Historical deeds can be both interesting and enlightening. Before the relatively recent requirement for the registration of property and land transactions, bundles of deeds were investigated by a buyer’s lawyer and handed over to the new owner on completion. Unlike most of the modern conveyancing documents, the old indentures contain lengthy narratives. These narratives provide…
Category: Long Street
The Barnard Family buys Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall 2020Courtesy Tracy Knowles Great Ellingham Hall is a wonderful Grade II listed building. It was ‘re-built’ in the 16th century during the Gurney family’s tenure. With no direct Gurney male heirs, the property then came into the ownership of the Davy family, subsequently passing to Sir Roger Potts by marriage. In 1712,…
Louis Smith is fined for not having a Dog Licence
Illustration Christine FullerThe illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied. The following report of a case at the East Harling Petty Sessions appeared in the Diss Express published on the 12th July 1946: NO LICENCEFor keeping a dog without a licence, Louis Arthur Smith, Hill [Mill] House,…
Wanted – A Lady with a view to Matrimony!
Illustration Christine FullerThe illustration is creative interpretation and intended for humour only. No offence is intended or implied. Before dating apps and social media, people had to look at other ways to meet new partners. This included face-to-face interactions and gatherings within their immediate communities. However, some people also chose to advertise for a partner…
A Timeline of some of the History of ‘Grey Roofs’
Grey Roofs, Long Street. Photograph taken Christmas Day 2023 Norfolk Heritage Explorer website describes the Grade II listed building known as ‘Grey Roofs’ as House. Early C18. Timber framed with lath and plaster infill, roughcast. Corrugated iron roof. Lobby entrance plan. One storey and dormer attic. Door in centre. Three three-light C20 casements. Four sloping…
Harry Rix’s Early Boyhood Recollections of Great Ellingham – Long Street
Many written accounts of ‘everyday histories’ focus on prominent figures and major events. However, it is the documenting of the working class which preserves the lived experiences of ordinary people. We are indebted to Great Ellingham man Harry Rix. In 2001, 80 year old Harry decided to record some of his boyhood memories of the…
Long Street Dwelling at the corner with Penhill Road
In the past, property ownership was proven through a bundle of title deeds. These were handwritten paper documents which are then passed down from owner to owner. Today one still has to prove ownership to a property but, with the modern land registration system, it is usually much simpler to do. Historical deeds record details…
William Harper brings his family to Tanyard Farm
Tanyard FarmPhotograph Lucinda Bell-Tye Tanyard Farm is a delightful late 17th century property on the periphery of the village of Great Ellingham. During its history, the building has seen the comings and goings of many families. Several of the families were owner/occupiers. However, Tanyard Farm was not always occupied by the owners. The Harper Family…
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…
The History of the Double Cottage on Stalland Common – Part I
The Cottage formerly known as Hillside (and now Owl Cottage) at Stalland CommonCourtesy A. M. Like many towns and villages, Great Ellingham is fortunate to have several interesting historical houses. Many of our village’s ‘old’ houses will have begun life housing several families. However over the years, these houses have become one dwelling. Double Cottage…