Illustration by Christine Fuller The illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied Death of William Downes William Downes died on the 30th August, 1853 at the age of 79. He was buried in the churchyard at the Parish Church of St James a few days later on…
Category: Lebbell
‘Stranger in Blood’ Hannah Saunders
Extract from 28th January 1898 Inland Revenue Account of Succession to real or leasehold property completed by R W H Venn, Solicitor, Attleborough for the Executors of William Lebbell deceased The above extract from an Inland Revenue Account dated 28th January 1898, confirms that Hannah Saunders, a beneficiary of property under the Will of the…
Ellis Houchen Admitted as Copyhold Tenant
In the nineteenth century, some of the land in Great Ellingham was freehold (or held on a long lease). However, other land was copyhold. This was another form of property ownership before its abolition in the 1920s. There were three Manors in Great Ellingham: Ellingham Rectory, Ellingham Hall and, the largest, Bury Hall. Most of…
Mr Isaac Lebbell, a Bankrupt
Auction The edition of the Norwich Mercury dated 14th May 1887, included the announcement of a forthcoming Auction of properties situate in Griston, Scoulton and Great Ellingham belonging to Mr Isaac Lebbell, a Bankrupt. The Auction, by the firm of Edward Banham & Son of Methwold and Watton, would take place at five o’clock in…
The Tale of a Pair of Trousers being made at the top of the Spire!
Spire of the Church of St James Great Ellingham. Photograph taken May 2020 During the winter months, the lights which usually adorn the church tower of St James at Christmas draw our attention to the tower and spire, but I wonder how many of us look up at the spire at any other time? Top…
‘Keen Agriculturalist’ Henry Colman dies aged 84
Great Ellingham Parish Church The Norwich Mercury of 21st October 1905 reported on the funeral which had taken place at the Parish Church in Great Ellingham of Mr Henry Colman. It was reported that Henry Colman was a keen agriculturalist and that he regularly attended Norwich Market. His last trip to the market was earlier…
The Erection of the British School in 1855
Before the nineteenth century, there was no national system for education. Opportunities for formal education were generally only available to those who could afford to pay. The schools that did exist relied on the generosity of local benefactors or people trying to make a living. Very few children received any schooling. The former British School…
Great Ellingham Ancient Order of Foresters
One of these two men is likely to be Josiah Carter. Do you recognise either of the men? Photograph courtesy of Ray Beales The Ancient Order of Foresters was formed in Britain in 1834 for the purpose of helping less financially secure workers and their families in times of financial need. For example, when the…
Charles & Frances Thilthorpe survived only by their daughter Thomasin
Marriage and Children Charles Thilthorpe arrived in Great Ellingham with his wife Frances (neé Bunkall) sometime after their marriage in Watton on 11th October, 1772. Baptisms for at least eight children of Charles and Frances Thilthorpe appear in the Great Ellingham Parish Registers between 1774 and 1785. One entry confirms that Frances was formerly spinster…
Three Cottages in the street late called Churchgate Street
Long Street with Mill in background. Postcard Carol Ewin 1897 James Houchen Buys Three Cottages By an Indenture (property deed) dated 11th October, 1897 three cottages with gardens and grounds were conveyed to James Houchen of Great Ellingham. An earlier deed of 1874 and a later deed of 1920, described the cottages as being ‘in…