English: Diss - St Nicholas Street The church of St Mary the Virgin can be seen in the background. Diss is a market town situated on the northern bank of the river Waveney on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, the river forming the border between the two counties. The town has been known as Dice, Disce, Dysse and Dis since the time of the Domesday survey. The name is believed to originate from the Anglo-Saxon for a ditch, moat, dyke wall or earth or embankment, referring to the Mere the town has been built around. The town centre is largely unspoilt by new buildings > https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1768182 and although some of the larger retail companies have moved into the area they have managed to keep its character. Fine examples of period architecture including timber-framed buildings and Georgian and Edwardian facades as well as old courtyards lend character to the old market town which has been designated a conservation area. The Corn Hall > https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1768160 in the town centre is one of the most prestigious in South Norfolk and has the capacity to seat 400 people. It is used for concerts, meetings and exhibitions. 17th > https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1768253 and 18th century cottages can be found at Fair Green, one of the two old town centres, and many of the buildings in the town have tiled roofs. St Mary's Church is situated above Mere Street, the shopping area. Diss has approximately 6,500 inhabitants and over 100 shops.