Homelea Farm sits along a lane off Penhill Road, and to the west of Penhill Farm. The property has been known as Penhill Lane Farm, Low Lane Farm and Low Farm. However by the 1930s, it is known as Homelea Farm. For ease of reference, I will usually refer to the property as Homelea Farm…
Members of the Mallett Family succumb to Consumption
Many visitors to my website will know that I enjoy researching individuals or families who connect with our village. I frequently find myself going down many rabbit holes but usually find village links which, until then, I knew nothing about! Whilst researching some of the history of Homelea Farm in Penhill Road, I came across…
The Barnard Brothers’ Borrowings on their Great Ellingham Properties
Historical deeds can be both interesting and enlightening. Before the relatively recent requirement for the registration of property and land transactions, bundles of deeds were investigated by a buyer’s lawyer and handed over to the new owner on completion. Unlike most of the modern conveyancing documents, the old indentures contain lengthy narratives. These narratives provide…
Stephen Houchen taken into Custody by the Norwich Police
In the Autumn of 1863, Great Ellingham born Stephen Houchen became embroiled in a case of robbery in Norwich. It involved his association with widow Susan Bayes. The Guildhall, Norwich. 23 September 1934. George Plunkett. georgeplunkett.co.uk The case was brought before the Magistrates at the Guildhall in Norwich. On the 20th February 1864, the Norfolk…
Great Ellingham born Harry Houchen appointed Headmaster at the Londonderry School of Art
Great Ellingham born Harry Houchen 1870-1914.Courtesy Christian Humphries. (Harry’s 1st cousin 3x removed) I am always thrilled to hear from anyone with family connections to the past people of Great Ellingham. A recent email dropping into my inbox is no exception. I learnt from the email that in 1869, Great Ellingham born James Houchen married…
The Barnard Family buys Great Ellingham Hall
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…