From at least the time of the introduction of the ‘Penny Black’ in 1840, Great Ellingham has been served by a Post Office. This service to the community continues today with the Post Office & Stores in Long Street. But has this building always been the village’s Post Office? Great Ellingham Village Stores and Post…
Category: Places and Buildings
Mary Ann Scent, daughter of James Matthews
A resident of Chequers Lane, Mary Ann Scent died in Attleborough on the 29th March 1929 at the age of 79. She was buried a few days later on April 3rd in the churchyard at the Parish Church of Great Ellingham. John Penson, Executor In her Will of July 7th, 1927, Mary appointed her nephew…
A ‘Counting Room’ at Tanyard Farm
Tanyard Farm. Date unknown. Photograph Lucinda Bell-Tye. Auction I came across a notice in the Norfolk News of the 14th May 1864 announcing the forthcoming auction on the 16th June of a ‘Desirable Small Farm’ in Great Ellingham. The farm (including a dwellinghouse, agricultural buildings and cottages), were being sold by the Executors of the…
Strongly Worded Letter received at The Hall
The above letter was written by John Nichols, a farmer, living in Northrepps on the 18th July 1858. It was addressed to Benjamin Barnard of The Hall at Great Ellingham. The content of the letter referred to the payment of an annuity due to Mrs Barnard from the ‘Stanfield Estate’. It seems that there had…
James Beatson, Trustee & Farmer
James Beatson, one of the Overseers of the Poor for the Parish of Great Ellingham in 1873, was also one of the Trustees of the Fuel Allotment Charity. But who was James Beatson and was he a local man? The 1861 census finds 47 year old farmer, James Beatson and his 54 year old wife…
Alms House Built on Lower Part of Town Green Common
Payment towards the Building of an Alms House The ‘Town Books’ for Great Ellingham between 1740 and 1760 reveal that the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of Great Ellingham were making annual payments for ‘Town Rents for the Poor’. These annual payments ranged from £10 7s. 6d in the year 1742, to £3…
Auction of Charles Rivett’s Farmhouse
Trustee and Overseer An application to the Charity Comissioners of 1873 by the Trustees of the Great Ellingham Fuel Allotment Charity refers to Charles Rivett as being one of the Trustees of the Charity. Charles Rivett was also one of two Overseers of the Poor for the Parish. James Beatson being the other. Local Man…
Fowl Dealer down on his Luck
Illustration by Christine Fuller County Court Hearing The Norwich Mercury of August 18th, 1887 reported on a recent matter before the Watton County Court. Robert Bowden of Great Ellingham, a farmer, had previously obtained a judgment against Samuel Harvey, a dealer, of Stow Bedon. Harvey, represented by a Mr Feltham, made an application to the…
Mary Green buried on Easter Day, 7th April 1901
Church of St James Great Ellingham Burial Mary Green was buried in the churchyard of St James, Great Ellingham, on Easter Day, 7th April, 1901. She was 83 years old. The burial register records that Mary was living in Deptford at the time of her death. What link did Mary Green have with Great Ellingham?…
Angelina Wright marries in Attleborough
Parish Church, Attleborough. Postcard BCV Marriage between Angelina Wright & William Webster The announcement of the marriage of Great Ellingham born Angelina Wright appeared in the edition of the Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette dated 29th October, 1881. The marriage ceremony, officiated by the Reverend W C Safford, took place at St Mary’s Church, Attleborough….