I find it fascinating (but I guess it’s not unusual) just how many ‘Great Ellingham families’ link. These connections are, of course, usually by marriage. The following report was published in the Diss Express on Friday 12th May 1933: DICKLEBURGHDEATHOne of the most respected inhabitants of the village has passed away in the person of…
Month: August 2025
Hannah Carter and her Illegitimate Children
Many family histories will include children born ‘out of wedlock’. However, do we consider the attitudes of others towards the mothers, and whether the illegitimate births impacted on their future as well as the future of their children? Robert & Sarah Carter Church of St James, Great Ellingham On the 24th September, 1826, Stow Bedon…
James & Elizabeth Turner’s Final Resting Place
Memorial to James Turner died 30 October 1789 & his wife Elizabeth who died 12 March 1776 age 42 years. Great Ellingham Churchyard On the 3rd November, 1789, widower James Turner was buried in the churchyard of St James’s Church, Great Ellingham. He had outlived his wife Elizabeth by some 13 years. James & Elizabeth…
Jeffrey Towler ‘in Perfect Good Health & Sound Mind”
On the 3rd October, 1820, Jeffrey Towler, a yeoman, of Great Ellingham signed his last will and testament. Robert Sheldrake, Elizabeth Yeoman and John Steel all witnessed his signature. Jeffrey was 67 years old. The will tells us that at the time Jeffrey made his will, he was “in perfect good health and of sound…
John Whittred buys Brooke’s Farm
It was around 1812 that John Whittred purchased a modest farm in Long Street from John Wiggett. The premises comprised a house with a barn, stable, yard and garden. The purchase also included some 30 acres of land. Much later, this farm became known as Cemetery Farm and, in more recent times, Home Farm. However…