A Harness & Saddler Shop to the left of the postcard on the Corner of Church Street and Chequers Lane. Possibly dates between 1900-1913 Henry Warren was living and working in Great Ellingham as a harness maker from at least 1881 until some time after the 1911 census. But who was Henry Warren and where…
The Potts Family of Ellingham Hall
Inside the Church of St James Great Ellingham. Courtesy Christine Bell There are two marble tablets in the floor of Great Ellingham Parish Church in memory of members of the Potts family who lived at Ellingham Hall over 350 years ago! Roger Potts married heiress Mary Davy in Great Ellingham Church of St James, Great…
The Chequers Public House at the beginning of the 19th Century
Chequers Public House. Date unknown. Photograph courtesy of Ray Beales 1800 Occupier of the Chequer Inn William Warren According to the Particulars and Valuation of the Parish of Great Ellingham taken by the Commissioners for the Inclosing of the Commons, Common Fields and Waste Lands in Great Ellingham in the year 1800, William Warren occupied…
Ann, Wife of Layer Vynne, buried in 1759
Memorial to Ann Vynne in Great Ellingham Parish Church This Memorial caught my eye on a visit to the Church of St James. The inscription looks to be as clear as the day the stone slab was laid into the floor presumably not long after February 1759. Around 260 years ago! Who were Layer and…
Auction of Agricultural and Household Implements belonging to the late Mr Samuel Wright
Samuel Wright was buried in the churchyard of St James on 23rd March 1832. He was 70 years of age. Samuel was born c.1761, during the reign of George III. There is no baptism entry for Samuel in the Parish Church Registers. Accordingly, Samuel may not have been born in Great Ellingham. Although I do…
Robert Beales, son of Philip and Sarah
Great Ellingham Parish Church Baptism Philip Beales and his wife Sarah brought their infant son Robert for baptism at Great Ellingham Parish Church on December 4th, 1831. 1841 at Bow Street Around 9 years later, the census of 1841 finds 9 year old Robert Bales (Beales) with his parents, elder siblings James aged 15, George…
The Annual Tea and Social Evening of Great Ellingham Cricket Club
Illustration by Christine Fuller The Norwich Mercury of 3rd December 1904, reported on the Cricket Club’s annual tea and social evening held in the Council School in Great Ellingham, on the previous Friday. It was reported that the club had played nine matches of which they had won six, lost two and drawn one. The…
Dedication of the Church Tower & Bells after Restoration in 1900
The Church of St James in the distance. Photograph taken from Hingham Road 2019 Dedication Service Village news for Great Ellingham appeared in the Eastern Daily Press on Wednesday, April 25th, 1900. It was reported that there was a large congregation at the dedication service for the recently restored spire and belfry to the Church…
1896 The New Board Schools with Headmaster Mr J A Field
Great Ellingham Board Schools with the School House to the right of the photograph. Note the railings in the playground separating the Boys and Girls Schools Just Prior to 1896 Kelly’s Directory of 1896 mentions the existence of two mixed Board schools in the village: One erected in 1855, the former British School (in Long…
The Tragic Journey to Norwich of Dinah Beets
Inquest The Report on the Inquest held at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital into the death of Dinah Bert, a Widow aged 81 years, appeared in the Norwich Mercury of 15th May, 1861. The Deputy-Corner, Mr T Palmer, was told that Dinah Bert died from injuries received by being thrown out of a cart. Accident…