Emergency Powers Just days before the outbreak of the Second World War, the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act 1939 came into effect. This new legislation gave the government “special powers to take almost any action necessary to carry out the war successfully.” The new powers controlled many aspects of everyday life during the war – including…
Category: Chillystone
William & Virtue Fincham’s Home in Penhill Road
Although most census returns will tell us roughly where people lived in the village, the census does not always tell us exactly where along a lane or road the individuals or families lived. The census returns of 1891, 1901 and 1911 show that William and Virtue Fincham lived in Penhill Road. With the help of…
Council Housing for Great Ellingham following the ‘Addison’ Act
The Housing, Town Planning, &c Act of 1919 (often referred to as the ‘Addison Act’) promised government subsidies to help finance the build of 500,000 houses in Britain within three years. The Act also made housing a national responsibility, with local authorities being charged with developing new housing and rental accommodation to satisfy the need…
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…