William & Emily Houchen. Photograph taken 1921. Courtesy Pauline Bezant William and Emily Houchen had completed 52 years of marriage when William died in 1934. The couple had lived for many years in Reymerston before retiring to Yaxham. Early Life in Great Ellingham However, both William Houchen and his wife Emily (neé Rivett) were born…
Great Ellingham ‘Born and Bred’
Mary Ann Rivett nee Warren. c.1810 to 1888. Photograph courtesy of Pauline Bezant Mary Ann Rivett, the wife of Jonathan Rivett, was very much a ‘Great Ellingham girl’. She lived in the village for her entire life. Warren Family Baptised in the Church of St James on the 28th January 1810, Mary Ann was the…
Jane Houchen 1847-1925
Sampler worked by Jane Houchen in 1858. Courtesy of Pauline Bezant Jane Houchen may well have been approaching her eleventh birthday when she completed this piece of needlework. In days gone by, ‘Samplers’ were produced by young girls as a means of showing their skill in needlework. Often worked in embroidery or cross-stitching, some Samplers…
Village Postmasters and Postmistresses
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…
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…
‘Bastardy Orders’ against Great Ellingham Men
Illustration by Christine Fuller Maintenance payments for children born out of wedlock is not a modern day provision. Reputed Father: Robert Downs of Great Ellingham When Mary Cable of Bunwell was delivered of a male child in the Parish of Bunwell on the 9th May, 1806, and was unable to (or chose not to) provide…
Manors in the Parish of Great Ellingham
Manor of Bury Hall. Extract from 1867 copy Admission of James Matthews. Courtesy of Lucinda Bell-Tye.Manor of Ellingham Rectory. Extract from 1901 copy Admission of Ellis Houchen. Author’s personal collection.Manor of Ellingham Hall. Extract from 1854 copy Admission of Barnabas Ezekiel Barnard. Author’s personal collection. Copyhold Title Before the abolition of copyhold title by the…
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…
Caught by Footprints on the Ground!
Illustration by Christine Fuller On their return from chapel on Sunday, 3rd December 1865, Charles and Harriet Barnard may well have been shocked to find that their home had been broken into, and money stolen from their shop till. Court Appearance for William Clarke William Clarke, described as a youth and living with his parents…
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…