Homelea Farm in the distance centre of the photograph. June 2026 Homelea Farm is tucked away along a ‘driftway’ off Penhill Road. The road has also been known as Penhill Lane and Pen Hill. In Part I, we established that the farmhouse was probably built between 1843 and 1861. The property has also been known…
Category: Bennett
Stephen Houchen taken into Custody by the Norwich Police
In the Autumn of 1863, Great Ellingham born Stephen Houchen became embroiled in a case of robbery in Norwich. It involved his association with widow Susan Bayes. The Guildhall, Norwich. 23 September 1934. George Plunkett. georgeplunkett.co.uk The case was brought before the Magistrates at the Guildhall in Norwich. On the 20th February 1864, the Norfolk…
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…
Great Ellingham’s Pubs and Beer-houses
The Crown Public House in the centre. Courtesy of Attleborough Heritage Group Village pubs have always been a focal point of a community. Great Ellingham is no exception. During the Victorian period, Great Ellingham had five public houses, some of which were former beer-houses. Today, the village has one remaining pub. At the end of…
Mr Long advertises for a ‘Respectable Housekeeper’
Illustration by Christine Fuller The illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied. Advertisement for Housekeeper An advertisement for a ‘housekeeper to a working man’ appeared in the ‘Wanted’ section of the Norwich Mercury of 25th February, 1905. It was stated that the housekeeper should be around the…
Grocer William Bennett granted Licence to Sell Sweets!
It is possible that Ye Olde Thatche Shoppe to the left or the shop attached to the Crown Public House was the grocer and draper’s shop of William Adam Bennett in 1871. Courtesy of Attleborough Heritage Group Grocer & Draper, William Bennett Chesterfield born William Adam Bennett was one of at least three grocers and…