Thomas Paine 1737-1809 Journalist, patriot and champion of the rights of the common man. Thomas Paine son of an humble Thetford staymaker was born near this house. From his talented pen can the voice for the democratic aspirations of the American Republic through such splendid writing as Common Sense, Crisis an The age of Reason. Buried in New York this simple son of England lives on through the ideals and principles of the democratic world for which we fight today. In tribute to his memory and to the everlasting love for freedom embodied in his works the plaque is gratefully dedicated through the voluntary contributions of soldiers of an American Airforce Group.