East Harling Magistrates Court The edition of the Norwich Mercury of November 22nd, 1905 reported on the recent alleged theft of two pairs of scissors at the Prince of Wales Inn in Great Ellingham. The case came before the East Harling Magistrates. Mrs Amy Evans of Great Ellingham told the court that she was married…
Author: Heather Etteridge
Probably the Oldest Soloist at the 1935 Jubilee Celebrations?
Newspaper Cutting The recent find of an old newspaper cutting included an image of a past resident of Great Ellingham, ‘Mrs M Pilgrim’. The cutting referred to Jubilee Celebrations in the village for which people of all ages in the village were taking an interest. Taking part in the celebrations would be 92 year old…
Samuel Williamson – From Town Constable to Insolvent Debtor?
Church of St James, Great Ellingham The name Samuel Williamson (or variations of the name such as Willyamson and Willyomson) appears amongst the names of the churchwardens, overseers, constables and surveyors in the Great Ellingham Town Books 1741-1775. This is a period of time when the churchwardens, overseers, constables and surveyors dealt with the administration…
Robert Love born in Carleton Rode dies in Great Ellingham
Headstone for Robert Love in the churchyard at Great Ellingham Marriages, baptisms, misdemeanours and the like all tend to leave a paper trail which, in years to come, is extremely useful to a family historian. In the case of Robert Love of Great Ellingham, we know from two census returns that Robert was living in…
Many Brought by Horses for a Special Service at the Church
Church of St James, Great Ellingham The Mid-Norfolk Federation of the Church of England Men’s Society held a special service at the Church of St James, Great Ellingham on a Tuesday evening in December 1908. It was reported that the Lord Bishop of Ipswich gave an interesting and constructive address to a large congregation. Many…
Will of Stephen Martin, Yeoman, of Great Ellingham dated 9th October 1715
Extract from the Will of Stephen Martin of Great Ellingham dated 9th October 1715. Original held at Wymondham Town Archive It is hard to imagine a time back history some three hundred years ago when Stephen Martin, a yeoman, of Great Ellingham signed his last will and testament. In the presence of witnesses John Turner,…
Sarah Smith, Shopkeeper, of Great Ellingham dies in 1784
We may think it unusual today to see an item of clothing or bedding mentioned as a legacy in a will, unless, of course, it was of some sentimental value. The thatched house in the centre of the postcard is believed to have been once the home of shopkeeper, Sarah Smith. Courtesy of Carol Ewin…
Jonathan & Samuel Wright – Not Guilty of Stealing Six Fowls
The Supplement to the Norfolk Chronicle of 28th March 1840 reported that amongst the prisoners at a recent sitting of the County’s Sessions, were Jonathan Wright and Samuel Wright. They were charged with stealing six fowls the property of James Colman of Great Ellingham. The defendants were found not guilty. 1841 census The 1841 census…
Horseplay in the Village after School Board Election with Fatal Consequences
Inquest The Norfolk News of June 9th, 1885 reported on the inquest held at Great Ellingham into the death of labourer, Charles Halls. Halls had died from lockjaw arising from injuries received to the forefinger of his right hand while taking part in what was referred to as ‘a little demonstration‘ after the election of…
A Case of Buying & Selling Game in Ignorance of the Law
Illustration by Christine Fuller Appearance before the Magistrates Great Ellingham butcher Alfred Partridge appeared before the magistrates at the East Harling Petty Sessions in early October 1906. He was charged with selling game otherwise than to a licensed dealer. The alleged offence took place at Great Ellingham on the 26th September. At the same time,…