Hi Keith
Yes, according to this blue plaque
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/2122935044
"The Dutch and Flemish who came to Norwich in the 16th century left their mark on the Norwich landscape and language. From the Dutch 'plain', the Norwich plains define the squares and open spaces ..."
An article in the Eastern Daily Press explains that in his 1999 book, "The Plains of Norwich", local author Richard Lane says that during his 1950s childhood "the plain ... was ... a part of every day speech, an expression for an open space no matter how large or small." He gives a reference from the 1550's in which "Southerton, writing about Kett's rebellion, wrote of the fighting in the 'playne before the Pallace gate of the Bishop' referring to St Martin at Palace Plain." So it appears to have been in everyday use at least since then.
Ramsgate has a street called 'The Plains of Waterloo', but obviously it is named after famous battle. Cowplain, a village/town on the outskirts of Portsmouth on the other hand suggests a more usual English usage.
Stephen
Sent from my iPhone
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