Robert Large came to Great Ellingham in the late 1820s or early 1830s. He died in the village on the 21st September, 1843, having made his last will and testament on the 12th December, 1842.
Wills can be a great source of information for both family and local historians. However, some wills can be very short and include little detail. Fortunately this is not the case with regard to Robert Large’s will. Not only does he mention his wife and all their children by name, but he specifically refers to some of his properties.
Long Street. Postcard courtesy Ewin Family
Before I tell you about the content of the Will, we will look at the Large family.
Stow Bedon
St Botolph’s Church, Stow Bedon
Robert Large was born around 1772, probably in the village of Stow Bedon, which is a distance of 4-5 miles from Great Ellingham.
Marriage
At the age of 25, Robert marries Whinburgh born Susanna West on the 20th December, 1797. The marriage took place (by licence) in Susanna’s parish church at Breckles, a contiguous parish to Stow Bedon. The couple probably settled to married life in Stow Bedon.
Children
The interior of St Botolph’s Church, Stow Bedon
On the 10th November, 1799, Mary Ann West Large, is baptised in the Parish Church at Stow Bedon. William Hasting Large followed in 1803, Sarah Ann Mansfield Large in 1806 and Robert (the younger) in 1806.
Move to Caston
The Church of the Holy Cross, Caston
Photograph taken May 2020
Robert and Susanna Large moved to Caston before the birth of their daughter Eliza, who arrived on the 19th May, 1813. The family remained there until around 1817.
I know from a much later census return (and his will), that Robert Large’s occupation was a farmer. However, he may well have been involved in the building trade or some other similar business.
The following notice appeared in the Norfolk Chronicle of Saturday 12th December, 1812:
To be Sold
Together or in Lots
A very desirable estate at Caston in Norfolk, consisting of several enclosures of very rich arable and pasture land, containing by estimation 18 acres, with about six acres of new inclosed land.
There is a House, barn, stable, and suitable outbuildings upon the premises which are now in the occupation of Robert Large, the proprietor. The time for sale will be mentioned in a future advertisement.
For further particulars apply to Messrs. Bignold and Bickersteth, solicitors, Norwich and to the proprietor, at Caston.
Trust
I have not found the ‘future advertisement’. However, it appears that Robert Large may have had some financial business difficulties whilst living in Caston. On the 17th April, 1813, the following notice is published in the Norfolk Chronicle:
NOTICE TO DEBTORS and CREDITORS
WHEREAS, Mr Robert LARGE, of Caston, in the county of Norfolk, has executed a conveyance of his Estate to Trustees, in trust, for the benefit of his Creditors. Notice is hereby given, that all persons having any claims upon the said Robert Large, are requested forthwith to send an account thereof to Mr. Mitchell, solicitor, Wymondham; or Messrs. Bignold and Bickersteth, solicitors, Norwich, within one month from the date hereof, or they will be excluded from all benefit of such conveyance; and all persons who stand indebted to the said Robt. Large, are requested forthwith to pay their respective debts to the said Mr. Mitchell, or Messrs. Bignold and Bickersteth, or legal measures will be taken for the recovery of the same. Dated the 8th day of April 1813
In effect, Robert Large had conveyed his assets to his trustees to protect them from his creditors.
Auction Sale
The following notice appeared in the Norfolk Chronicle on Saturday, 19th October 1816:
To be SOLD by Auction at the Public-house called the Lion, at Caston, in Norfolk on Monday the 21st ay of October, 1816, at four o’clock in the afternoon (unless previously disposed of by Private Contract).
A Valuable Estate In the Two following Lots:-
Lot 1. A convenient MESSUAGE or Dwelling-house with a barn, stable, and other requisite outbuildings, all in good repair and six acres or thereabouts of extremely fertile land, chiefly pasture, lying contiguous to the dwelling house, and well planted with young fruit and ornamental trees, in a thriving state. The above lot is freehold
Lot 2 - Three Acres, more or less, of rich Land, with substantial new-erected house thereon.
Possession of each lot may be taken as soon as the purchase is completed. The above property is situate at Caston, a pleasant village, distant about two miles from the market town of Watton; is now in the occupation of Mr Robert Large, the proprietor, and well adapted for the residence of a small family desirous of retirement.
For further particulars apply personally, or by letter (post paid) to Mr Large or to Mr Daniel, Solicitor, Wymondham
Move to Thompson
I assume that Robert Large’s property sold as, by 1817, Robert and Susanna Large are living in nearby Thompson. A further daughter, Harriet, is baptised in the Parish Church at Thompson on the 21st December, 1817. The couple’s youngest child, Ann Easter Large, is baptised in the same church on the 24th April, 1821.
Seven Children
The birth of Ann brings the number of children born to Robert and Susanna Large to seven. At the time, the eldest, Mary, is 18 years old.
It is, of course, possible that Susanna Large gave birth to more than 7 children. However, I have not found any evidence of this by way of additional baptisms or, indeed, burials.
Move to Great Ellingham
By 1832, Robert and Susanna Large moved to Great Ellingham. In the summer of the previous year (1831), the couple’s eldest son, William Hastings Large, married Elizabeth Clarke, a farmer’s daughter of Besthorpe.
The Electoral Registers for 1832 lists Robert Large as either an owner or occupier (or both) of a farmhouse in Great Ellingham.
Long Street Property
In 1835, Robert Large occupied a house and land ‘by Attleborough Road’. The Electoral Registers for 1836-1837, lists Robert Large as an occupier of a house and land ‘By Hargham Road’. The road to Hargham is Long Street.
Robert Large also farmed over 50 acres of land.
Auction
A notice concerning an auction held in June, 1840, in Attleborough, refers to a freehold messuage or farmhouse (with barn, stable and other buildings) with over 50 acres of land in Great Ellingham occupied by Robert Large. The farmhouse and land is said to abut the public highway leading to Hargham (i.e. Long Street).
Repair of Road
The previous year, the Norwich Mercury of the 6th July, 1839, reported on a case ‘The Queen v the Inhabitants of Great Ellingham’.
Robert Large, the occupier of a farm in Great Ellingham, brought a case against the parish for the repair of a private road. This private road branched off a public road and served his property. In the event, the court imposed a fine of £20 against the parish. However, the parish is given an opportunity to repair the road with a postponement of the payment.
I believe that Robert Large’s property near to Long Street is the property which, much later, became known as Primrose Farm. It may have been around 1840 that Robert Large purchased the farm from Henry Beevor. I refer to the farm again later in the article.
1841 census
The 1841 census lists Robert and Susannah Large with their two youngest children in Great Ellingham. However the census does not specifically say where they are living. Nevertheless, I believe they were at the property at the southern end of Long Street. Three of their children (now adults) are living in Hingham.
Eldest son, William Large, is at College Farm, Hingham with his wife Elizabeth and 5 year old son Robert. William’s brother Robert and sister Sarah, are also with the household. Several decades later, William’s niece, Susanna Edmonds (nèe Johnson) is living at the very same farm with her husband, William Edmonds.
I do not know where sisters Mary Ann West Large and Eliza Large are living at this time.
Death of Robert Large
Robert Large was 70 years old when he signed his will on the 12th December, 1842. He died on the 21st September of the following year. Although Robert Large died in Great Ellingham, he is buried in the churchyard of the Parish Church at Stow Bedon.
Last Will & Testament
In his will, Robert Large appoints his two sons, William Hastings Large and Robert Large, as his executors and trustees.
Furniture & Farming Stock
He gives all his household furniture, farming stock and implements of husbandry, goods, chattels and all his personal estate on trust to his sons (in their capacity of the executors).
The brothers are to allow their mother, Susanna, the use of any of the household furniture during her lifetime “as will be sufficient for her to furnish an upper room in the dwelling house now in my own occupation”. Susanna is required to sign an inventory in this regard.
Further, she is also permitted to keep and use the pieces of furniture at any one of her children’s residences.
After Susanna’s death, the items of household furniture will be be divided equally between Robert and Susanna’s children. They are listed as Mary Ann West Large, William Hastings Large, Sarah Ann Mansfield Large, Robert Large, Eliza Large, Harriet Large and Ann Easter Large. At this time, it is only William who is married.
Wife’s Use of Room
In the past, the gift to a wife of the ‘use’ of a room or rooms (with sufficient furniture) was not uncommon. Historically, married women had little or no rights with regard to property and chattels.
In his will of the 3rd February, 1804, Great Ellingham farmer Benjamin Turner left his property (Church Farmhouse) to his daughter, save for the parlour and parlour chamber. He permitted his wife Mary to have the use of these two rooms (together with sufficient furniture), for so long as she remained his widow, or until her death. She also received an annuity from her husband’s estate, again providing she remained his widow.
£30 Legacies
Robert’s eldest son, William Hastings Large, and Robert’s four younger daughters, Sarah, Eliza, Harriet and Ann, each received a legacy of £30.
The executors are instructed to convert into money any parts of Robert Large’s personal estate which does not then consist of money, and also to collect in any securities. They are then to pay the legacies (and discharge any debts including the funeral and testamentary expenses), from Robert’s personal estate and effects.
Robert Large’s eldest daughter, Mary Ann West Large, and his youngest son, Robert Large are not included in this legacy. However, Robert the Elder provided for Mary and Robert with the ‘gift’ of property.
Large may well have considered that the legacies of £30 to each of his other children was equal to the ‘value’ of the provision to Mary and Robert concerning the property.
John Richardson of Foulden
The will refers to John Richardson as a farmer of Foulden, as well as Robert Large’s friend. Richardson is to receive the residue of Robert Large’s personal estate.
However, this appears to be on the basis of a loan, with interest payable to Large’s estate at the rate of £4 per cent per annum. Richardson is to repay the loan at the time that Large’s real estate is sold, and the proceeds of sale divided amongst Large’s 7 children.
It seems that Robert Large had total trust in his friend. He states in the will that should there be any disagreement between his sons in carrying out the trusts, then these differences should be referred to John Richardson “whose award and final determination shall be binding”.
Property
I am unclear as to exactly what property Robert Large owned at the time of his death. He refers to his real estate as “all my messuages, cottages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in Great Ellingham aforesaid or elsewhere ..” Nevertheless, he specifically mentions three of his properties.
Lease to son Robert
Youngest son, Robert, received the following premises for a period of 3 years:
"All that my messuage in two dwellings with the outbuildings and land thereto adjoining and belonging containing by estimation 9 acres more or less which I lately purchased of Henry Beevor"
AND ALSO
"All that cottage in two dwellings with the Brick Kiln and 2 acres of land on which the Brick Kiln stands which I lately purchased of the Reverend John Thomas".
Robert (the son) is to pay an annual rent of £60.
The ‘messuage in two dwellings’ which Robert Large ‘purchased of Henry Beevor’ is the property which , much later, became known as Primrose Farm.
I believe the ‘cottage in two dwellings with the brick kiln’ which Large ‘purchased of the Reverend John Thomas’ is the cottage which today we know as Owl Cottage at Stalland Common.
The Cottage formerly known as Hillside (now Owl Cottage) at Stalland Common
Courtesy Amanda Milbourne
Lease to Daughter subject to Wife’s Occupation
Robert Large also instructed his executors (his sons, William and Robert), to lease to their sister, Mary Ann West Large for a period of 3 years:
"All that my farmhouse (except one upper room therein which is reserved for the use of my said wife during the said term of 3 years) with the outbuildings, yards, gardens and land thereto belonging containing by estimation 44 acres now in my own occupation and which I lately purchased of the said John Thomas.."
Mary Large is to pay rent of £70 per annum to her late father’s estate.
Robert Large also instructed his executors to permit his wife Susanna to have the sole use and occupation of the upper room in the house during this period of 3 years, and without paying rent.
Free Food & Drink
During her mother’s occupation of the upper room at the farmhouse, Mary is to provide her mother with food and drink, free of charge.
Brick Kiln Farm
Brick Kiln Farm, the farmhouse formerly owned by Robert Large
Courtesy Jon & Fran Elliott
I have no doubt that this house is the building we know today as ‘Brick Kiln Farm’. This house was erected after the Great Ellingham Inclosure Map of c.1802. Indeed it is not shown on village property schedules from 1817 to the 1830s.
Accordingly, this farmhouse was ‘newly built’ around the time that Robert Large made his will in 1842. However there was an earlier nearby farmhouse which may still exist at this time.
Annuity for Wife
During the 3 year period that Susannah Large resides with her daughter Mary at the farmhouse, she is to receive an annuity of £6 payable in 4 equal quarterly sums. However, Robert Large also provides that his executors can increase the amount should his wife fall sick.
Rents & Profits
The residue from the rents and profits from the late Robert Large’s real estate is, again, to be paid to John Richardson, on the same terms as previously mentioned.
The timescale for the sale of the real estate is at least 3 years after Robert Large’s death, and also at a time that the majority of Large’s 7 children consent to a sale.
Following such sale, the executors are to place the sum of £400 from the net proceeds of sale on government or real securities. The dividends, interest etc to be paid to Susanna Large during her lifetime. Again, should the interest on the £400 be insufficient for his wife’s needs, then the executors can pay such sums as they think fit from the capital sum of £400.
After Susanna’s death, the dividends, interest etc. will be distributed equally amongst the children of the late Robert Large.
Real Estate
Not long before his death, Robert Large also ‘occupied’ the former village Tithe Barn in Long Street, which also had a yard and pightle. However the barn was not owned by Large. It was owned by the ‘Rectorial Glebe’.
Extract from 1802 Map of Great Ellingham. Russell James Colman Plans. Norfolk Record Office Cat. Ref. C/Ca 1/84.
All rights reserved Norfolk Record Office. With kind permission of NRO
After the sale of the last of Robert Large’s land and properties, his executors are to call in the loan to John Richardson. The net proceeds of sale together with the monies from Richardson’s repayment of the loan, are then to be distributed equally amongst Robert Large’s 7 children (as and when they reach the age of 21) – or the survivor of them, with grandchildren taking any deceased parent’s share.
Auction of Robert Large’s Properties
Around 1846, the Large siblings agreed the sale of their late father’s real estate.
An auction is arranged for the 18th June, 1846 at The Griffin Inn in the nearby town of Attleborough.
Notice of the auction of a ‘Valuable Small Farm, Brick-Kiln, Cottages and Accommodation Lands’ at Ellingham, is published in the Norfolk News on Saturday 6th June. Large’s land and properties had been divided into 8 Lots.
Lot 1
An excellent New-built Brick and Tiled FARM HOUSE, fit for the reception of a respectable Family, with Barn, Stables, Cow-house, Granary, Cart-lodge, and other requisite Outbuildings, and five Inclosures of very productive Arable and Pasture Land, well-fenced, lying immediately around the Premises, containing together 11A 1R 29P.
This lot is now in the occupation of Miss Mary Large, is pleasantly situated, abutting upon the high road, leading from Attleboro' to Hingham, adjoining Lots 2, 3 and 4, and Lands the property of John Mendham Esq., Freehold
From the description, Lot 1 is the property which is today known as Brick Kiln Farm. This probably included the former ‘farmhouse, barn, stable and yards’ (or what was left of them) which, in 1800, was owned by the Reverend G A Thomas.
Lot 2
A substantial newly-erected DOUBLE TENEMENT, with Gardens attached. Also an excellent BRICK KILN, with Brick-sheds, and Yard, and (including the site of the buildings) 1A 2R 2P of rich Land, with a great depth of Brick Earth, of first-rate quality, now in the occupation of Mr Robert Large [the younger] and his under-tenants; adjoins Lots 1, 3 and 4, and the Deopham Road.
Again from the description, this appears to be the house which today we know as Owl Cottage at Stalland Common.
Lot 3
Freehold Pasture Land 1A 0R 33P, which adjoined Lots 1 and 2 and which abut the road from Attleborough to Hingham and the Deopham Road
Lot 4
Two Inclosures of rich Arable Land (part freehold part copyhold) 6A 3R. This Lot adjoins Lots 1 and 2 and Lands of Lord Walsingham, and abuts the Deopham Road.
Lot 5
An Inclosure of fine Arable Land 3A 0r 17P (part freehold part copyhold). This abuts the high road from Attleborough to Hingham and the Deopham Road.
Lot 6
Three freehold Inclosures of very productive Arable Land, together 12A 0r 3P abutting the high road from Attleborough to Hingham, adjoining Lot 7, and Lands of Lord Walsingham.
Lot 7
Two freehold Inclosures of very productive Arable Land, 7A 3R 37P adjoining Lot 6.
Lot 8
A new-built FREEHOLD MESSUAGE or Farm House, now let in two tenements, with Stable, Sheds, Yards, Gardens, and Two Inclosures of excellent Arable Land adjoining, containing together 8A 2R 3P, abutting on Lands of Mr Benjamin Barnard [of Great Ellingham Hall]. Of this Lot 3A 0R 11P are Copyhold, and the residue Freehold.
This is the farmhouse which, much later, became known as Primrose Farm. It was situate along a private road leading from the southern end of Long Street.
Extract from 1906 Ordnance Survey Map. Second Edition. Surveyed in 1881. Revised 1904.
The map shows the position of Primrose Farm in relation to some of the other farms in Long Street
Following the sale of the last of the property and land, Large’s executors would then deal with the net proceeds of sale in accordance with the will.
The Large Family
I thought it may be interesting to take a further look at this ‘Large’ family of 7 children to see how the siblings and their mother fared over the ensuing years.
Susanna Large
Robert Large’s widow, Susanna, continued to live with her eldest daughter Mary Ann West Large. The 1851 census captures 76 year old annuitant Susanna Large with Mary at a farm in ‘Stolling Common’, Great Ellingham.
Susanna died in March 1857. She is buried in the same churchyard at Stow Bedon as her late husband, Robert Large.
William Hastings Large
The Fairland, Hingham
Eldest son William continued to live in Hingham. He died in 1889. Sadly, he outlived his only child, Robert William Starke Large.
Mary Ann West Large
The eldest child of Robert and Susanna Large, Mary Ann West Large, continued to live in Great Ellingham.
The 1851 census captures 51 year old Mary Ann Large as the head of a household at ‘Stolling Common’. She is farming some 43 acres. With Mary is her 76 year old mother, Susanna. The household also includes 15 year old house servant, Frances Brown, 33 year old farm servant, James Howard and a lodger, 28 year old farm labourer, James Rushbrook.
On 12th May, 1853, Mary marries farmer John Stedman in St James’s Church, Great Ellingham. Following their marriage, the couple continued to live in Great Ellingham.
Mary is widowed before 1881, and she moves to Hingham.
Mary Stedman died in Southburgh on the 24th February, 1891.
Harriet Large
On the 7th May, 1845, Harriet married Deopham born Ezekiel Johnson in Great Ellingham.
The 1861 census captures Ezekiel and Harriet Johnson with two children, Susanna Mary Johnson and Ellen Large Johnson, in Dereham Road, Hingham. The couple had another daughter, Ann Large Johnson, who was born in 1846.
By 1871, the family had moved to Park Farm, Southburgh.
Harriet died in Southburgh on the 24th July, 1898.
Sarah Ann Mansfield Large & Eliza Large
Both Sarah and Eliza Large remained unmarried.
The 1841 census finds Sarah with the household of her elder brother William at College Farm, Hingham. Her younger brother Robert is also with William’s household. I do not know where their sister Eliza is living at this time.
By 1851 Sarah (then 38) and Eliza (31) are living in Market Place, Hingham. The sisters are running a shop and post office.
They are still in Market Place in 1861. Their business is now described as grocer and linen draper. The sisters also have a 14 year old general servant, Elizabeth Watson.
Sadly both sisters died in Hingham in 1869.
Deaths ‘Not Certified’
Eliza died aged 55 on the 20th March, 1869. William Twiddy was present at her passing. Eliza’s cause of death is recorded as ‘Decay of Nature. Not certified’.
Barely two months later, on the 15th May, Sarah died at the age of 62. Her brother, William, was present at her death.
Sarah’s cause of death is recorded as ‘Unknown. Not certified’.
In both cases, there was no diagnosis by a medical professional, nor was one in attendance at either of the deaths. However by 1874 there were changes in legislation. Amongst other provisions, the Births & Deaths Registration Act of 1874, required medical practitioners to certify the cause of death.
Robert Large
The youngest son of Robert and Susanna Large, Robert married widow Elizabeth Springall (nèe Gapp) in St James’s Church, Great Ellingham on the 4th September, 1845.
The 1851 census captures Robert with his wife and step-children living at Lyng White, Hingham – just ‘up the road’ from Brick Kiln Farm, Great Ellingham.
He died on the 6th May, 1859, at the age of 49.
Ann Easter Large
Ann was 39 when she married widower William Reynolds at Thurning on the 28th May, 1860. Prior to her marriage, Ann had been living in Great Ellingham.
The 1861 census finds 40 year old Ann Reynolds as an patient at the Norfolk & Norwich General Hospital in Norwich. Sadly she died the following year.
Descendants
Robert and Susanna Large had 7 known children. Five of the children did not leave issue.
Of the two that did have children, William Hastings Large had one son, Robert William Starke Large. However, he remained unmarried and died in 1883 at the age of 47. As far as I know, he died without leaving issue.
Nevertheless, Harriet Johnson (nèe Large) had three daughters. Ann Large Johnson born 1846, Susanna Mary Johnson 1848 and Ellen Large Johnson born 1853. Sadly, Ann died aged just six years in 1852.
Susanna married at the relatively late age of 37, but did have children. Ellen married too, and also had children.
As far as I know, there are no descendants of Robert and Susanna Large bearing the family name of ‘Large’. However, I am confident that there will be descendants of Robert and Susanna from their daughter Harriet’s surviving children, Susanna and Ellen.
Sources:
Will of Robert Large of Great Ellingham. Norfolk Record Office. ANF will register 1842-1844 fo. 381 (1843 no.76) Microfilm MF 250. Viewed at the Norfolk Heritage Centre, Millennium Library, Norwich. Reel GS 0167180.
Great Ellingham Parish Registers. PD 609. Norfolk Record Office
Thompson Parish Registers PD 156. Norfolk Record Office
Caston Parish Registers PD 158. Norfolk Record Office
Stow Bedon Parish Registers. PD 562. Norfolk Record Office
Southburgh Parish Register PD 360 Norfolk Record Office
Thurning Parish Registers PD 714/5. Norfolk Record Office
Viewed via www.ancestry.co.uk, www.familysearch.org and by transcripts FreeReg website and Norfolk Family History Society online database NORS
Marriage Robert Large & Susanna West. Norfolk England Transcripts of Church of England Baptism Marriage & Burial Registers 1600-1935. Norfolk Record Office; Norwich, Norfolk, England; Norfolk Church of England Registers; Reference: AT Breccles Norfolk, England, Transcripts of Church of England Baptism, Marriage and Burial Registers, 1600-1935 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2018.
12 December 1812 Norfolk Chronicle
17 April 1813 Norfolk Chronicle
19 October 1816 Norfolk Chronicle
6th July 1839 Norwich Mercury
6th June 1846. Norfolk News
[Newspapers viewed via The British Newspaper Archive. ]
Norfolk, England, Register of Electors 1832-1915. Ancestry.com. Norfolk, England, Register of Electors, 1832-1915 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.Original data: England, Norfolk Register of Electors, 1844-1952. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013.
1841 census HO107/767/13, HO107/781/8
1851 census HO107/1817/240, HO107/1817/252, HO107/1823/117
1861 census RG9/1222/61, RG9/1222/51, RG9/1217/143
1871 census RG10/1843/51
1921 census RG 15/9746, ED 10, Sch 13
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Admin) 1858-1995. Mary Ann West Stedman. 1891. Principal Probate Registry; London, England; Calendar of the Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration made in the Probate Registries of the High Court of Justice in England Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Principal Probate Registry. Calendar of the Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration made in the Probate Registries of the High Court of Justice in England. London, England
1869 Death Registration Records. Sarah A M Large & Eliza Large. GRO Southport
Robert William Starke Large in the England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills & Administrations) 1858 to 1995 Principal Probate Registry; London, England; Calendar of the Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration made in the Probate Registries of the High Court of Justice in England Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.