Headstone for Robert Love in the churchyard at Great Ellingham Marriages, baptisms, misdemeanours and the like all tend to leave a paper trail which, in years to come, is extremely useful to a family historian. In the case of Robert Love of Great Ellingham, we know from two census returns that Robert was living in…
Many Brought by Horses for a Special Service at the Church
Church of St James, Great Ellingham 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…
Will of Stephen Martin, Yeoman, of Great Ellingham dated 9th October 1715
Extract from the Will of Stephen Martin of Great Ellingham dated 9th October 1715. Original held at Wymondham Town Archive It is hard to imagine a time back history some three hundred years ago when Stephen Martin, a yeoman, of Great Ellingham signed his last will and testament. In the presence of witnesses John Turner,…
Sarah Smith, Shopkeeper, of Great Ellingham dies in 1784
We may think it unusual today to see an item of clothing or bedding mentioned as a legacy in a will, unless, of course, it was of some sentimental value. The thatched house in the centre of the postcard is believed to have been once the home of shopkeeper, Sarah Smith. Courtesy of Carol Ewin…
Jonathan & Samuel Wright – Not Guilty of Stealing Six Fowls
The Supplement to the Norfolk Chronicle of 28th March 1840 reported that amongst the prisoners at a recent sitting of the County’s Sessions, were Jonathan Wright and Samuel Wright. They were charged with stealing six fowls the property of James Colman of Great Ellingham. The defendants were found not guilty. 1841 census The 1841 census…
Horseplay in the Village after School Board Election with Fatal Consequences
Inquest The Norfolk News of June 9th, 1885 reported on the inquest held at Great Ellingham into the death of labourer, Charles Halls. Halls had 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…
A Case of Buying & Selling Game in Ignorance of the Law
Illustration by Christine Fuller Appearance before the Magistrates Great Ellingham butcher Alfred Partridge appeared before the magistrates at the East Harling Petty Sessions in early October 1906. He was charged with selling game otherwise than to a licensed dealer. The alleged offence took place at Great Ellingham on the 26th September. At the same time,…
A 1908 Case of Road Rage?
Long Street. Postcard Carol Ewin Imagine the scene …….. a narrow country road with deep ditches either side; traffic approaching from both directions – no, not cars, but horse and carts! One vehicle allegedly in the middle of the road with nowhere for the other to pass. Possible bad blood between the parties…… this was…
Valentine Treats at The Hall
Illustration Christine Fuller 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 Valentine’s Day, the 14th February. The Norfolk Chronicle of February 20th, 1875 reported of such an event organised by Mrs Benjamin Barnard at the Hall on February…
Great Ellingham Ancient Order of Foresters
One of these two men is likely to be Josiah Carter. Do you recognise either of the men? Photograph courtesy of Ray Beales 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…