Bawburgh is a significant location in the legend of St Walstan, the 10th-11th century patron saint of farm labourers.

According to legend, Walstan was born at Bawburgh (or possibly Blythburgh in Suffolk) into a Saxon noble family circa 970, but at the age of 12 gave up his privileged life, choosing instead to work as a farm labourer in Taverham.

His initial journey on foot from Bawburgh to Taverham took Walstan through Costessey, where he donated his noble garments to two passing peasants.

After many years, Walstan's imminent death was foretold by an angel and he asked a priest for the last rites; no water was available but a miraculous spring welled up on the spot.

Walstan's body was taken into the church and Bawburgh became the centre of a cult of pilgrimage, with several miracles recorded.