Great Ellingham Hall 2020Courtesy Tracy Knowles Great Ellingham Hall is a wonderful Grade II listed building. It was ‘re-built’ in the 16th century during the Gurney family’s tenure. With no direct Gurney male heirs, the property then came into the ownership of the Davy family, subsequently passing to Sir Roger Potts by marriage. In 1712,…
Louis Smith is fined for not having a Dog Licence
Illustration Christine FullerThe illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied. The following report of a case at the East Harling Petty Sessions appeared in the Diss Express published on the 12th July 1946: NO LICENCEFor keeping a dog without a licence, Louis Arthur Smith, Hill [Mill] House,…
Robert Levell fined for failing to keep records & making a false statement
Illustration Christine FullerThe illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied. The report of a case before the local Magistrates at East Harling was published in the Diss Express on the 24th August, 1945: Fines amounting to £24 with £7 3s costs were imposed on Robert Levell of…
Wanted – A Lady with a view to Matrimony!
Illustration Christine FullerThe illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied. Before dating apps and social media, people had to look at other ways to meet new partners. This included face-to-face interactions and gatherings within their immediate communities. However, some people also chose to advertise for a partner…
Obscene Language heard from a Distance of 100 yards!
Illustration Christine FullerThe illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied. The following is a report of a case heard at the East Harling Petty Sessions which is published in the Diss Express on the 17th December, 1943: OBSCENE LANGUAGEFor using obscene language on the highway at Great…
A Timeline of some of the History of ‘Grey Roofs’
Grey Roofs, Long Street. Photograph taken Christmas Day 2023 Norfolk Heritage Explorer website describes the Grade II listed building known as ‘Grey Roofs’ as House. Early C18. Timber framed with lath and plaster infill, roughcast. Corrugated iron roof. Lobby entrance plan. One storey and dormer attic. Door in centre. Three three-light C20 casements. Four sloping…
Timeline of the Owners & Occupiers of Church Farm & Cottages
Church Farmhouse. Photograph 2022 According to Historic England’s website (historicengland.co.uk), Church Farmhouse, is a Grade II Listed Building and was built in the early 17th century. However, the present owners believe it was built much earlier, as there are parts of the building which may date from the 14th or 15th century. Earlier Property Ownership…
Harry Rix’s Early Boyhood Recollections of Great Ellingham – Long Street
Many written accounts of ‘everyday histories’ focus on prominent figures and major events. However, it is the documenting of the working class which preserves the lived experiences of ordinary people. We are indebted to Great Ellingham man Harry Rix. In 2001, 80 year old Harry decided to record some of his boyhood memories of the…
Harry Rix’s Early Boyhood Recollections of Great Ellingham – Church Street
Many of us will have memories of our childhood. For example, recollections about our family, where we lived and went to school, the names of our friends and neighbours, and who else lived in our street. The recording of our memories ensures a long lasting legacy for the next generations. Similarly, the recording of local…
Harry Rix’s Early Boyhood Recollections of Great Ellingham – Chequers Lane & into Hingham Road
I have no doubt that many of the people living in the village today will remember Harry Rix. He was an upstanding member of the community and, for many years, was a member of the Parish Council. Harry, with the full name of Henry Robert Rix, was born in a cottage in Long Street on…