Extract from 1906 Ordnance Survey Map. Second Edition. Surveyed in 1881. Revised 1904.
Swamp Lane lies at the northern side of the main road leading from the village to Attleborough. Indeed, the lane is not far from the parish boundary.
There are several dwellings (of all types) on the eastern side of the lane. However, this was not the case at the beginning of the 19th century. The only dwellings which existed then were those at the far end of the lane, one being Swamp Farmhouse.
At least three dwellings appeared along the lane during the 19th century. Between 1813-1819 a house was erected on land owned by Henry and Hannah Balls. At a similar time, another house was built on nearby land owned by Edmund and Elizabeth Kerrison. Another dwelling was built before 1843.
In Parts I, II and III of the history of some of the cottages in Swamp Lane, we followed the story of one particular cottage through to 1921. Here we take the the story forward a few more decades.
Brighton’s Cottage
The Wilkins family is one of only a few families who have remained in the village over several centuries. Since at least 1878, a Wilkins family has lived in Swamp Lane in a cottage owned by retired farmer, William Brighton.
The New Inn, later the Royal Hotel and now known as The Mulberry Tree in Attleborough
Author’s Collection
Over a decade earlier, on the 2nd October, 1862, Brighton purchased the ‘Messuage now let in two tenements’ at an auction held at the New Inn (later The Royal Hotel and now the Mulberry Tree), in Attleborough. The property was owned by Jeoffrey Warren of Hockham.
However, the seller was James Fisher, an executor of the Reverend Samuel Colby. Fisher acted as mortgagee in possession with power to sell the property in order to recover the debt owed to Samuel Colby by Jeoffrey Warren of Hockham.
William Brighton let the property to various tenants, including Thomas William Wilkins, sometimes found as William Wilkins.
Smallholder
Thomas William Wilkins ‘the Younger’ completed his purchase of the freehold double cottage at Swamp Lane on the 3rd November, 1921. He paid William Brighton, then described as a retired farmer of Wymondham, the sum of £150.
The Conveyance Deed describes Thomas William Wilkins as a smallholder.
Extract from the Conveyance dated 3rd November 1921 (1) William Brighton (2) Thomas William Wilkins. Courtesy Shirley Caston
The 1921 census captures this Wilkins family in Swamp Lane.
Wilkins Household
Thomas William Wilkins is aged 53. He works as a labourer for Arthur Sewell, an innkeeper and farmer at the nearby Queen’s Head Public House.
Thomas’s wife Jane is also 53. With them are their children 18 year old Eric William aged 18, Leslie aged 16 and Thomas William aged 13. Eric is working as a yard boy for Thomas Dixon of Attleborough and Leslie is a factory worker at William Gaymer in Attleborough. Young Thomas is at school.
Wilkins Family History
Thomas William Wilkins was born in Great Ellingham in 1868. His parents were William and Ann Amelia Wilkins. Ann Amelia was the daughter of John and Mary Green. At one time, John Green was the landlord of the Curriers Arms in the village.
Marriage
As ‘William Wilkins’, 20 year old Thomas William Wilkins married local girl 21 year old Jane Rivett, a daughter of Charles Rivett, in St James’s Church on the 20th November, 1887.
Children
Not many months before the marriage, Jane Rivett had given birth to a son, George Rivett. Various records show George as ‘George Rivett’ and ‘George Rivett Wilkins’.
Herbert was born in 1889. Sadly, Herbert died aged just 11 months on the 31st May, 1890. His death was certified by Attleborough Doctor, Carteret George Ellis. The death registration gives Herbert’s cause of death as ‘Dentition Convulsions’.
The couple welcomed another son when Walter was born on the 14th September, 1891. It may be that there were immediate concerns about Walter’s survival. He is swiftly baptised on the 17th September. As it happens, the couple were right to be concerned as Thomas and Jane buried Walter on the 27th September. He was only 10 days old.
No doubt there was much joy in the Wilkins household when Charles Elden Wilkins was born on the 3rd October, 1892. However, perhaps there was some trepidation after the loss of both Herbert and Walter.
Ivy Letitia arrived on the 10th May, 1899 followed by Ena Amelia on Christmas Day 1901. Two years later, Eric William came into the world on the 4th May, 1903 with Leslie on the 6th March, 1905. Thomas and Jane welcomed their last child, Thomas William, on the 16th June, 1908.
Miller, Fishmonger & Smallholder
In his younger days, and after leaving school, Thomas William Warren became a miller. The 1891 census describes Thomas as a ‘miller’s assistant. Thomas is still a miller in 1901.
Nevertheless by 1911, Thomas was in the business of selling fish and working for himself. However at the time of the 1921 census (19th June), Thomas is working as a labourer. A few months later, Thomas is a smallholder.
Purchase Price
There is no indication in the deeds that Thomas Wilkins’ purchase was funded by any borrowing. I know that a year prior to his purchase of the cottage, Thomas sold two pieces of arable land in Long Street to James Sadd for £65. These pieces of land had been in the Wilkins family ownership for many years. It may be the case that Thomas sold other land.
Smallholding
The 1921 Conveyance Deed to Thomas William Wilkins provide us with a good description of the property at that time:
All that freehold double cottage with well of water stables shed piggeries chaff house garden orchard and enclosure of arable land containing 2a 1r 13p in Great Ellingham bounded by hereditaments formerly of Jeffrey Towler and now of ____________ on or towards the north by the beck or rivulet on or towards the east by hereditaments formerly of ____________ Hardyment and now of the Trustees of Roger Turvey deceased on or towards the south and by a road there known as Swamp Lane on the west as the same are now in the occupation of the purchaser
We know from the description that the double cottage had stables, shed, piggeries and chaff house. All associated with a smallholding.
Neighbours – 1921 Census
The 1921 census captures nine households specifically living in Swamp Lane. However, I do not believe that the order of the households are as they appear along the lane.
Further, I do not know exactly how many dwellings were then in Swamp Lane. Further, some cottages may be divided into two or more tenements.
Charles Elden Wilkins
With regard to Thomas William Wilkins’ double cottage, I think it is more than possible that Thomas’s family occupied one part with the other part occupied by his son, Charles Elden Wilkins.
Like his elder brother, George Rivett Wilkins, Charles also served in WWI. He enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment on the 11th December, 1915.
However, unlike his brother George, Private 24027 Charles Elden Wilkins survived the war. On the 14th November, 1916, Charles is discharged from the army. The reason given is gun shot wounds. He was awarded a Silver War Badge.
At the time of the 1921 census, Charles is 27 and married to Mabel Lily who is nearly 29. The couple married shortly before the 1921 census. Mabel’s daughter, 4 year old Ivy Irene Carter is with her mother and step-father. Charles is working as an agricultural labourer for nearby farmer, Horace Dixon, of Attleborough.
Edward John Tooke
Living nearby in Swamp Lane is 35 year old Edward John Tooke with his 33 year old Great Ellingham born wife Maria. The couple had married in 1919.
Tragically, Maria’s first husband, Alfred Henry Beales, is a casualty of WWI. In 1917, he was killed in action.
With Edward and Maria are Maria’s four daughters, 11 year old Margaret Clara Elizabeth Beales, 8 year old Minnie Sarah Beales, 6 year old Emmeline Maud Beales and 3 year old Chrissie Mary Beales. Edward and Maria also have a daughter, Alice Margery Tooke, who is coming up to 2. Maria’s mother, 74 year old widow, Elizabeth Long completes the household.
Margaret Clara Elizabeth Beales would later marry Thomas William Wilkins, the youngest son of Thomas William and Jane Wilkins.
Ann Maria Dixon
Widow Ann Maria Dixon is aged 60 and undertaking house duties at home. Living with Ann Maria is her 22 year old son, Arthur. He is working at William Gaymer & Son’s factory in Attleborough, as a bottle washer. Ann Maria’s husband was the late Attleborough born James Dixon.
The Dixon family were also in Swamp Lane in 1911. That census tells us that their home then comprised four rooms.
Charles William Morter
42 year old Charles William Morter is also in Swamp Lane. The census describes Great Ellingham born Charles as a ‘farmer, own account at home’.
With Charles is his 29 year old wife Agnes Mary and their three children. 10 year old Agnes Mary, Ellen Rose aged 9 and seven year old Charles William. All three children are attending school full time.
Matthew Ayton
The household of Matthew Ayton is also in Swamp Lane. Attleborough born Matthew Theodore Ayton is 24. He has no occupation, but is described as a ‘Disablement Pensioner’. With him is his Chelsea born wife 23 year old Jane Elizabeth and their four year old son, Matthew.
Frederick Barnard
Another household listed on the 1921 census as being in Swamp Lane is that of 44 year old Frederick Barnard. Morley born Frederick is 44 and is a gas stoker for the Attleborough Gas Company. However, he is currently sick and out of work.
Frederick is with his wife 36 year old Harriet and their 12 year old son, Cecil Barnard. 66 year old widower Percy Barnard completes the household. Percy is a cattle drover. He had worked for auctioneers, Salter & Simpson. However, like Frederick, Percy is currently out of work.
Frederick also served in WWI. On the 14th July, 1916, he enlisted with the Army Service Corps. He was then 40 years and 10 months and living in Swamp Lane. Frederick’s service record gives his occupation as a gas stoker and horseman.
He had previously served in the 2nd and 8th ‘Norfolks’. Frederick married Harriet Patrick in St Mary’s Church, Attleborough on the 5th August, 1905. The couple had children Ruby born 1905, Frederick George 1906, Cecil Thomas 1908 and Percy Sydney in 1911. All the children were born in Attleborough.
George Robert Banham
‘Old Age Pensioner’ George Robert Banham is 73. He is with his 68 year old wife Mary Ann. George and Mary Ann were also living in Swamp Lane at the time of the 1911 census. Their Swamp Lane home comprised just two rooms, which did not include any kitchen, scullery or closet.
Christopher Youngman
Saxingham born Christopher Youngman is 58 years old and single. Living alone in Swamp Lane, Christopher is working as a labourer for farmer William Gaymer in Attleborough.
Electoral Registers
The Electoral Registers also provide names of some of the people who lived in Swamp Lane. However, the registers also do not tell us exactly where they lived in the lane. Nevertheless, we have some idea of who lived in the lane between 1920 and 1931.
Generally, it was not until 1918 that all men could vote. However, it was not until 1928 that women gained the right to vote.
In 1923, those living in Swamp Lane are:
| George Robert BANHAM Mary Ann BANHAM |
| Frederick BARNARD Harriet BARNARD |
| Sidney BIRD Mabel BIRD |
| Ann Maria DIXON Arthur DIXON |
| George William LONG |
| William MORTAR Agnes MORTAR |
| Harry NEWBY Sophia NEWBY Ralph Albert NEWBY Charles William NEWBY |
| John NIMMO |
| Maria TOOKE Philip TOOKE |
| Philip Thomas TOOLEY |
| Thomas William WILKINS Jane WILKINS Charles Elden WILKINS Mabel Lily WILKINS |
The Electoral Register for 1929, lists the following eligible voters in Swamp Lane:
| Sidney James BIRD Mabel BIRD Henry BIRD |
| Arthur Charles DIXON |
| William MORTAR Agnes MORTAR |
| Maria TOOKE Edward TOOKE |
| Jane WILKINS Thomas William WILKINS Charles Elden WILKINS Mabel Lily WILKINS Eric William WILKINS Leslie WILKIINS Ena WILKINS |
| *Charles WILLAN *Juan WILLAN |
| Christopher YOUNGMAN |
*The Register specifically states that Charles and Juan Willan are living at Castle Head, Swamp Lane.
Living Conditions
Nonetheless, living conditions were still fairly basic to the ‘standards’ of today. The village was still without electricity, although it reached the village by 1930. The inhabitants continued to rely on the few wells in Swamp Lane for their water. There were some water pumps in the village. However, I do not know if there were any in Swamp Lane. Further, sewage disposal was certainly not as it is today.
Even so, the number of dwellings in Swamp Lane gradually increased.
1939 Register
We have another snapshot of the inhabitants of Swamp Lane provided by the 1939 Register. This document is not a census. Undertaken just before the outbreak of WWII, it is a survey of the civilian population.
The Register provides many names with additional information. However, the names of individuals who may still alive at the time the Register was released into the public domain are redacted. Nevertheless, it is sometimes possible to piece together the families.
Kate Laws
31 year old Kate Laws is listed as a married woman. However, her husband, factory hand, Alfred William Laws, is missing from the household. I believe Kate’s 7 year old daughter and 3 year old son are with their mother – although their details have been redacted.
Cyril Blackburn
25 year old travelling vermin killer, Cyril M Blackburn, is with his 23 year old wife Marjorie. The household also includes 6 year old Patrick Glynn and two other individuals whose names have been redacted. I believe Patrick Glynn is one of the many evacuees who came to the village.
Albert E Stubbings
I am confident that Albert Stubbings lived at the first house into Swamp Lane – known locally as ‘the Knacker’s Yard’. This house (or at least the origins of the house), was built around 1809-1819 on land once belonging to Edmund and Elizabeth Kerrison.
35 year old Albert is a licensed horse slaughterer. His wife is 50 year old wife Ellen Stubbings. The couple married in 1926.
With them is 21 year old Charles R Stubbings who is working as a butcher – presumably for Albert. The couple have two children. 12 year old Albert Leonard and 9 year old Arthur Eric. There are two other individuals. However, both names have been redacted. I am wondering whether the Stubbings family also took in evacuees.
Thomas William Wilkins Jnr
Now aged 31, Thomas William Wilkins Jnr is married to Margaret Clara Elizabeth Beales. Thomas is working on the nearby aerodrome. The names of five other individuals have been redacted. I have no doubt that at least three of these individuals include some of the couple’s children. Again, perhaps this family took in evacuees.
However lodging with Thomas and Margaret Wilkiins is 27 year old general farm worker Albert W Collings.
Thomas William Wilkins Snr
Jane Wilkins nèe Rivett 1867-1950. Photograph taken outside the Wilkins’ cottage in Swamp Lane
Courtesy Shirley Caston
Both now 72, Thomas and Jane Wilkins are still living in their cottage in Swamp Lane. With them are two of their children 38 year old Ena and 36 year old Eric. Both Ena and Eric are single. Like her mother, Ena is carrying out domestic duties at home. Eric and his father are farm labourers. Completing the household is the couple’s 9 year old granddaughter Brenda Wilkins and step-granddaughter 23 year old Ivy Carter. Ivy’s occupation is ‘laundry work’.
Leslie Wilkins
Thomas William Wilkins Snr’s son, Leslie, and his wife Vesta are also living in Swamp Lane. Leslie and Vesta married in 1937. They appear to be living alone. Leslie is working as a general labourer.
Henry J Long
Henry James Long and his wife Florence are also in Swamp Lane. The couple of had three known sons including George H who was born in 1923, a year after Henry married Florence Burton. All three sons may well be with their parents. However, only George is listed. The names of two other individuals have been redacted.
Phyllis M Filby
Single woman 20 year old Phyllis M Filby is the head of another household in Swamp Lane. With Phyllis is Charles W Morter who is not far off his 63rd birthday and 25 year old Charles W Morter Jnr. Completing the household is 10 year old Albert E Morter who will celebrate his 11th birthday in the December.
The two men are working as farm carters and Albert is attending school full time. Phyllis is their housekeeper. Later, Phyllis marries Charles W Morter (presumably Charles W Morter Jnr).
John Burton
Also listed in Swamp Lane is 23 year old farmer John Burton. I feel sure that John Burton lives in the farmhouse at the very end of Swamp Lane. 27 year old Ellen R Morter is with John Burton as his housekeeper. It is her son, Albert E Morter, with the household of Phyllis Filby.
Later, John Burton married Ellen Morter in 1941.
Deaths of Thomas William & Jane Wilkins
Thomas William Wilkins of Swamp Lane, Great Ellingham died on the 18th February, 1943. He was 75. He was buried in the churchyard at St James on the 22nd February.
Widow Jane Wilkins continued to live in one part of her late husband’s double cottage in Swamp Lane. She died at the age of 82 in 1950. She was buried on the 3rd June in the same churchyard.
Double Cottages stays within the Family
It was after Jane Wilkins died that two of her sons, acting as the administrators for her late husband, Thomas William Wilkins (now referred to as ‘the Elder’), sold the double cottage to two of their siblings.
Charles Eldon Wilkins (farm labourer) and Thomas William Wilkins (railway ganger) as administrators sold the double cottage to their siblings, Ena Amelia Wilkins and Eric William Wilkins. The transaction completed on the 8th September, 1952.
Two months’ later on the 25th November, 1952, Ena and Eric sold one part of the cottage to their brother, Leslie Wilkins and his wife Vesta.
Accordingly, the double cottage remained in the Wilkins family for a few more years.
Vesta Wilkins died in 1975 and Leslie Wilkins in 1976. They too are buried in the churchyard of St James.
Changes in Swamp Lane
Gradually over the next decades, a few more dwellings were built in Swamp Lane. The old cottages were either altered or, in the case of the Wilkins’ cottage, demolished. However, all the properties still benefit from the splendid view over the fields to the east and west.
Sources:
Great Ellingham Parish Registers. Norfolk Record Office PD 609. Also available at FamilySearch.org
1802 Russell James Colman Plans. Great Ellingham. Norfolk Record Office. Catalogue Ref. C/Ca 1/84.
1799-1842 F W Horner, Records of the Surveyors to Commissioners for Inclosure in Parishes in Norfolk and Suffolk. Great Ellingham (Act 1799). Norfolk Record Office. Catalogue Ref: NRO, BR 90/2
1800 Inclosure Commissioner’s Particulars and Valuation, Great Ellingham. Norfolk Record Office. Catalogue Ref: NRO, MC 2213/119
The National Archives; Kew, Surrey, England; War Office and Air Ministry: Service Medal and Award Rolls, First World War. Silver War Badge. RG WO 329, 2958–3255; Reference: 329. Ancestry.com. UK, Silver War Badge Records, 1914-1920 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
The National Archives; London, England, UK; War Office: Soldiers’ Documents, First World War Wo363. Ancestry.com. UK, British Army World War I Service Records, 1914-1920 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008.
Thomas William Wilkins, England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administration), 1858-1995, Principal Probate Registry; London, England; Calendar of the Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration made in the Probate Registries of the High Court of Justice in England. Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.
Private Deeds Collection. Shirley Caston
GRO Index. Death Certificate Herbert Wilkins obtained from GRO.
GRO Index also available at FreeBMD website
1911 census RG14/11473/149-151
1921 census RG15. Schedules 2, 3, 4, 5, 33, 35, 68, 69, 70
Register of Electors, 1923 and 1929. Southern Parliamentary Division of the County of Norfolk. Polling District of Great Ellingham.
1939 Register England & Wales The National Archives; Kew, London, England; 1939 Register; Reference: RG 101/6590H. Ancestry.com. 1939 England and Wales Register [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2018.