It is satisfying when I find something, or someone, that links back to Great Ellingham.
George John Skipper was born in East Dereham, Norfolk, on the 6th August, 1856. He is the second son of builder, and brick and tile maker, Robert Skipper and wife Elizabeth nèe Wilemer.
Royal Arcade, Norwich
Photograph taken 6 November 2026
Skipper is a well-known architect of several Norwich and Norfolk buildings, including the Royal Arcade in Norwich.
George Skipper’s link to Great Ellingham is, through his mother Elizabeth Wilemer.
Wilemer Family
Elizabeth was born in Great Ellingham c.1824, the second of four known daughters born to Richard and Ann Wilemer.
According to various census returns, Richard Wilemer was also born in Great Ellingham. However, I have not found any record of his baptism in Great Ellingham.
Richard Wilemer & Ann Fox
On the 14th October, 1822, Richard Wilemer marries Ann Fox in the Church of St James, Great Ellingham. King George IV is on the British throne. It is another 15 years before Victoria takes the throne.
Richard and Ann are both single and they each sign their names in the marriage register. Accordingly, it is safe to assume that they had literacy skills.
Daughters
On the 10th August, 1823, Richard and Ann Wilemer take their daughter Sarah Ann to St James’ Church, Great Ellingham for baptism. Sarah is followed by Elizabeth, who is baptised on New Year’s Day 1825.
Next comes Mary Ann, baptised on the 29th October, 1826 and, finally, Maria on the 20th February, 1831.
However, sadly, on the 5th December, 1832, one year old Maria is buried in the churchyard of St James.
Grocer, Richard Wilemer
White’s Directory of 1836, lists Richard Wilemer as a grocer in Great Ellingham.
The 1841 census captures 45 year old grocer Richard Wilemer with his 40 year old wife Ann and their three surviving daughters Sarah Ann 15, Elizabeth 15 and 12 year old Mary Anne in Great Ellingham.
Note that he ages are not necessarily the true age. The enumerators were instructed to round down the ages of anyone aged 15 and over to the nearest lower multiple of 5.
Ye Olde Thatche Shoppe. Date unknown
Photograph Ewin Family
The Great Ellingham Tithe documentation of 1843 reveals that the Wilemer family is living in the property in Church Street, which later became known as ‘Ye Olde Thatche Shoppe’. Richard Wilemer leased at least part of the property, which included his shop, from the owner Daniel William Cocking.
Accordingly, I have no doubt that the Wilemer family is living at the property in 1841, but possibly earlier than that.
Death of Ann Wilemer
On the 12th November, 1849, Richard Wilemer buries his wife in the churchyard at St James’ Church, which is just a stone’s throw from their home. Richard is left with three daughters. However it is only Elizabeth (now 25) who is living ‘at home’ at this time.
Marriages
In 1845, Sarah Ann Wilemer married George Browne. In 1848, Mary Anne married John Youngman.
1851 census
The 1851 census captures 54 year old widower Richard Wilemer with his unmarried daughter Elizabeth living in Town Green, Great Ellingham. Richard is now farming some 30 acres.
Also living in Town Green is 53 year old farmer, John Barnard, with his wife Maria (nèe Guyton) and Maria’s unmarried sister, 48 year old Elizabeth Guyton.
Richard Wilemer Remarries
A few months after the 1851 census, Richard Wilemer marries his neighbour, spinster, Elizabeth Guyton. I have no doubt that following the marriage, Elizabeth moved in with her husband and step-daughter, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Wilemer Marries
On the 8th August, 1854, 29 year old Elizabeth Wilemer marries 30 year old carpenter Robert Skipper of East Dereham. Following the marriage, Elizabeth moves to East Dereham.
1861 census
The national headcount of 1861 captures Robert and Elizabeth Skipper living in Russell Place, East Dereham. The couple now have three sons Robert W aged 5, George J aged 4 and eleven month old Fred W.
Robert Skipper is a carpenter and builder. He employs at least 15 men, plus apprentices and sawyers. The Skippers also employ a house servant, 16 year old Sarah Eke.
Still living at Town Green, Great Ellingham is 65 year old Richard Wilemer and his (second) wife Elizabeth.
Death of Elizabeth Skipper
Tragically, Great Ellingham born Elizabeth Skipper (nèe Wilemer) died on the 21st March, 1868 at the age of 43.
Son’s Achievements
Her son, George John Skipper, is 11 years old.
Nonetheless, George would go on to be a prominent architect during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, designing many important buildings across Norfolk, including several in Norwich.
George’s young brother Frederick Wilemer Skipper also became a successful architect. Elder brother, Robert Wilemer Skipper, made his way in the shoe trade.
Sadly their mother, Elizabeth Skipper nèe Wilemer, did not see her sons’ achievements.
Sources:
31 March 1868 Bury & Norwich Post. Viewed via The British Newspaper Archive
Great Ellingham Parish Registers PD 609. Norfolk Record Office. Also available at www.familysearch.org & some subscription genealogical websites
1841 census HO107/781/8
1851 census HO107/1823/108
1861 census RG9/1242/92; RG9/1237/80
1836 White’s Directory
GRO Index FreeBMD website.
1854 8 August. Marriage Robert Skipper & Elizabeth Wilmer. Norfolk Family History Society.