Celebrating 145 Years of Tradition
Peele’s Norfolk Black Turkeys is celebrating a remarkable milestone in 2025 — its 145 year anniversary. Founded in 1880 at Rookery Farm, Thuxton, Norfolk, the farm has remained in the same family for generations. In the 1930s, Frank Peele took on the task of preserving the rare Norfolk Black turkey — a heritage breed with origins dating back to the 1500s.
As these Rare Breed Turkeys are more susceptible to variable weather conditions, birds are allocated on a pre-dressing whole bird weight.
Variations in oven ready weights may occur.
Thanksgiving : National Delivery
Tuesday 25th November
Christmas : National Delivery
Monday 22nd December
Thanksgiving : Farm Collection
Tuesday 25th November (10am – 5pm)
Christmas : Farm Collection
22nd, 23rd December (9am – 6pm)
24th December (8am – 12pm)
Last order date for collection
Tuesday 20th December
Please call to check late availability
For 145 years our family has been rearing Norfolk Black turkeys with the same passion, care and dedication passed down through generations. What began in the late 19th century has grown into a proud tradition of breeding one of Britain’s most iconic turkey lines, with knowledge and expertise carefully preserved and enhanced along the way.
In the 1950s, my grandfather Frank Peele worked with the Morely Agricultural Research Station to help secure the future of the Norfolk Black, ensuring this unique breed would not disappear. That legacy continues today, with a carefully managed breeding programme that remains true to its roots.
Our Norfolk Black turkeys are still bred through natural mating, just as they always have been, and we maintain 12 family lines to protect and strengthen the flock. This approach ensures strong, healthy birds with excellent conformation, long black legs, deep breast plates and the distinctive dark plumage the Norfolk Black is known for.
From the moment the chicks hatch, great attention is given to their wellbeing and development. We use traditional brooders that have been working for more than 70 years, providing the warmth and security young poults need in their early days. As they grow, the birds enjoy access to sun parlours, rearing yards and eventually the great outdoors, where they can roam freely.
Feeding is just as carefully managed, with much of the ration home-grown on our farm. From a balanced mix of wheat, barley, oats and beans to whole oats later in the season for strong plumage, every detail supports the natural growth and condition of the birds.
Today, our Norfolk Black turkeys remain true to their heritage — hardy, efficient to rear, and renowned for their exceptional eating quality. Customers appreciate their distinctive flavour and fine texture, and we are proud to be custodians of such a remarkable breed.
As we celebrate 145 years, we remain committed to safeguarding the Norfolk Black for future generations, just as our family has done since the very beginning.
Our turkeys are rare heritage breeds, raised with care and tradition.
Each reflects generations of farming knowledge.
For four generations, our family has raised the Norfolk Black turkey — a breed my grandfather helped save from extinction in the 1950s. Known for its jet-black plumage and rich, slightly gamey flavour, the breed traces its roots back to 1500s South America.
For over a century, we’ve raised Norfolk Black turkeys with care and tradition.
Each bird reflects generations of family farming at Rookery Farm.
"Absolutely gorgeous – been having a Norfolk Black from Peeles for at least the last 20 years & have never been dissapointed! Plenty of tasty moist meat for Christmas dinner, boxing day and beyond! This is the only turkey I will eat & serve at Christmas! Guests always go away commenting how delicious it was & talk about it for months afterwards!"
“This year I had my first Peele’s Turkey and it did not disappoint! Plenty of moist meat for Christmas Dinner, Boxing day and even a turkey curry! The added Stuffing, Cranberry Relish and Apple juice completed the dinner. Amazing service from Claire, James and all the team. Thanks very much, looking forward to my next one!”
“The Norfolk Black was absolutely delicious and everyone at the table made the comment ‘the tastiest turkey they have ever had’.”
“All agree the best turkey we have ever had.”
“Just a quick message to tell you how much we enjoyed our Norfolk Black Turkey dinner yesterday! It was an absolutely delicious bird, far and away the best I have ever cooked or eaten in 40 years of preparing and consuming Christmas dinners. We’ll be returning to you for our turkey in 2016.
Many thanks and all the best for the New Year.”
We use strong brown paper bags.
Or if you would like to have your bird in a special collection box there is an additional charge of £4.95
Alternatively you can give us a call on:
01362 850237
Peele’s Norfolk Black Turkeys,
Rookery Farm, Thuxton, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 4QJ
© Copyright 2025 Peele’s. All right reserved
All of our breeds of turkeys are unimproved. Meaning they have a high, angular confirmation. Bearing this in mind, the following applies as a guide:
3-4kg – feeds up to 4 people
4.5kg -feeds up to 4-5 people
5kg – feeds up to 6 people
6kg – feeds up to 6-7 people
7kg – feeds up to 7-8 people
8kg – feeds up to 10-12 people
9-10kg – feeds up to 12-14 people
