Since the 1600s, Great Ellingham has had at least three windmills at various times. The earliest evidence of a mill in the village which I have so far discovered, is a Conveyance Deed of 1685. On the “Twelfth day of October in the first yeare of the Reigne of our most gracious Soveraigne Lord King…
Category: Turner
Will of Stephen Martin, Yeoman, of Great Ellingham dated 9th October 1715
Extract from the Will of Stephen Martin of Great Ellingham dated 9th October 1715. Original held at Wymondham Town Archive It is hard to imagine a time back history some three hundred years ago when Stephen Martin, a yeoman, of Great Ellingham signed his last will and testament. In the presence of witnesses John Turner,…
Sarah Smith, Shopkeeper, of Great Ellingham dies in 1784
We may think it unusual today to see an item of clothing or bedding mentioned as a legacy in a will, unless, of course, it was of some sentimental value. The thatched house in the centre of the postcard is believed to have been once the home of shopkeeper, Sarah Smith. Courtesy of Carol Ewin…
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…
Death of peruke maker William Frost
Last Will & Testament During the reign of King George IV, William Frost, a peruke maker (wig maker) of Great Ellingham, made his last Will and Testament some 10 years before he died. Perhaps William was feeling very unwell at that time or, he was perfectly well and that he just wanted to ‘put his…
Blacksmith’s Shop in Town Green
Property Owner Benjamin Turner In 1800, Benjamin Turner owned five dwellings and one blacksmith’s shop in Great Ellingham. Turner occupied one of the dwellings, and let the other properties to tenants. The blacksmith’s shop (copyhold of the Manor of Ellingham Hall), was occupied by James Lebbell. Where was the Blacksmith’s Shop? Extract from 1802 Map…
Decayed Mill on Premises belonging to John & Elizabeth Turner
Illustration by Christine Fuller John Turner’s Property including the Decayed Mill The Statement of the Claims for the Great Ellingham Inclosure (c.1800) included at No.13, John Turner and his wife Elizabeth. John and Elizabeth Turner owned and occupied one messuage (a dwelling house with land and associated buildings) and 40 acres of land. There was…