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…
Category: Occupations
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…
Edwin Robert Houchen is the next Custodian of Brick Kiln Farm
Brick Kiln FarmCourtesy Jon & Fran Elliott Early History The delightful house Brick Kiln Farm was built between the late 1830s and early 1840s, during the early Victorian era. However from the outside, it has all the characteristics of a Georgian house – having symmetry, balance, a central door with fanlight, as well as sash…
Robert Large’s Newly Built Farmhouse in Hingham Road
Brick Kiln FarmCourtesy Jon & Fran Elliott Great Ellingham is fortunate to have several interesting historical houses. Some are ‘tucked away out of sight’, but others are visible from the village roads. Road to Hingham The route of many of these roads has changed little over several centuries. They have evolved from a time well…
William Cubitt exercises his Power of Sale over Brick Kiln Farm
Brick Kiln FarmCourtesy Jon & Fran Elliott Brick Kiln Farm in Hingham Road is one of Great Ellingham’s wonderful historic houses. It was built during the late 1830s or the early 1840s, and owned by Robert Large until his death in 1842. Following Robert Large’s death, the house was occupied by his eldest daughter Mary…
A Christmas Day Wedding at the Methodist Chapel
Great Ellingham Methodist ChapelPhotograph taken February 2017 From the Downham Market Gazette Saturday 8th January 1916: GREAT ELLINGHAMWEDDING – The marriage of Mr Henry Frank Downes, son of Mr and Mrs R Downes, Decoy Farm, Besthorpe, and Miss Edith Ducker, daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Ducker, daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Ducker, Great…
George Asty, Yeoman of Great Ellingham
On the 4th January, 1680, George Asty signed his last will and testament. John Lincoln, John Bush and Richard Pollards witnessed Asty’s signature. George Asty died between 1680 and 1681. House of Stuart It is a time when Charles II is the reigning monarch. Some 20 years earlier in 1660, the House of Stuart was…
Ellis Beales’ working life begins at the age of 8!
The finding of a newspaper article relating to a Golden Wedding celebration, provides an insight into the life of Great Ellingham born Ellis Beales. Ellis recounts in much detail his working life, which began when he was just 8 years old. From the Yarmouth Independent dated 1st December, 1934: GOLDEN WEDDINGMR & MRS ELLIS BEALES…
Delightful Home Cottage Farm through Time
Home Cottage FarmPhotograph taken October 2023 Great Ellingham is fortunate to have some fantastic historical buildings. One such gem is a delightful farmhouse in Penhill Road. Today, this house is known as Home Cottage Farm. Situated at the far western end of Penhill Road, Home Cottage Farm is a stone’s throw from the parish boundary…
Joseph Saunders ‘on remand’ for stealing Three Hens
Illustration Christine Fuller The illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied The following appeared in the Norwich Mercury on the 13th December, 1884: ALLEGED FELONYAt the Occasional Court House – present Rev. J Spurgin, Jos. Saunders, Great Ellingham, labourer, was charged by P.C. Fisher with stealing three…