Eliza Rix was 33 years old when her husband Thomas Rix died at the age of 76 in February, 1870. The couple had been married nearly 17 years during which time Eliza had given birth to 7 known children. Sadly, Thomas and Eliza’s youngest child (and only son), Benjamin Robert, died at just one year…
Category: Inquests
The Tragic Life and Death of Anna Eliza Rix
There is no doubt that life can be arduous and hard. At the turn of the 20th century, every day life for some of the people in Great Ellingham was no exception. A fair few families found themselves living in squalid conditions. Others suffered the loss of loved ones – the ‘breadwinner‘, the ‘house-keeper’ or…
The Tragic Loss of a Young Life
Just like many families in other parishes, Great Ellingham folk suffered the loss of their loved ones. Many of these losses were through tragedies. Death is probably the only certainty in life. However, the loss of a child must be an unbearable and painful experience. To lose a child as a result of a terrible…
Charles W Gladden’s Fatal Drive through Great Ellingham
On Saturday 23rd July 1910, the Norfolk News published an article about the death of farmer Charles Warren Gladden. The article also tells us that Charles Gladden died whilst driving his horse and cart through Great Ellingham. Family Connections Although born in Stratton Strawless, Charles Warren Gladden has family connections with Great Ellingham. His maternal…
Annie takes over from her Father, William Wilkins
Great Ellingham Village Stores and Post Office. April 2020. The Wilkins family is one of a few families who can trace their ancestors for several generations in Great Ellingham. In fact, the Wilkins family has been in the village far longer than the present Post Office building, where some of the Wilkins family lived and…
Emma Le Grice widowed after the tragic death of husband Robert Le Grice
Father – Local Publican Robert Lebbell Emma Le Grice was born Emma Lebbell in the village of Great Ellingham. The day of her birth was either at the very end of 1842 or just into 1843, as she was baptised in the Church of St James on the 8th January. Her parents were local publican…
Tragic loss despite being ‘Kind and Careful’ with their Children’
This story touches on the tragic death of one year old Harriet Maud Hall. I thought carefully about whether to write about Harriet’s death in 1890. It is not a happy story, but it reflects the reality of life, particularly at that time. Tragedies happened – and, unfortunately, still do. Accordingly, I came to the…
Thomas Drake Chilleystone
Newspaper Articles Newspapers are a great source of information for local and family historians. Publications may include reports of events taking place in the parish, or reports concerning the inhabitants. Some articles reflect ‘happy events’. For example, weddings and other celebrations. However, newspapers will also include reports of misdemeanors and tragedies. Nevertheless, together the varied…
Sudden Death at the Parish Reading Room
Newspaper report of the Inquest The Norfolk Chronicle of January 27th, 1900 reported on the sudden death of 54 year old Alfred Brighton at the parish Reading Room in Great Ellingham on the previous Tuesday, the 23rd January. At the Inquest held on the following day, Alfred’s wife Sarah Ann Brighton told the County Coroner…
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…