This has traditionally been a safe Conservative seat and the area is predominantly rural and includes a small part of the fens. Not surprisingly, farming is an important part of the local economy, including both crops and turkey-raising.
Defence cuts have hit the area with the closure of air bases which still adorn the countryside, and the Ministry of Defence still owns a large tract of land used as a Battle Training Area to which the general public are forbidden entry.
The seat has a rich history. Nelson attended school at Downham Market and Tom Paine was born at Thetford in 1737. At Cockley Cley an Iceni village has been recreated on what is believed to be the site of a first century village dating from the time of Boudicca, the East Anglian Iceni Queen who challenged the Roman army.