Many visitors to my website will know that I enjoy researching individuals or families who connect with our village. I frequently find myself going down many rabbit holes but usually find village links which, until then, I knew nothing about! Whilst researching some of the history of Homelea Farm in Penhill Road, I came across…
Category: Town Green
The Barnard Brothers’ Borrowings on their Great Ellingham Properties
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…
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,…
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…
Francis Colman Negus’s Tenure of Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall 1960sCourtesy of Susan Fay Great Ellingham Hall and the ‘Ellingham estate’ came into the ownership of the Coleman family in 1712. Francis Coleman purchased the estate from the Potts family. Francis Coleman’s Children The surnames ‘Coleman’ and ‘Colman’ are consistently interchangeable in records. However on the most part, ‘Colman’ seems to be…
Fysher Colman’s Tenure of Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall 2020Courtesy Tracy Knowles Great Ellingham Hall is a delightful centuries old moated manor house in the heart of Great Ellingham. This Grade II listed building is tucked away in its own grounds off Penhill Road. Other articles on this website cover the earlier history of the house and the Manor of Ellingham…
Francis Coleman’s tenure of Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham HallPhotograph taken September 2020 Ancient Moated Farm House White’s Directory of 1864 refers to ‘The Hall’ at Great Ellingham as “an ancient moated farm house, formerly the seat of Sir Roger Potts, Kt., is now the residence and property of Benj. Barnard, Esq., on whose estate a remarkably fine stone celt and a…
‘Ned’ Gurney inherits Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham HallPhotograph taken September 2020 Great Ellingham Hall is one the oldest houses in Great Ellingham. According to British Listed Buildings website, the former manor house to the ‘Manor of Ellingham Hall’ was built c.1570. Writings left by a former owner, Henry Gurney (1548-1615) include details of earlier owners of the Manor of Great…
From the Davy family to the Potts Family – Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall 1960sCourtesy of Susan Fay The British Listed Buildings website suggests that Great Ellingham Hall was built c.1570. However, I believe it may have been a little earlier. During the 16th century, Anthony Gurney began a ‘re-build’ of Great Ellingham Hall. He died in 1556. The Gurney family also owned property and land…
Henry Gurney inherits Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall 1960sCourtesy Susan Fay Great Ellingham Hall is a delightful ancient moated manor house which, for centuries, has stood back from Penhill Road in Great Ellingham. Until c.1825, many of the past owners of the property also held the Lordship of the Manor of Ellingham Hall. One such owner is Anthony Gurney. Anthony…