Historical deeds can be both interesting and enlightening. Before the relatively recent requirement for the registration of property and land transactions, bundles of deeds were investigated by a buyer’s lawyer and handed over to the new owner on completion.
Unlike most of the modern conveyancing documents, the old indentures contain lengthy narratives. These narratives provide key information. For example, details of the people involved in the transaction, a good description of the property as well as a comprehensive account of matters leading up to the dealings.
Many of these bundles of deeds may well contain documents dating back to centuries earlier. Over time, many of these old deeds have been lost. However, many survive in private ownership as well as at county archives and history societies.
Some of the deeds relating to Great Ellingham Hall survive. They are an invaluable source of information.
Great Ellingham Hall
Great Ellingham Hall. Photograph taken September 2020
The wonderful 16th century manor house known as Great Ellingham Hall lies just off Penhill Road in Great Ellingham.
Occupiers George & Mary Catton
During the latter part of the 18th century, the house was occupied by George and Mary Catton. However, it is owned by the Reverend Francis Colman Negus.
Frances Catton marries Robert Barnard
George and Mary Catton’s daughter, Frances, married Robert Barnard in Great Ellingham in 1782. By 1790, the couple lived at the Hall. However, they may well have moved into the Hall earlier than 1790, following the death of George Catton in 1784. His widow Mary died in 1792.
1813 Contract
In the February of 1813, Robert Barnard agrees with the Reverend Negus to purchase the ‘Ellingham estate’, which included the messuage, Great Ellingham Hall. The price is set at ÂŁ14,500. However, it did not include the lordship of the Manor of Ellingham Hall (nor Ellingham Rectory, which is also owned by Negus at this time).
The Reverend Francis Negus died in 1818. The transaction with Barnard had not been completed. However, Negus refers to Barnard’s contract in his will, and instructs his executors to complete the matter.
Sub-Sales
As it happens, the contract is not fulfilled until the 11th August, 1821. Further, the 1821 Indenture between the executors of the late Reverend Negus, Robert Barnard (and others), includes sub-sales of the ‘Ellingham estate” to Robert Barnard’s sons, Benjamin Barnard and John Barnard.
Certain parts of the ‘Ellingham estate’ were conveyed to John Barnard for the price of ÂŁ2,200, with the remaining parts conveyed to Benjamin Barnard for ÂŁ9,500.
We also know from the Indenture that Robert Barnard also paid ÂŁ2,800 to the Negus executors. This sum covered the shortfall between the original agreed purchase price of ÂŁ14,500 and the combined sum of ÂŁ11,700 paid by his sons.
Barnard Family’s Land
Extract from 1802 Map of Great Ellingham. Russell James Colman Plans. Norfolk Record Office Cat. Ref. C/Ca 1/84
Prior to purchasing Great Ellingham Hall and a good part of the farm land, Robert Barnard also owned other property in the village. This includes a carpenter’s shop with house, barn, yard and garden at the corner of Town Green and Penhill Road (opposite Great Ellingham Hall), and other dwellings in Town Green. He also owned a farm in Long Street (Poplar Farm).
Although the Great Ellingham Inclosure Act documentation c.1800 shows a ‘John Barnard’ as owning property and land in the village, I do not think this John Barnard to be the son of Robert Barnard.
Division of Land
It appears that around the time of the Barnard family’s acquisition of Great Ellingham Hall (including the farm), Robert Barnard also conveyed some of his own land or properties to his sons – in particular, to his son John.
In 1800, Robert Barnard owned the house in Town Green which, much later, became known as Chestnut or Chestnut Grove Farm. By 1817 this is owned by his son, John Barnard.
Details of the property and land each owned by Benjamin and John, becomes much clearer in a Transfer of Mortgage Deed dated 9th April, 1858.
This deed also recites much earlier documents, and provides further information.
Mortgage to Meadows Taylor
By Indentures dated 10th and 11th October, 1822 brothers Benjamin and John Barnard entered into a Mortgage Deed with Meadows Taylor, a gentleman of Diss.
The deed secured the borrowing by the Barnard brothers of ÂŁ12,000 from Meadows Taylor. The security includes Benjamin Barnard’s Great Ellingham Hall and the Town Green dwelling owned by John Barnard.
Benjamin Barnard’s property (comprising some 328 acres and 7 perches) is charged with the sum of ÂŁ7,550. John Barnard’s property (comprising some 146 acres and 7 perches) is charged with ÂŁ4,450. Interest is payable on each principal sum.
Benjamin’s Property & Land
| Acres Roods Perches | |
| Great Ellingham Hall & barns, stables & other edifices, yards, gardens and orchards | 02-2-20 |
| Green Yard | 02-2-06 |
| Stack Pasture | 10-3-20 |
| Home Pasture | 28-1-11 |
| Old Pound Close | 01-1-31 |
| Green Meadow | 05-3-32 |
| Hall Corner | 06-3-08 |
| Hall Croft | 07-2-28 |
| Hogland Meadow | 08-0-03 |
| New Close | 11-3-06 |
| Cunningham’s Field | 16-2-01 |
| How Furz | 04-2-00 |
| Grove Close | 09-1-15 |
| North Close | 06-2-20 |
| South Close | 06-2-10 |
| Broad Allotment | 08-2-17 |
| Barn Close | 10-3-18 |
| Twelve Acres | 14-0-01 |
| Barn Meadow | 03-2-08 |
| Spring Pit Close | 10-2-23 |
| Fency Hill | 13-3-28 |
| Nine Acres | 10-0-18 |
| Fency Twelve Acres | 13-2-08 |
| Dirty Grip | 05-1-22 |
| New Ravens Croft | 08-2-35 |
| Furze Close | 07-3-35 |
| Pennell Allotment | 08-2-15 |
| Skewty Close | 08-0-32 |
| Eighteen Acres | 22-3-13 |
| Crickett Way | 03-1-19 |
| Two Four Acres | 07-2-11 |
| Lower Salters | 08-0-6 |
| First Salters | 09-01-26 |
John Barnard’s Property & Land
| Acres Roods Perches | |
| Messuage & outhouses, yards, gardens, orchards [the property later known as Chestnut Grove Farm in Town Green] | 01-1-19 |
| Near Home Piece | 02-2-15 |
| Further Home Piece | 02-2-32 |
| Ladys Land | 05-1-36 |
| Pennell Lands | 03-3-16 |
| Sixteen Acres | 15-1-21 |
| Fourteen Acres | 16-1-05 |
| High Gate Close | 15-1-01 |
| Clay Pitt Close | 07-0-21 |
| Five Acres next the Mill | 05-0-28 |
| Mill Piece | 08-3-06 |
| Middle Dix’s | 08-1-30 |
| Upper Dix’s | 04-1-28 |
| Sallow Bush | 02-0-27 |
| Calves Pightle | 00-0-32 |
| Fat Lands | 05-2-05 |
| Williamsons | 03-2-24 |
| Pightle next Road | 01-2-29 |
| Two & Half Acres | 02-3-22 |
| Homestall | 06-0-10 |
| Messuage with barn, stable and yards [in Bow Street] | 00-0-36 |
| The Pightle | 01-2-21 |
| Three Acres | 03-2-03 |
| Two Acres | 02-3-24 |
| Grass Piece | 01-1-18 |
| Two Acres next Grass Piece | 02-2-03 |
| Middle Piece | 02-3-39 |
| The Pightle | 02-3-30 |
| Anchor Common Allotment | 05-1-01 |
| Further Anchor Common Allotment | 03-2-24 |
Death of Robert Barnard
Robert Barnard died on the 21st April, 1823.
It is clear from the Robert Barnard’s will that his son, John, had borrowed money from his father. However, Robert ‘forgave’ the debts by his will. He ‘gave’ John “all the different sums of money he now stands indebted to me“. This was on the condition that John pays certain legacies which are also referred to the will.
Benjamin Barnard continues to occupy Great Ellingham Hall. His brother John lives nearby at the farm in Town Green (later known as Chestnut Grove Farm).
Marriages
On the 6th October, 1824, John Barnard marries spinster Maria Guyton in her home Parish Church of St Michael at Plea in Norwich. The marriage entry tells us that John Barnard is a widower and of Great Ellingham. I have yet to establish the name of John Barnard’s first wife.
On the 28th September, 1826, Benjamin Barnard marries Elizabeth Tyrrell at St Peter’s Parish Church in Thetford. Benjamin and Elizabeth Barnard make their home at Great Ellingham Hall.
Death of Lender
The Barnard brothers’ lender, Meadows Taylor, died on the 17th March, 1838. Taylor signed his last will and testament on the 29th September, 1834.
He appointed his wife, Elizabeth, his two sons (Meadows Taylor Jnr and Thomas Lombe Taylor) and banker Thomas Dyson as his executors and trustees. Meadows Taylor Snr leaves all his estate to his executors and trustees.
As it happens, Meadows Taylor Junior died on the 18th April, 1838. Meadows Taylor Senior’s will was proved by his surviving son, Thomas Lombe Taylor, and Thomas Dyson of Diss on the 11th June, 1838.
The Barnard brothers’ mortgage debt to Meadows Taylor remains outstanding and now due to Taylor’s estate.
Part Repayment
At some point, John Barnard paid ÂŁ1,050 to Thomas Lombe Taylor and Thomas Dyson (the late Meadows Taylor Snr’s executors). This is in part discharge of his portion of the outstanding mortgage debt. Consequently, on the 11th October, 1841, some of John Barnard’s land was released from the mortgage.
Transfer of Mortgage Debt
On the 19th October 1842, Dyson and Taylor transferred the residue of the principal mortgage debt (now ÂŁ10,950) plus interest, to Henry Heffell and Edward Norton.
Edward Norton died on the 18th May, 1851.
Benjamin Barnard Re-marries
On 8th November, 1855, widower 58 year old Benjamin Barnard marries 47 year old spinster Sarah Ann Cross in the Parish Church of Earlham, Norwich. His first wife, Elizabeth nèe Tyrrell, died in the Spring of 1844.
Benjamin brought his ‘new wife’ Sarah to live at Great Ellingham Hall. Sarah Barnard became a benefactor of the parish – particularly to the children of Great Ellingham.
Further Part Repayment
On the 22nd February, 1858, John Barnard paid ÂŁ3,400 to Henry Heffell in part repayment of the ÂŁ10,950 mortgage debt. This is in total repayment of that part of the mortgage debt which is secured over John Barnard’s particular properties and land.
Consequently, John Barnard’s properties were re-conveyed and released back to him.
However, the sum of ÂŁ7,550 remains outstanding and due to Henry Heffell. This is Benjamin Barnard’s debt and still secured over all of his property and land, including Great Ellingham Hall.
Transfer of Mortgage
Nevertheless on the 9th April, 1858, Henry Heffell, described as a gentleman of Diss, transfers Benjamin Barnard’s mortgage of ÂŁ7,550 to Thomas Lombe Taylor, Esq., of Starston. By then, Taylor also happens to have the benefit of the Lordship of the Manor of Ellingham Hall.
Once again the mortgage debt plus interest is secured over all of Benjamin Barnard’s property and land in Great Ellingham, including Great Ellingham Hall.
Death of Benjamin Barnard
Benjamin Barnard died at Great Ellingham Hall on the 31st March, 1877. He left a widow, Sarah Ann Barnard, and his only surviving child, George Tyrrell Barnard.
George Barnard is unmarried at this time. He later married his cousin, Sarah Rebekah Tyrrell, and changed his name to George Tyrrell Tyrrell.
George Tyrrell Barnard is appointed his father’s sole executor.
Mortgage Debt
At the time of his death, the principal mortgage debt of ÂŁ7,550 due to Thomas Lombe Taylor remains outstanding and due.
As it happens, Thomas Lombe Taylor predeceased Benjamin Barnard. Taylor died on the 7th November, 1873. He appointed his wife, Mary Taylor, as his sole executrix and the beneficiary of all his real estate. Accordingly, the principal mortgage debt is owed to Mary Taylor.
As at the date of Benjamin Barnard’s death, interest at 4% (less tax) is also owing from the 9th October, 1876. This amounts to ÂŁ145 8s 8d.
Other Debts
The bundle of the deeds and documents relating to the Barnard Family and Great Ellingham Hall held by the Norfolk Record Office, include a schedule of ‘Debts on Simple Contract’ owed by the late Benjamin Barnard at the time of his death (31st March, 1877). These are as follows:
| Amount Owed | |
| G. Butler, Miller | ÂŁ6 14s 3d |
| E. Carter, Thrasher | ÂŁ20 5s 0d |
| Jarvis & Co., Brickmaker | ÂŁ4 1s 0d |
| R. Lebbell, Blacksmith | ÂŁ5 8s 3d |
| W. Lebbell, Carpenter | ÂŁ24 10s 4d |
| F. Smalls, Brickmaker | ÂŁ2 8s 9d |
| Mary Taylor, Tithe | ÂŁ34 8s 7d |
| Reverend S W Turner | ÂŁ20 4s 6d |
| Half Years Rent of Parish Land | ÂŁ18 5s 6d |
| Total | ÂŁ136 6s 2d |
George Butler, Ellis Carter, Robert Lebbell and William Lebbell are all local tradesmen in Great Ellingham.
Benjamin Barnard’s Will
George Tyrrell Barnard inherited all his late father’s property and land in Great Ellingham. This includes Great Ellingham Hall. He also inherits his father’s property in St Peter’s, Thetford.
Benjamin Barnard directs his son to invest ÂŁ1,000 and to pay the income to Benjamin’s widow (George’s step-mother), Sarah Ann, during her lifetime. After her death, the ÂŁ1,000 falls into his residuary estate (and will subsequently pass to George). However, Sarah also receives the sum of ÂŁ500 in her own right.
Sarah Ann is also left all the furniture in the drawing room and in the bedroom over the drawing room (in Great Ellingham Hall). She also gets the ‘best dinner service’ and one half of Benjamin’s plate and glass.
Nieces Harriet Maria Clarke and Selina Clarke, daughters of Benjamin’s late sister Harriet, receive a legacy of ÂŁ100 each. The sisters are then living in Ipswich.
The remainder of the estate goes to George, subject to him settling all his late father’s debts and funeral expenses.
Repayment of Mortgage Debt
On the 28th November, 1879, Benjamin Barnard’s son, then known as George Tyrrell Tyrrell, settles his late father’s mortgage debt.
In consequence, all Benjamin Barnard’s property (including Great Ellingham Hall), which was originally mortgaged to Meadows Taylor Snr in 1822, is re-conveyed by Mary Taylor to George Tyrrell Tyrrell, who is now living in Thetford.
Great Ellingham Hall after Benjamin Barnard
I do not believe that Benjamin’s son, George, spent much of his adult life living at Great Ellingham Hall.
The 1861 captures 26 year old George and his elder brother Henry with their father and step-mother at The Hall. However by 1871, Henry had died, and George is living in Thetford and working as a brewer.
Following the death of Benjamin Barnard, Great Ellingham Hall is let to Henry Cobon. George Barnard (or, rather, George Tyrrell as he was then known), continued to own Great Ellingham Hall and the farm until his death in 1899.
Henry Cobon is at Great Ellingham Hall until his death in 1910. I assume that the Hall was still then owned by the Barnard family – George Tyrrell’s widow (and cousin), Sarah Rebekah Tyrrell, inheriting from her husband George Tyrrell Tyrrell.
George and Sarah Tyrrell did not have children. Sarah Tyrrell died in 1929.
If Great Ellingham Hall had not been sold during the lifetime of Sarah Rebekah Tyrrell, I have no doubt that it would now be sold. Accordingly, the Barnard’s tenure of Great Ellingham Hall spanning near-on a century, came to an end.
Sources:
6 Oct 1824. Marriage John Barnard & Maria Guyton. St Michael at Plea, Norwich. Norfolk, England Transcripts of Church of England Baptism, Marriage and Burial Registers 1600-1935. Norfolk Record Office; Norwich, Norfolk, England; Norfolk Church of England Registers; Reference: BT ANW 1824 Norfolk, England, Transcripts of Church of England Baptism, Marriage and Burial Registers, 1600-1935 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2018.
Great Ellingham Parish Registers. Norfolk Record Office PD 609. Also available online via www.familysearch.org and www.ancestry.co.uk
Great Ellingham Hall Farm Estate formerly of the Barnard Family. Deeds. Norfolk Record Office Ref: MC 114/1/36, Part 1, 583X2, Part 2, 583X3
1799 Statement of Claims. Great Ellingham Inclosure. Norfolk Record Office. Catalogue Ref: MC 2213/118
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
Benjamin Barnard Probate 1 May 1877. Norwich. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations) 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.
Marriage Benjamin Barnard & Elizabeth Tyrrell 28 Sep 1826. Thetford St Peter. Norfolk Record Office; Norwich, Norfolk, England; Norfolk Church of England Registers; Reference: BT ANW 1826_t-y. Norfolk, England, Transcripts of Church of England Baptism, Marriage and Burial Registers, 1600-1935 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2018.