When the Domesday Book was compiled in 1086, Eccles-on-Sea was a thriving community of around 2,000 acres (8.1 km2), but, situated in a low-lying area on the North Norfolk coast, it was prone to inundation.

In 1605, according to William White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk, 1883, the inhabitants petitioned for a reduction in their taxes when only 14 houses and 300 acres (120 ha) of land remained following a ferocious storm in 1604.

[1] However, this 1604 date cannot be verified by reference to the storm record, and probate evidence clearly demonstrates that by the early 17th century Eccles had been united with Hempstead for some thirty years.

However, over the years the properties have been improved, the utility companies subsequently laid on mains drainage, electricity and telephones, and the community took on a more permanent feel.

In 1605 the villagers applied for a reduction of taxes in a document entitled 'the ruynated state of the town of Eccles' explaining that some 2,000 acres of land and 66 households had been lost to the sea by that time.

Excavation of these wells produced a wide range of metal, leather, timber and pottery all dateable to the late 16th century, indicating that the village had been abandoned at that time.