An Annual Meeting of the Shropham & Guiltcross Agricultural Association was held at East Harling on Friday 25th September, 1841.
The edition of the Norfolk Chronicle of October 3rd, reported on the event and remarked that the Association was “the most effective of this kind in the country“.
Amongst other things, the Association gave prizes (or premiums) to candidates who were generally considered ‘poor’. The newspaper stated that “Everybody in this District, gentry, farmers, labourers and servants, appeared to enter into, and appreciate the advantages offered“.
Illustration by Christine Fuller
Included in the names of many recipients was ‘J. Tooke’ who was awarded £2 in recognition of his 11 years in the service of Mr Benjamin Barnard of Great Ellingham. At the same event, Benjamin Barnard was elected onto the committee.
The census of 1841 captures farmer Benjamin Barnard at The Hall, Great Ellingham.
Sources:
Norfolk Chronicle 3rd October, 1840
1841 census HO107/781/8