fantastical and mysterious sight sparked the author’s imagination, and the story “When Marnie Was There” was born.
The sight of the girl reflected in the window was momentary, but the scene was deeply etched in Robinson’s heart and eventually took shape as the story of the protagonist Anna and the mysterious girl Marnie.
The Geography and Characteristics of Norfolk County
The Location and Natural Environment of Norfolk County
Norfolk County is located in eastern England and faces “The Wash,” England’s largest inlet. It is characterized by a coastline facing the North Sea and vast wetlands (marshland).
The flat terrain continues, creating a distinctive landscape with an expansive sky and horizon stretching endlessly. This unique scenery perfectly matches the lonely and mysterious atmosphere that appears in the story.
The Climate and Industry of Norfolk
Norfolk County is known as a relatively warm and less rainy region in England. Agriculture thrives there, with grain cultivation and horticulture being major industries.
In summer, lavender fields bloom across the land, creating a beautiful scene like a purple carpet. This summer lavender field landscape has things in common with Furano in Hokkaido, the setting of the film version, which may be one of the reasons why Studio Ghibli chose Hokkaido as the setting.
The tourism industry is also important, with many visitors coming for historical buildings, beautiful coastlines, and as the setting of literary works.
Burnham Overy: The Real-Life Model for the Story
Access to Burnham Overy
Burnham Overy is a small village located along the northern coast of Norfolk County. Access from London is as follows:
- About 1.5 hours by train from London King’s Cross Station to King’s Lynn Station
- About 1 hour by bus from King’s Lynn Station to Burnham Overy
With a population of only a few hundred, it is a quiet village, but as a location of beautiful natural scenery and a literary work setting, visitors come throughout the year.
Village Characteristics and Points of Interest
Burnham Overy is a typical English countryside town with agriculture and tourism as its main industries. The village has the following characteristics:
- Inlet and mudflats: A beautiful inlet that changes its appearance with the tides
- Rowing boats: Small boats like those appearing in the story are still in use
- Traditional stone houses: Buildings with a charming English character
- Vast wetland areas: Ideal natural environment for bird watching and hiking
The entire village is a place where time flows leisurely, truly the world of the story itself.
The Building That Became the Model for the “Marsh House”
The Actual Marsh House
The “Marsh House,” which becomes the center of the story, is depicted as the mysterious old mansion where Marnie lives. The building that became its model actually existed along the inlet in Burnham Overy.
This mansion, characterized by its blue window frames, was surrounded by water when the tide came in, appearing fantastically like an isolated island. The sight of the “golden-haired girl having her hair combed” that Robinson witnessed is said to have been at this mansion’s window.
The Current Situation
Unfortunately, the original building that served as the model has since been demolished, and its site has been developed as residential housing. However, the landscape and atmosphere of the surrounding inlet have remained as they were, allowing visitors to feel the world of the story.
By inquiring at the village tourist information office or asking local people, you may be able to learn where the mansion once stood. Taking a walk along the inlet while reflecting on the setting of the story is also a wonderful experience.
Windmills and Surrounding Landmarks
Windmills in Norfolk
The “windmill” that appears in the story is also modeled after actual windmills in Norfolk County. Norfolk has many historic windmills remaining that were once used for grinding grain and drainage.
Around Burnham Overy, there are windmills still operating today and historic windmills being preserved. Some allow interior viewing, where you can learn about how windmills work and the history of Norfolk.
Other Points of Interest
Burnham Overy Staithe
A sandbank near the mouth of the inlet where sand beaches spread during low tide and are submerged by the sea at high tide. It is also known as a location for bird watching.
St. Clement Church
A historic church in the village of Burnham Overy. A beautiful stone building constructed in the 13th century.
Norfolk Coast Path
A long-distance footpath along the coast. You can enjoy the beautiful coastline including Burnham Overy.
Comparison with the Film Version: Why Was the Setting Changed to Hokkaido?
The Adaptation by Studio Ghibli
In the 2014 film adaptation directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi by Studio Ghibli, the setting of the story was relocated to Hokkaido in contemporary Japan. This change is thought to have several reasons.
Similarities in Landscape
The area around the Kushiro Wetland in Hokkaido and eastern Hokkaido have surprisingly similar landscapes to Norfolk’s wetlands.
- Vast wetlands and flat terrain
- Lavender fields blooming in summer (Furano)
- Scenery of inlets and mudflats
- Sky and horizon stretching endlessly
These common points made it possible to realize a setting more familiar to Japanese audiences without compromising the atmosphere of the original work.
The Expression of Universal Themes
Producer Hayao Miyazaki had long wanted to animate “When Marnie Was There,” but simultaneously felt it was a “difficult work.” By moving the setting to Japan, the universal theme of a lonely girl’s emotional growth could be conveyed more contemporarily and more directly to Japanese audiences.
Practical Information for Visiting the Norfolk Region
The Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August)
The most popular season. Lavender blooms and the weather is stable. However, there are also many tourists.
Spring (April-May)
The ideal time for bird watching. Migratory birds arrive and nature becomes lively.
Autumn (September-October)
Tourist numbers decrease, allowing for a quiet immersion in the world of the story. The inlet at dusk is particularly beautiful during this season.
Accommodations
There are the following types of accommodations around Burnham Overy.
- Pub with accommodations: Guest rooms attached to traditional English pubs
- B&B (Bed and Breakfast): Enjoy the homey atmosphere of a local household
- Cottage rentals: Stay in self-catering houses
- Hotels in King’s Lynn: Stay in a larger town and visit on day trips
What to Bring and Precautions
- Waterproof shoes: Essential for walking in wetlands
- Warm clothing: Sea winds are strong and it can be cool even in summer
- Binoculars: For enjoying bird watching
- Tide table: The appearance of the inlet changes greatly with the tides
- Rental car: Public transportation is limited, so having a car is convenient
The Literary Heritage of Norfolk
Connections with Other Literary Works
Norfolk County has been the setting for many literary works besides “When Marnie Was There.”
- Mystery novels by P.D. James
- Works by Ian McEwan
- Various children’s literature works
The unique atmosphere and landscape of this region have provided inspiration to many authors.
As a Hub for Literary Tourism
In recent years, Norfolk County has gained attention as an important hub for “literary tourism.” Local tourism boards are also putting effort into tours of literary work settings and providing information.
In Burnham Overy village, information panels and guides related to “When Marnie Was There” have been installed to welcome fans from around the world.
The Appeal of Visiting After Reading the Original Novel
A Deeper Understanding of the Story
It is highly recommended to read the original novel before visiting Norfolk. The Iwanami Shonen Bunko edition, translated by Masako Matsuno, is known as a skilled translation that faithfully conveys the atmosphere of the original.
When you visit the actual locations after reading the story, the inlet where Anna and Marnie spent time, the water channels crossed by rowing boats, and the views seen from the windows of the Marsh House can be imagined much more vividly.
Enjoying the Differences from the Film Version
Reading the original, visiting the actual setting, and watching the Studio Ghibli film version. By experiencing these three, you can deeply understand how a single story is interpreted and expressed differently in different cultures and historical backgrounds.
The post-war British class society in the original, the image of a lonely girl in contemporary Japan in the film version. While each has its own charm, both depict the universal theme of “a girl who closes her heart growing through friendship.”
Tourist Attractions Around Norfolk
Norwich
The capital of Norfolk County, Norwich is a beautiful city with remnants of the Middle Ages.
- Norwich Cathedral: A magnificent Norman-style cathedral
- Norwich Castle: Now open to the public as a museum
- Elm Hill: A stone-paved street with medieval atmosphere
Wells-next-the-Sea
A port town about 15 minutes by car from Burnham Overy. It has a beautiful coastline lined with colorful beach huts.
Holkham Hall
A magnificent country house built in the 18th century. It has vast grounds and beautiful gardens and has been used as a film location.
Blakeney Point
A nature reserve with a seal colony. You can observe wild seals up close on a boat tour.
Voices of Those Who Have Actually Visited
As a Pilgrimage Site for Japanese Fans
Since the release of the Studio Ghibli film, more fans from Japan have been visiting Norfolk. In particular, the residents of Burnham Overy warmly welcome tourists traveling from distant Japan.
At a local pub, if you mention that you have come to see the setting of Marnie, locals may share stories about the village’s history and Robinson.
The Moment of Experiencing the World of the Story
Many visitors report feeling that they have “entered the world of the story” the moment they stood at the inlet.
- The sensation of walking in the wetlands after the tide goes out
- The silence of the inlet at dusk
- The sound of windmills turning
- The sky stretching endlessly
These experiences are a privilege only for those who have visited the actual place, something no book or film can offer.
Conclusion: What Norfolk Teaches Us
Burnham Overy in Norfolk County, England, the original setting of “When Marnie Was There,” holds significance beyond being merely the backdrop of a story.
This quiet inlet village inspired author Joan G. Robinson, and from a girl’s image reflected in one window, a story loved around the world was born. And to this day, its landscape continues to fascinate visitors.
The expansive sky of Norfolk, the inlet that changes its expression with the tides, old windmills, and the atmosphere of a village where time flows slowly. All of these are deeply connected with the themes of “loneliness,” “friendship,” and “growth” that the story possesses.
That the essence of the story was not lost even when Studio Ghibli relocated the setting to Hokkaido is because Norfolk and Hokkaido share the universal element of “the smallness of humans in vast nature, and thereby the preciousness of human connection.”
Visiting the setting of the original work not only allows for a deeper understanding of the story but also provides a precious opportunity to contemplate the relationship between nature and humans, memory and present, and literature and reality. If you have the opportunity to visit England, be sure to visit Burnham Overy in Norfolk County and experience the world of “When Marnie Was There.”
Standing by the quiet inlet and searching for the blue window, you might discover your own “When Marnie Was There.”
