The inmates of the Wayland Union Workhouse at Rockland were not left out of the local celebrations for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The Norwich Mercury of the 2nd July, 1887 reported on the participation of the inmates in the festivities taking place the week before. On June 21st, the inmates attended a Thanksgiving Service held…
Category: Schools, Societies, Charities
1855: The Erection of the British School
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 Great Ellingham British…
Many Brought by Horses for a Special Service at the Church
The Mid-Norfolk Federation of the Church of England Men’s Society held a special service at the Church of St James, Great Ellingham on a Tuesday evening in December 1908. It was reported that the Lord Bishop of Ipswich gave an interesting and constructive address to a large congregation. Many members came from surrounding parishes. In…
Horseplay in the Village after School Board Election with Fatal Consequences
The Norfolk News of June 9th, 1885 reported on the inquest held at Great Ellingham into the death of labourer, Charles Halls. The deceased 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 members…
Valentine Treats at The Hall
For many years, Sarah the wife of Benjamin Barnard, of The Hall, Great Ellingham entertained members of the church choir and friends on or around the 14th February – what we know today as Valentine’s Day. Edwardian Postcard, postmarked 1908 The Norfolk Chronicle of February 20th, 1875 reported of such an event organised by Mrs…
Great Ellingham Ancient Order of Foresters
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 breadwinner fell ill and could not work resulting in no wages. Members would pay a few pence a week into a common fund…
Prize given for Recognition of 11 Year’s in the Service of Mr Benjamin Barnard
An Annual Meeting of the Shropham & Guiltcross Agricultural Association was held at East Harling on Friday 25th September, 1841. The edition of the Norfolk Chronicle of October 3rd, reported on the event and remarked that the Association was “the most effective of this kind in the country“. Amongst other things, the Association gave prizes…
1902: Final Meeting of the Coronation Committee
The school children of the village of Great Ellingham would be treated to a tea during the summer of 1903, paid for by the surplus from the Coronation Committee funds. The Norwich Mercury of 23 August 1902 reported that a final meeting of the Coronation Committee of Great Ellingham was held the previous Friday at…
A Christmas Tree filled with Useful Articles of Clothing!
The Norwich Mercury of January 13th, 1872 reported that earlier in the month on the 2nd January, at Great Ellingham, the poor of the parish received their annual presents from the Rector (who had now left the county). The children of the National School were also presented with various articles of clothing, books etc from…
Quoits: A Win for the Prince of Wales Club
The Norfolk Chronicle & Norwich Gazette of 7th June, 1902 reported on the Quoits match which took place at the Prince of Wales Inn at Great Ellingham. The match was between the Cock Inn Club of Hingham and the home team of the Prince of Wales Inn. The result was a win by three points…