The three pairs of semi-detached cottages with the former Prince of Wales Inn to the right along the Watton to Attleborough Road. March 2026Courtesy Alison Crowter The Prince of Wales Inn and the three pairs of semi-detached cottages (six in all) may have been built at a similar time i.e. between 1843 and 1868. Extract…
Author: Heather Etteridge
Occupiers of the Cottages in Watton Road 1891-1942
The three pairs of semi-detached cottages with the former Prince of Wales Inn to the right along the Watton to Attleborough Road. March 2026. Courtesy Alison Crowter The above photograph shows the former Prince of Wales Inn (on the far right) and the three pairs of semi-detached cottages. These may have been built at a…
Francis Colman Negus’s Tenure of Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall 1960sCourtesy of Susan Fay Great Ellingham Hall and the ‘Ellingham estate’ came into the ownership of the Coleman family in 1712. Francis Coleman purchased the estate from the Potts family. Francis Coleman’s Children The surnames ‘Coleman’ and ‘Colman’ are consistently interchangeable in records. However on the most part, ‘Colman’ seems to be…
Fysher Colman’s Tenure of Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall 2020Courtesy Tracy Knowles Great Ellingham Hall is a delightful centuries old moated manor house in the heart of Great Ellingham. This Grade II listed building is tucked away in its own grounds off Penhill Road. Other articles on this website cover the earlier history of the house and the Manor of Ellingham…
Long Street Dwelling at the corner with Penhill Road
In the past, property ownership was proven through a bundle of title deeds. These were handwritten paper documents which are then passed down from owner to owner. Today one still has to prove ownership to a property but, with the modern land registration system, it is usually much simpler to do. Historical deeds record details…
Francis Coleman’s tenure of Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham HallPhotograph taken September 2020 Ancient Moated Farm House White’s Directory of 1864 refers to ‘The Hall’ at Great Ellingham as “an ancient moated farm house, formerly the seat of Sir Roger Potts, Kt., is now the residence and property of Benj. Barnard, Esq., on whose estate a remarkably fine stone celt and a…
Harry Rix’s Early Boyhood Recollections of Great Ellingham – Attleborough Road
The recording of everyday histories is of vital importance. Written accounts often focus on prominent figures and major events. Documenting daily life preserves the lived experiences of ordinary people. Great Ellingham is particularly indebted to two Great Ellingham inhabitants who recorded some of the history and life in the village: William Robert Lebbell (1884-1965) and…
‘Ned’ Gurney inherits Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham HallPhotograph taken September 2020 Great Ellingham Hall is one the oldest houses in Great Ellingham. According to British Listed Buildings website, the former manor house to the ‘Manor of Ellingham Hall’ was built c.1570. Writings left by a former owner, Henry Gurney (1548-1615) include details of earlier owners of the Manor of Great…
From the Davy family to the Potts Family – Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall 1960sCourtesy of Susan Fay The British Listed Buildings website suggests that Great Ellingham Hall was built c.1570. However, I believe it may have been a little earlier. During the 16th century, Anthony Gurney began a ‘re-build’ of Great Ellingham Hall. He died in 1556. The Gurney family also owned property and land…
William Harper brings his family to Tanyard Farm
Tanyard FarmPhotograph Lucinda Bell-Tye Tanyard Farm is a delightful late 17th century property on the periphery of the village of Great Ellingham. During its history, the building has seen the comings and goings of many families. Several of the families were owner/occupiers. However, Tanyard Farm was not always occupied by the owners. The Harper Family…