This chronicle shows the history of rural Norfolk through the experience of one of its villages; Stoke Ferry.
Contents:
Time periods: Mid 1700s 1750-1759 1760-1769 1770-1779 1780-1788 1790-1799
How to use this chronicle
You may search by date or by the following topics: Accident, Birth, Building, Commerce, Crown Inn, Died, Drainage, Droving, Employment, Enclosure, Flooding, Legal, Malting, Married, Military, Postal Service, Public House, Religion, Runaway, Sale, To Let, Turnpike, Wool Trade.
My particular thanks to: The British Newspaper Archive; Richard L. Coates’, A Farthing for the Ferryman, and, to Kit Hesketh Harvey (1957-2003) for allowing me to record headstones and memorials in the All Saints Church graveyard, Stoke Ferry.
Introduction
The Puritan revolution and the Cromwellian republic (1640-49 and 1649-60 respectively) laid the foundations for the landed aristocracy, the merchant class and evolving bankers and industrialists to work together to run England in their own interests. The 18th century saw colonial Britain become one of the world’s most wealthiest nations. In Norfolk. This wealth resulted in the construction of many landed estates whose creation involved the clearing of the rural population from their lands, commons enclosed and sold off, land drained, ancient footpaths blocked and, turnpiked toll roads imposed.
Towards the end of the century Norfolk’s traditional woolen fabric industry declined bringing poverty, low wages, higher prices, criminalisation of women spinners and, periodic riots.
By the 1790s there were further upheavals with the French and American Revolutions; both of which struck fear into the hearts of the United Kingdom’s wealthiest and aristocratic classes. This then, is the tumultuous backdrop against which the lives of the residents of Stoke Ferry were played out.
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Below: Faden’s Map, 1779
Below: Faden’s Map, 1779 (digitised)
Mid 1700s
Mid 1700s. Building:
Manor House and Manor Lodge were built on Wretton Road, Stoke Ferry. This 18th century former farmhouse, is now two dwellings, with later additions and alterations around 1810. (HE)
On the High Street, Stoke Ferry: The Pineapple Coach House, The Surgery, The Old Granary, Crown House, Park House, Lodge Cottage, and, Moulsham House were built. (HE)
Visit Map Explorer for details of the above dwellings.
1750
March, 1750. To Let/Commerce:
“To be LETT and Enter’d upon at Lady-day next, at Stoke Ferry in the County of Norfolk. A Commodious DWELLING-HOUSE, with Stable, Barns, and Oathouse, with pleasant Garden, and three Acres of Pasture Ground contiguous, fit either for a Gentleman or Tradesman, late in the Occupation of Mr. John Worman, Surgeon. Enquire of Mr. Nelson, Merchant, in Stoke; or Mr. Worman Surgeon, in Lynn. N.B. Any young Man in the Grocery Way will meet with the greatest Encouragement.” (IJ 10.03.1750)
December, 1750. Sale/Commerce:
“To be LETT or SOLD, and enter’d upon at Christmas of Lady-Day next. A Good accustom’d WIND-Mill. Also a BAKING-OFFICE to be Lett, both at Wearham [sic], near Stoke Ferry in the County of Norfolk. The Flour Trade, as well as Baking, is well planted, both at Home and at Shops in Towns adjacent. For further Particulars enquire of John Goddard of Wearham [sic] aforesaid, or of Joseph Ransome the present Tenant of the said office.” (IJ 01.12.1750)
December, 1750. Sale/Employment.
To be SOLD. A Well-accstom’d WIND-MILL, at NorthwouldI [sic] in the County of Norfolk, with two Pair of Stones in her, and in good Repair, being lately built, and stands near three Market-Towns, Brandon, Swaffham, and Methwould [sic]; convenient for either Miller or Baker. For further Particulars enquire of Valentine Pinkney, at the Mitre in Ipswich; or of George Butler in Stoke-Ferry in the County of Norfolk, within three Miles of the said Place.” (IJ 15.12.1750)
1751
26 September, 1751. Legal/Employment:
“Petty-Sessions for the Hundred of Clackclose(1) for hiring and retaining Servants, will be held this year at the Crown Inn in Wereham. By order of Chief Constables(2) John Mann and William Vincent.” (IJ 07.09.1751)
October, 1751: Auction:
“To be sold Copyhold Tenement, at £4.18.0d with a small pigsty. Also a Freehold tenement rented at £1.2.0d. Further enquiries George Butler, Stoke Ferry.” (IJ 28.09.1751)
December, 1751. Sale:
“To be disposed of. A LANDAU, and Six Bay COACH GELDINGS, five of them not exceeding six Years old; also some Saddle Horses to be sold. Enquire at Oxburgh Hall in the County of Norfolk; or of Mr. B. Nelson, Merchant, at Stoake [sic] in the said County.” (IJ 07.12.1751)
1756
1756-57. Legal/Crown Inn/Postal Service:
At about this time William Kent, a usurer from Norfolk, married Elizabeth Lynes, the daughter of a grocer from Lyneham. They moved to Stoke Ferry where Kent kept an inn and later, the local post office (hence, the Inn was probably the Crown Inn in Stoke Ferry). Following the death of his wife, Elizabeth, William became the lover of her siter, Fanny. Because of religious Canon Law, they could not marry so ran off to live in Cock Lane, Smithfield, London. When the couple moved out of Cock Lane his landlord, Mr. Parsons, demanded payment of an outstanding debt. The dispute went to court with William winning the case. Fanny then died of small pox and at this time Parsons claimed that Fanny’s ghost was haunting his property in Cock Lane and also haunting his daughter. The haunting took the form of knocking and scratching noises and the ghost became known as ‘Scratching Fanny’. Through seances, the ghost claimed that Fanny had died not of smallpox but by arsenic poisoning. This sensational story, with attendant press coverage and high public interest, with crowds on Cock Lane frequently blocking traffic, lead to William being publicly suspected of murder. The news of the case celebre (which was still referred to 100 years later) must have reached Stoke Ferry where the couple had lived a most public life. The case went on to embroil the Anglican and Methodist churches in heated debate as to the existence of ghosts, as well as stimulating contributions from Samuel Johnson and William Golding. To stem the hysteria, a public commission was set up to investigate the case and it was found that Parsons and his daughter, Elizabeth, had orchestrated an elaborate scam. The full story of the dramatic affair to be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cock_Lane_ghost
October, 1756. Sale/Legal/Died:
“To be SOLD. A New-built Messuage(3) or Tenement, called the BRIDGE HOUSE, with the Stable, Granaries, and 24 Acres 3 Rood of pasture or march Land thereto belonging, situate or lying in STOKE FERRY in the County of Norfolk, by the Side of a navigable River, which runs into the great River of Ouse. The Messuage and 8 Acres 2 Rood (Part of the said 24 Acres 3 Rood) are Copyhold, and pay a certain Fine of 4 Shillings and Acre. Also a small Tenement or Cottage adjoining the said Lands. Also another Messuage or Tenement with a Pigsty thereto adjoining, containing 1 Acre 1 Rood, situate and lying in Stoke Ferry aforesaid. Also a Close of Pasture in WRETTON in the said County, containing 2 Acres, Copyhold….For further Particulars enquire of the Rev. Harvey of Fincham, and Mr. Weasendam of Ructon House, Executors of the last Will and Testament of the said Robert Harvey: To whom all Persons indebted to the Estate and Effects of the said Robert Harvey, are desired forthwith to pay the same; and all Persons who have any Claim or Demand on the said Estate and Effects, are likewise desired forthwith to send an Account thereof to the said Executors, in order that the same may be satisfied. N.B. There is a very good Copper and Mash-Tub, also another large Tub, to be sold at the said Bridge House.” (IJ 23.10.1756)
November 1756. Sale/Died: To be sold, a number of buildings and land left by Robert Hardy, grocer, deceased, at Bridge House, Stoke Ferry with stable, granaries, copper tub, mash tub, large tub, 24 acres and 3 rood of pastures and wet land plus a tenement and cottage adjoining the said lands. Also, a tenement with pigsty containing 1 acre 1 rood in Stoke Ferry. Plus, other lands in Wretton, Little Fransham and Hilborough. (IJ 30.10.1756)
December 1756. Sale:
“To be sold. Estate at Hilgay, Manor of Woodhall. Also, rectory, parsonage glebe land (4) and tythes at Hilgay. Particulars from Roger Micklefield(5), Attorney at Law, Stoke Ferry.” (IJ 04.12.1756)
1758
May 1758. Sale:
“To be sold, house in Downham Market. Plus, horses, outhouses, fruit trees, pasture land. Particulars were available from Sarah Pigge or Roger Micklefield, Attorney at Law, Stoke Ferry.” (IP 13.05.1758)
October 2, 1758. Sale:
To be sold at the Crown Inn, Downham Market, new-built house “fit for a Gentleman or Tradesman”. With garden, fruit trees and pasture land. Applications to Mrs Pigge, Mr Mayer or Roger Micklefield, Attorney at Law, Stoke Ferry. (IJ 23.09.1758)
1759
1759. Religion/Birth:
The Reverend Robert Forby (1759-1825) was born in Stoke Ferry. He was the author of wrote The Vocabulary of East Anglia. His book, published after his death in 1830, was an important record of the Norfolk dialect. Forby was educated in King’s Lynn and at Caius College Cambridge before holding livings in Norfolk parishes of Horningtoft, Barton Bendish, Wereham and, finally, Fincham in 1801, where he remained as rector until his death in 1825.
1761
January 1761. Sale/Public House:
John Edwards at the King’s Arms, The Hill, Stoke Ferry set up a “neat four-wheel chaise, with able Horses and careful Drivers, to run Ninepence per Mile; four horses, Fifteen pence.” Also, “To be sold cheap. A very neat good two-wheel CHAISE [a light carriage], with Harness, fit to run.” (IJ 31.01.1761)
October 1, 1761. Legal/Crown Inn:
“Notice is hereby given, That a PETTY SESSIONS will be held at the Crown Inn STOAK-FERRY [sic], on THURSDAY the First Day of October next, by Order of the Chief Constable. W.M. VINCENT.” (IJ 26.09.1761)
1764
January 1764. Flooding:
”[The] River at Stoke-Ferry has so overtopt [sic] the Banks that, the Bridge to Whittington is a general Cascade of Water roaring Night and Day: And we are told from Peterborough to Wisbech the poor Cattle have hardly a resting place.” (DM 13.01.1764)
1765
September, 1765. Legal:
Stolen or strayed from Stoke Ferry. A four-year old bay mare. “Whosever will bring, or give Information of her to Thomas Green of Stoke Ferry, shall receive Half a Guineas Reward, with all reasonable Expenses.” (IJ 26.10.1765)
September, 1765. Died/Religion: [The following newspaper notices provide a fine insight into the financial relationship between the established Church of England, University Colleges:]
“Lynn, Sept. 5. The Rev. and learned Mr. Charles Parkyn, the great Antiquarian, the Rector of Oxborough cum Oughton [sic] in Norfolk, who died last week, has left the bulk of his fortune to Caius College, Cambridge, amounting to upwards of £9,000” (Salisbury and Winchester Journal, Monday, September 16, 1765)
Three months later the same newspaper published the following notice on, Monday December 2: “On Thursday last the Rev. Mr. Joshua White was instituted to the rectory of Oxborough with Foulden in Norfolk, on the presentation of the Master and Fellows, of Gonville and Caius college, Cambridge.”
The ‘livings’ of numerous rectorships and vicarages were in the patronage of the masters and fellows of Gonville and Caius College. They decided on appointments in various parishes in Buckinghamshire, Devon, Dorset. Essex and Suffolk. However, the majority of their appointments were in Norfolk at: Blofield, Denver, Hethersett, Kirstead, Mattishall, Pattesley, Great Melton, Coslaney (Norwich), St. Clement’s (Norwich), Long Stratton, Weeting, Wheatacre, Mutford, Barnaby, Wilton & Hockwold and, of course, Oxborough Rectory and Foulden Vicarage. (Source: A Topographical Dictionary of England, Volume 1, Samuel Lewis, Published 1831, pp347-8)
1767
October 1, 1767. Legal/Employment/Crown Inn:
Petty-Sessions were held at the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry, for hiring servants, etc. by order of the Chief Constable. (IJ 26.09.1767)
1770
1770. Building:
Park House, High Street, Stoke Ferry was built. (HE)
April 12 1770. Turnpike/Enclosure/Public House:
“This day his Majesty went to the House of Peers, and gave the Royal assent to the following Bills….The Bills for repairing the road from Cambridge to Ely and Littleport in the County of Cambridge; from Bury to Newmarket, and from Brandon to Bury in Suffolk; and the roads from Lynn to Geyton [sic] and Grimstone, & to Downham, etc. and also for repairing those leading from the Bell in Stoke Ferry in the County of Norfolk.” And “to several road, inclosure, naturalization and other bills” (IJ 14.04.1770)
[The Stoke Ferry Turnpike Trust was very controversial as it primarily linked the great estates of: Sir Hanson Berney (Barton Bendish), Sir Richard Beddingfeld (Oxborough) John Richard Daswood (Cockley Cley) and, the Earl of Mountrath (Weeting). All these wealthy landowners with their displays of conspicuous consumption were Turnpike Trust Trustees.(FF) The Trustees monopoly on the local road transport system was then enhanced by the land division and enclosure acts for the same local Parishes.]
1771
March, 1771. Turnpike:
Stoke Ferry Roads Bill. “An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act of the Tenth Year of His present Majesty, for amending and widening several Roads leading from the Bell in Stoke Ferry, in the County of Norfolk; and for amending, widening, and keeping in Repair, the Road from Methwold Warren House to a Place called the Devil’s Ditch in the said County;… to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.” (Source: House of Lords Journal Volume 39: March 1791 11-20′, in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 39, 1790-1793 (London, 1767-1830), pp. 68-80. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol39/pp68-80 [accessed 18 March 2020]).
1771. Drainage:
Local lands around Stoke Ferry became flooded. But there was much opposition to new drainage schemes which took away traditional livelihoods from so many local people. [For a 1936 description of draining the fens visit www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/hunts/vol3/pp249-290]
1771. Drainage:
“Stoke Ferry, &c. An Act for draining and preserving certain Fen Lands and Low Grounds, in the Parishes of Stoke Ferry, Northwold, Wretton, Wereham, West Dereham, and Roxham, in the County of Norfolk. Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to the Consideration of the Lords Committees aforenamed: Their Lordships, or any Five of them, to meet on the same Day at the same Place; and to adjourn as they please.” (Source: House of Lords Journal Volume 33: March 1771, 11-20′, in Journal of the House of Lords Volume 33, 1770-1773 (London, 1767-1830), pp. 104-128. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol33/pp104-128 [accessed 18 March 2020])
1771. Drainage:
Stoke Ferry, Drainage Bill. Lord Boston reported from the Lords Committees, An Act for draining and preserving certain Fen Lands, and Low Grounds, in the Parishes of Stoke Ferry, Northwold, Wretton, Wereham, West Dereham, and Roxham, in the County of Norfolk. was committed: “That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House without any Amendment.” (Source: Journal of the House of Lords Volume 33, 1770-1773 (London, 1767-1830), pp. 88-104. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol33/pp88-104 [accessed 18 March 2020]).
1772
November 5, 1773. Legal/Crown Inn:
“HONOR of CLARE(6), in the County of Norfolk. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That His Majesty’s General Courts will be holden & kept for the said Honor, on the several Days and Times, and at several Places following, viz. …On the Part of Walpole, otherwise Ristofts, in Marshland, Stoak-ferry [sic], Wretton, Fordham, Stradsett, Downham-market, Barton [Bendish], Boughton, Crimplesham, Beachamwell, Shingham, Cockley Cley, otherwise Cley near Swaffham, and, Igborow, otherwise Igburgh, the 5th day of November, at ten in the forenoon, at the Crown, in Stoak-ferry [sic]… And all Persons who owe Suit and Service at the said several and respective Courts, are required on the several Days and Times, and at the several Places aforesaid, to be then and there present to do and perform the same. And all Persons who are in possession of any Lordships, Manors, Messuages, Lands, Tenements or Hereditaments [property that can be inherited] held of the said Honor, are required to attend at their respective Courts, and pay their several Fines of Ingress for the same, according to the antient [ancient] Custom of the said Honor; which all Persons concerned are required to take Notice. Edmund Jenney, Bungay, Suffolk” (IJ 22.05.1773)
1773
March, 1773: Legal: Thomas Goddard, merchant of Stoke Ferry, listed as being a bankrupt. (IJ 20.03.1773)
June 7, 1773. Legal/Crown Inn:
“HONOR of CLARE, in the County of Norfolk. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That His Majesty’s General Courts will be holden & kept for the said Honor, on the several Days and Times, and at several Places following, viz. …On the Part of Walpole, otherwise Ristofts, in Marshland, Stoak-ferry [sic], Wretton, Fordham, Stradsett, Downham-market, Barton [Bendish], Boughton, Crimplesham, Beachamwell, Shingham, Cockley Cley, otherwise Cley near Swaffham, and, Igborow, otherwise Igburgh, the 7th June, at ten in the forenoon, at the Crown, in Stoak-ferry [sic]…” (IJ 22.05.1773)
June, 1773: Turnpike:
“Notice is hereby given, that the Trustees appointed to put in Execution an Act of Parliament made and passed in the Tenth Year of his present Majesty’s Reign, entitled ‘An Act for repairing and widening the several Roads from the South Gate in the Borough of King’s Lynn into the Parishes of East Walton, Narborough, Stoke Ferry, and Downham Market, in the County of Norfolk,’ will meet at the Market-Cross in King’s Lynn aforesaid, on Monday the 28th of July now next ensuing, by Eleven o’Clock in the Forenoon to Lett by Auction for three Years, from the first Day of September then next, the TOLLS to be collected at the Gate of Bar erected across the said Roads at or near Hardwick. By order of the Trustees, SAM UPWOOD, Clerk.” (IJ 26.06.1773)
June 5, 1773. Legal:
“At a Meeting of the Gentlemen in the Association(7) for apprehending Horse-stealers, held at the Crown Inn [Swaffham], on Saturday, June 5, 1773, It was agreed by a considerable Majority of the Subscribers there present, that each Subscriber who did not chose to attend the annual Meetings in future, should forfeit the Sum of One Shilling for Non-Attendance; such Forfeitures to be appropriated to the Use of the public Fund, and paid into the Hands of the Treasurer within Twelve Months from such Meeting, or be Excluded all Benefit arising from the Association…The Public are desired to take Notice, agreeable to the Articles of the Association, that as an Encouragement for the immediate apprehending of Offenders, a Reward of TEN GUINEAS, with an allowance of every reasonable Expense, will be paid to any Person or Persons who shall apprehend any one who stole, or was concerned with stealing, any Horse, Mare, Colt, or Filly, from the underwritten Subscribers, so that he, she, or they, be thereof lawfully convicted, by applying to Christ. Rodwell, Treasurer, at Swaffham.”
Subscribers to this Gentleman’s Association came from villages and towns surrounding Swaffham, including; Stoke Ferry – James Bradfield (8), John Fairchild, Thomas Forley and T. Goddard; Boughton – Thomas carter, John Hull, John Kemps and Robert Thorold; Barton Bendish – Mrs. Bayley; Cockley Cley – James Crowe, Thomas Crowe, J. Thompson, R. Thompson; Oxborough – John Coote, John Harvey; Crimplesham – Thomas Vincent. (IJ 04.09.1773)
July, 1773. Died:
“Last Sunday afternoon a most awful accident happened on the turnpike road about three miles from Brandon in Suffolk: Mr, Greenacre, a young gentleman of Oxborough, in Norfolk, being on his return from London with his uncle, John Harvey , they were overtaken with a violent storm of thunder and lightning. Mr. Greenacre, who was on horseback, desired his uncle to give him his great coat out of the chaise [a light carriage], and in a little time after he had put it on, a dreadful flash of lightning struck him and his horse to the ground. Mr. Greenacre was taken up dead; the horse was terribly wounded in the head, and many other parts of his body appeared cut and mangled as if by a knife. There were no spots or any apparent effects from the lightning found on the body of the deceased; the colour of his face was not changed, and for some time after he was got to Brandon he seemed in a serene sleep.” (IJ 03.06.1773)
October 1773. Legal:
“Thomas Goddard, now or late of Stoke Ferry, Merchant, to surrender on the 16th November at four in the afternoon, and on the 7th December following at four in the afternoon, at guildhall, London. Attorney, Mr. Farrer, Bread Street Hill, London.” (KG 30.10.1773)
1774
24 January 1774. Commerce:
“EDWARD SQUIRE, having taken the Shop and Stock of Trade of Mr. THOMAS FORBY. He begs Leave to inform Customers of the said Shop, and the Public in general, that he intends carrying on the LINNEN and WOOLEN-DRAPERY, HABADASHERY, IRONMONGERY and GROCERY TRADES, with SPITITUOUS LIQUORS of all Kinds. Whoever please to favour him with their Orders may depend on his Assiduity and Care to supply them with the best Goods, on the most reasonable Terms.” (IJ 05.02.1774)
April, 1774. Commerce:
“EDWARD SQUIRE, TAKES this Method of informing his Friends and Customers, and the Public in general, that he is returned from London, and he has laid in a large Assortment of GROCERY and DRAPERY Goods; consisting of a great Variety of the newest-fashioned printed Linens, Handkerchiefs, Irishes, Silken and other Stuffs, Camblets [woven from camel or goat hair], etc. Whoever will please to favour him with their commands, may depend on being served on the best terms—Persons served in the Wholesale Way on the very lowest Terms. N.B. A complete Sett [sic] of Soap Utensils to be disposed of.” (IJ 16.04.1774)
June 28, 1774. Auction/Crown Inn:
“To be SOLD by AUCTION. At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, on Monday the 28th Day of June Inst. Between the Hours of Three and Five in the Afternoon, subject to such Conditions of Sale as shall be then and there produced, the undermentioned Freehold and Copyhold Estates, situate and being in Wereham and Wretton, in the said County of Norfolk, in the following Lots:”
Lot 1: The Mansion House, buildings and two enclosures containing 10 acres of land and occupied by Thomas Watson Ward, Esq.; Lot 2: Wereham Fenhouse Farm, outbuildings 114 acres of pasture land and 205 of fen land. Occupied year to year by Cadman Gore.
Lot 3: Messuage or Tenement, orchard, outbuildings four acres of pasture occupied by John Langley, John Jaques, and others, Wereham.
Lot 4: Messuage or Tenement and garden with 2 roods and a further 8 single roods (“now laid together”) at Reed Croft Meadow, Wereham occupied by Robert Boyden and others.
Lot 5: Messuage or Tenement with a shop, outhouses and garden in Wereham along with 3 acres of land known as Hythe Close. Occupied by Robert Salmon, Linen Weavers, and others.
Lot 6: Messuage or Tenement with outhouses and garden in the Back Street, Wereham. Let to the Overseers of the Parish.
Lot 7: Messuage or Tenement with garden and orchards in Wereham, 2 roods of land in the occupation of William Wilson and Henry Constable.
Lot 8: Three pieces of enclosed land in Wereham occupied by Christopher Adamson, Esq.
(NC 19.06.1784)
July 1774. Commerce:
“THOMAS SMITH takes this Opportunity of acquainting his Friends he is just returned from London, and has laid a Fresh Stock of Goods; consisting of Linen and Woollen-Drapery, Haberdashery, Grocery, etc. which he intends selling upon very reasonable Terms. He returns his most grateful Thanks to all his Friends for the many Favours they have been pleased to confer on him, and hopes for a Continuance of the same, which shall ever be his Study to merit. Funerals completely Furnished:—Has a Cloth and Velvet Pall of his own. Guineas not wanting more than a Shilling, prior to this present Reign, to be exchanged for new ones. Light Gold taken at its Value.” (IJ 23.07.1774)
September 1774. Auction/Died:
At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry. “Several Freehold, Copyhold and Leasehold estates of the late Thomas Goddard of Stoke Ferry.” [Goodard was a local merchant who became bankrupt. He had land in Stoke Ferry, Wereham, Wretton, Boughton and Pentney.] Applications of interest were to be made to Fairer (London), Peckover (a merchant in Lynn) or, Roger Micklefield, Attorney at Law (Stoke Ferry). (IJ 03.09.1774)
October 14, 1774. Auction/Public House/Crown Inn/Malting/Crown Inn:
The large estate of Tomas Goddard was put up for auction in 36 Lots. Thomas Goddard owned the maltings on the River Wissey by Stoke Ferry bridge, The following description of his business and various landholdings provide insight into the landgrab that enclosure afforded local businessmen.
“NORFOLK. To be SOLD by AUCTION. At the Crown Inn, at Stoke Ferry in the said County, on FRIDAY, October 14, 1774, at Ten o’Clock in the Forenoon precisely, by Order of the Assignees: The following ESTATES of THOMAS GODDARD, late of the said Place, Merchant, subject to such Conditions of Sale as will then be produced:
Lot 1. A CAPITAL MESSUAGE in STOKE, in which the said Thomas Goddard lately dwelt; consisting of Two Parlours, Kitchen, Back Kitchen, Brewhouse and Cellars, four good Chambers, Garrets, &c. a large new erected Stable and Coach-Houses, which are not quite finished, a pleasant Garden, with 2 Acres 2 Roods of Land adjoining thereto, together with a capital well-built brick Malting-Office, that will steep 2 1-half Lasts or about 26 Quarters of Barley every four Days; over this Malting-Office are two Granary Floors, that will hold 800 to 1000 Quarters of Corn, besides necessary Room for sufficient Stock of Malt and Barley. N. B. This Lot alone is a good Situation for a Maltster, as all the Malt that can be made at this Office may be vended by Retail in that Neighbourhood. The last Tenant for the House and Land paid 20L. per Annum but the new-built Stables and Brew-House make it worth more. The Malting-Office and Granary over it are valued at 36L. per Annum. Together 56L. per Annum.
II. A capital Messuage in Stoke, near the Bridge there, in which Mr. Langley lately dwelt, but formally the Bull Inn, consisting of a Parlours, Hall, Kitchen, Back Kitchen, and Brewhouse, four Chambers, good Garrets, Stables, Hay Chamber and small Garden, a Coal Yard, Wharf, & Cinder Kiln, with two good Granaries, Counting-House, &c. all adjoining to the navigable River which leads down to Lynn, with a Toll on all Goods or Merchandize passing through the said Premises, worth near 20L. per Annum, together with the sole Right of fishing and navigating in and upon the new Cut or Drain made by Act of Parliament on the North side of the said Coal-Yard and Garden, with Two Pieces of Land on each Side the Turnpike Road, adjoining to the above, and each Piece abutting North against the New Drain from East Fen, containing together by Estimation 7 Acres. These Premises are valued as follows:
The House, Garden, Stable, &c. —20.0.0. Seven Acres of Land, very improvable, worth 7.0.0 Toll on all Goods, as settled some Years worth 20.0.0 Granaries, Counting-House, Cinder Kiln, Coal and Brick Yard worth 60.0.0. Per Annum = 107L.0.0
N. B. This Lot alone is an exceeding good Situation for a Country Merchant to deal in Corn, Coal, Brick, Timber and Iron, but with Lot the first would command the extensive Mercantile Trade with the Retail Malting of that Neighbourhood, being well situated upon a good navigable River to Lynn. The Corn, Coal, and Brick Trade, carried on here has been very considerable, and might be greatly enlarged.
III. A Piece of Freehold Land in Stoke, surrounded by a Wall, with a Malting Office and Farm, late Redmore’s, and a Piece of Inclosed Pasture Land adjoining, late Smith’s, Barlow’s, and Redmore’s, now laid into one, called the Dove House Close, together with a Maltings, Cottage Yard and Garden on the South Side thereof, now let to Kenton, Dixon and Tingay, till Michaelmas 1775 —These Premises consist of about 3 Acres, and valued together at 35L. per Annum.
IV. A Messuage or Tenement, Yards and Garden in Stoke Row, containing by Estimation Half an Acre, with a Cooper’s Shop, Stable, and other Outhouses, and 2 Acres of inclsed Land adjoining, let to James Bradfield, ‘till Michaelmas 1775, valued at 12L. per Annum.
V. A Freehold Messuage or Tenement in Stoke Row, with a Yard, Garden, Barn, and other Outhouses, let to John French, at 3L. per Annum.
VI. A Freehold Messuage or Tenement in Stoke, with a large Yard, Wheelwright’s Shop, and other Outhouses, let to Wm. Tokelove, as Tenent at Will at 12L. per Ann.
N. B. The last Lott would suit a Wheelwright, Carpenter, Cooper, or Blacksmith, it being the best Situation in the Town for any of those Trades.
VII. A small Piece of Freehold Land in Stoke near the Turnpike, now an orchard adjoining the Wright’s Garden.
VIII. A new improved Freehold inclosed Pasture in Stoke, late J. Heaton’s, Esq; containing by Estimation5 Acres, abutting on the Road from Stoke to Wretton between a Piece of Land of Edward Gurneys and John Verden, lett to James Bradfield at 6L. per Annum.
IX. Three Pieces of Freehold inclosed Pasture Land in Stoke, late Barlow’s, measuring 5 Acres. 2 Roods, and 27 Perches, abutting on the Road from Stoke to Wretton, between two Pieces of Mr. Gurney’s, nearly opposite Munson’s Farm House, lett to James Bradfield to Michaelmas 1775, valued at 7L. per Ann.
X. Three Pieces of Freehold inclosed Land adjoining in Stoke, containing by Estimation 60 Acres, abutting upon Wretton Farm, South-West, and a Piece of Land lett to Wm. Hibgin, Esq, valued at 48L. per Annum.
XI. Three adjoining Pieces of Freehold Land inclosed, late Caney’s, measuring near 20 Acres, parted from the above 60 Acres by a Piece occupied by Wm. Hibgin, valued at 14L. per Annum.
XII. Three Pieces of Freehold Land in Stoke, late Carney’s, containing by Estimation 15 Acres, abutting on the River South-East, and Limer’s Drove North-West, valued at 7L.10s. per Annum.
XIII. A Piece of Freehold Land in Stoke, late E. Smith’s, with an Otter Holt adjoining, abutting South upon the River Wissey, containing by Estimation 4 Acres, 14 Perches, with a Cartway thereto thro’ the Piece of Land adjoining, belonging to Edgeley Smith, valued at 4L. per Annum.
XIV. Three Pieces of Pasture Land in Stoke, late B. Nelson’s, with a Slip of Land planted with Lombardian Poplar, abutting against Church Close, West, the Turnpike Road, North, on Sir Clement Trafford’s and the new Drain from East Fen South and East, containing together by Estimation 3 Acres, valued at 3L. per Annum and very improvable.
XV. A Piece of Land in Stoke, late B. Nelson’s, abutting against Wright’s Garden, on the North Side of the Turnpike Road, containing by Estimation 2 1-half Acres, valued at 3L. per Annum.
XVI. A Piece of Land in Stoke, late B. Nelson’s, adjoining to the last Lot on the North Side of the Turnpike Road, containing by Estimation 3 Acres, valued at 3L. per Annum and very improvable.
XVII. A Piece of Land in Stoke, late B. Nelson’s, adjoining to the last Lot on the North Side of the Turnpike Road, and abutting South on the new Drain from East Fen, containing by Estimation 4 1-half Acres, valued at 4l. 10s. per Annum and very improvable.
XVIII. A Piece of inclosed Pasture Land in Stoke, called Coxhill Close, late W. Nelson’s, adjoining to Robert Wright’s Garden and Great Man’s Way, containing about 3 Acres, lett at 4l. 10s. per Annum.
XIX. A Piece of inclosed Pasture Land in Stoke, called Coxhill Close, late W. Nelson’s, inclosed with a Piece of Gamaliel Nightingale’s, Esq; containing by Estimation 2 Acres valued at 2L. per Annum.
XX. A Close or Pasture in Stoke, called Claypit Clos, late W. Nelson’s, containing by Estimation, 3 Acres lett [end of sentence missing].
XXI. Three Pieces of improved Pasture Ground Inclosed, late W. Nelson’s, between Romer Drove and Little Man’s Way, Part adjoining the new Road to Oxburgh [sic], containing about 6 Acres, valued at 6L. per Annum; convenient and improvable.
XXII. A Piece of Freehold Arable Land in Stoke Field, in the Mill Furlong, between the Lands of E. Gurney and another, containing by estimation 2 Acres.
XXIII. A Piece of Freehold Arable Land in Stoke Field, in Hounsell Furlong, between the Lands of —— Nightingale, Esq; and another, containing by Estimation 4 Acres.
XXIV. Three Pieces of Freehold Arable Land in Stoke Field, in harp’s Furlong, adjoining the Lands of Nightingale, Gurney, and others, containing by Estimation 7 Acres, 2 Rood.
XXV. Two Pieces of Freehold Land in Stoke, late R. Darle’s, on each Side of the new Road to Oxburgh [sic], containing together by Estimation 12 Acres, together with a Piece of Freehold Land called King’s Pigstie, and laid into one of the said Pieces, late Redmore’s containing 1 Acre, 2 Roods, worth at least 1L per Acre, but if laid down with Grass, would lett for 1L. 5s. per Acre.
XXVI. Two Pieces of new improved Land in Stoke, late Caney’s and Barlow’s, lying between and extending from Great Man’s way, adjoining the Lands of Gurney, Micklefield and Pointon’s, containing by Estimation 5 or 6 Acres, worth 7s per Acre, and very improvable.
XXVIII. Two adjoining Tenement Parts of Freehold Land, in Wretton East Fen, Late J. Goddard’s and —– Chesterton’s, next a Part of B. Adamson’s, South, and a Part belonging to Mrs. Powell, North; measuring 4 Acres, 28 Perches, each Part is one Chain 48 Links wide at the East End, and one Chain 30 Links wide at the West End, being the 16 and 17 Parts from the Upper End of No.1 in Maltby’s Map, very improvable if well ditched.
XXIX. Five Cottage Parts in Wereham East Fen : 1 Part late John Goddard’s, 1 Part late Winkinson’s, and 2 Parts late Salter’s, measuring together 6 Acres 2 Roods 5 Perches; each Part is 58 Links wide at the East End, and one Chain 22 Links wide as the West End, and one Chain 22 Links wide at the West End, being the 24th, 26th, 28th, 30th, and 31st Parts of No. 1, in Maltby’s Map; very improvable if well ditched.
XXX. A Freehold Fishery in the River Wissey in Stoke, on the North Side of the said River, from the East Corner of Sire Clement Tratford’s, 29 Acres upwards, thro’ Stoke Bridge to the common Fen Land at the end of Great Mansway; the other is whole Water, and extends from the South West Corner of the said 29 Acres, downwards to a Place called Ware-Dike, (worth for Convenience & Pleasure 4L per Annum.)
XXX1. A dilapidated Freehold Messuage or Tenement in the Town od Boughton, near Stoke, with a Piece of Land thereto belonging, containing about 1 Rood, with a Barn & Stable thereon, lett to Mr.Hull as Tenant at Will.
XXX11. Ten Acres and 3 Roods of Freehold Arable Land in Boughton-Field aforesaid, in 9 or 10 different Pieces, now lett to Mr. Hull as Tenant at Will.
XXX111. The Lease of a Farm called Stoke-Fen-Farm, situate in Stoke, granted by Henry Kett at 60L. per Ann. 19 Years whereof were unexpired at Lady-day last O.S.
XXXIV. The lease of certain other premises in Stoke, Wereham, and Wretton, granted by George Plowright at 21L. per Annum; 17 Years whereof will be unexpired at Michaelmass next, O.S.
XXXV. A Seat, being No. 3, on the same Side of the Said Church.
A considerable Sum of Money has been laid out within these few Years on the above Premises, and they are still capable of great Improvement. The Land-Tax is remarkably low, and such small Part of the Estate as is Copyhold, is Fine certain at only 4s. per Acre: There is likewise a Drainage-Tax chargeable on some of the above Lots, not exceeding 2s. an Acre. All which ill be explained at the Time of Sale. – The Timber growing will be included in the Sale of each Lot.
Stoke being a pleasant Village, only 88 Miles from London, on the Turnpike-Road to Lynn, in a fine Country, and a populous Neighbourhood, and a great Thoroughfare to London, as well as from Lincolnshire to Suffolk, the Lands always lett well. It is a desirable Situation for a Merchant, as being a considerable Corn Country, with a navigable River running down to the Port of Lynn, from whence Merchandise may be conveyed to Cambridge, Wisbech, Huntingdon, Bedford, Northampton, Bury, Etc.
The Purchasers must pay 10 per Cent. Of the Purchase-Money on the Day of Sale, and give good security for paying the Reminder at Christmas next, when the Conveyances are to be completed, and the Purchases will be permitted to enter on the Premises immediately after such Deposit made and Security given. Printed and other Particulars may be had of Mr. Farrer, Attorney, Bread street Hill, London; Mr. Micklefield, Attorney, at Stoke; Mr. Foster, Attorney, at Norwich; or Mr. Chadwick of Lynn Regis; and a Plan of the Estates may be seen at Me. Micklefield’s, who will give Directions for showing the Premises. (IJ 08.10.1774)
1775
1775: Postal Service:
By this year Stoke Ferry was serving as a postal town under the name ‘Stoke’. By 1816 the name had been changed to ‘Stoke Ferry’. (Source: http://www.stokeferry.com/2008/04/stoke-ferry-post-offices/ accessed 08.05.2020)
1776
February, 1776. Religion:
“This Day is published, price £1. 10s. sewed in blue Paper, No. VI. And Last, embellished with 7 beautiful Copper-plates, which completes: THE HISTORY and ANTIQUITIES of the County of Norfolk, by the late Rev. CHARLES PARKINS, A.M. Rector of Oxburgh [sic] in the County of Norfolk; containing the Hundreds of Mitford, Smethdon, Taverham, Tunslede, Walsham, West and East Flegg.” (IJ 03.02.1776)
May 1776. Legal:
Bankrupt, Thomas Smith, grocer and mercer, of Stoke Ferry. Roger Micklefield of Stoke Ferry was Attorney to the Commission. (NC 25.05.1776)
June 1776. Legal/Crown Inn: Bankrupt:
“Thomas Smith to surrender on June 13 & 14 and July 2 at the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry. Attorney, Roger Micklefield, Attorney at Law, Stoke Ferry”. (NM 27.05.1776)
July 1776: Legal:
Bankrupt, Thomas Goddard, merchant, late of Stoke Ferry (KG 06.07.1776)
July 6, 1776. Legal/Employment:
“At the annual Meeting of the Gentlemen in the Association for apprehending of Horse-stealers, held at the Crown Inn [Swaffham] on Saturday July 6, all former Orders and Regulations were confirmed : after which it was moved by the Chairman, and approved by a great Majority of Subscribers present, that it be recommended to every Subscriber not to hire any Servant in Husbandry, who lived the proceeding Year with any Gentleman in this Association, without a Certificate of his good Conduct from under the Hand of his late Master. …Chris. Rodwell, Treasurer.” Stoke Ferry’s Subscribers are listed as: James Bradfield, H. Helsham, James Jacob, F. Micklefield, Thomas Snasdell and Roper Weatherall. (NC 07.09.1776)
September 14, 1776. Auction/Commerce/Droving:
“To be SOLD by AUCTION, On Thursday the 19th of this Instant September, at the Red Lion in Wretton, near Stoke in Norfolk, at Three o’Clock in the Afternoon, THE GRASS growing on upwards of Five Hundred Acres of Land, part of Wretton Fenn House Farm which may be seen until the fifth Day of November next, and is very convenient for the Drovers of Beasts from Scotland or Yorkshire, going into Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.” (NC 14.09.1776)
September, 1776. Legal/Wool Trade:
“A few days since, Elizabeth Morley, of Rushall, Sarah Patrick of Starston, Mary Roof of Cockley Cley, Sarah Hopkins of Oxburgh, [sic] Ann Capps of West Dereham, and Margaret Fendike of Watlington, were severally convicted of reeling false or short yarn, and paid the penalties according to act of parliament.”(9) (NC 28.09.1776)
1777
1777. Crown Inn:
Licensee named as John Verden. (IJ 26.07.1777)
1777. Sale:
Lodge Cottage, High Street was sold and described as having “…a large baker’s oven…”. (FF p98)
1777. Enclosure, Eastmore [sic]:
“This hamlet, near Stoke Ferry includes a tract of fenny land and common, enclosed and now under cultivation.” (‘Easthope – Easton-Piercy’, in A Topographical Dictionary of England, ed. Samuel Lewis (London, 1848), pp. 129-132. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/topographical-dict/england/pp129-132 [accessed 18 March 2020]).
August 5, 1777. Auction/Crown Inn:
At John Verden’s Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry. Property and land in Wretton (occupied by Thomas Thorpe), in Wereham (occupied by John Thorpe) and, also in Wereham (occupied by Thomas Catlins). (IJ 26.07.1777)
August 8, 1777. Legal:
“PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, that as an Encouragement for the more immediate apprehending of Offenders, a Reward of TEN GUINEAS, with an Allowance of every reasonable Expense, will be paid to any Person or Persons who shall apprehend anyone who stole, or was concerned in stealing, any Horse, Mare, Colt, or Filly from the under mentioned Subscribers, so that he, she, or they may thereof lawfully convicted, by applying to Chris. Rodwell, Treasurer.” [Stoke Ferry subscribers listed as James Bradfield, John Fairchild and Edward Squire. (NC 30.08.1777)
October 27, 1777. Auction/Crown Inn:
At the Crown Inn. Buildings and outbuildings in Whittington. 72 Acres of land in Northwold. The estate is part Freehold, part Copyhold and has a Right of Common upon very extensive Commons. In the occupation of John Youngs of Northwold. (NC 11.10.1777)
1778
February 1778. Runaway:
“Jobs Boyce, aged 38 of Mattishall, Norfolk. Left his wife and family. He is 5 feet 8 inches in hight, he is an ex-Militiaman and a whitesmith(10) by trade who travels the country as a tinker/knife grinder. He was spotted in Downham or Stoke Ferry.” (NC 28.02.1778)
May, 1778. Auction/Crown Inn:
“To be SOLD by AUCTION, At the Crown in Stoke Ferry in Norfolk, some Time in the Month of June next, unless sooner disposed of by private Contract, of which Notice will be given in this Paper. ALL those four Closes of Pasture Land lying in Stoke, Wretton, and Wereham, in the said County, containing together by Estimation thirty one Acres, (more or less) now in the Occupation of John Verdon. For Price and further Particulars apply to Mr. Thomas Smyth, Attorney, at Dereham, or Mr. Roger Micklefield, Attorney at Stoke.” (NC 09.05.1778)
May, 1778. Legal:
“Wednesday was committed to the [Norwich] Castle by John Buxton, Esq. Thomas Nurse, of Oxborough, labourer, charged with stealing a bay-brown gelding from the common pasture of Mr. Denton, of Brandon aforesaid, merchant, and selling the same at Harling fair for seven guineas.” (NC 09.05.1778)
August 18, 1778. Legal:
“SWAFFHAM, August 18, 1778. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That as an Encouragement for the more immediate apprehending of offenders, a reward of Ten Guineas, with an allowance of every reasonable expence [sic], will be paid to any person or persons who shall apprehend any one who stole. Or was concerned in stealing any horse, mare, colt, or filly, from the undermentioned subscribers, so that he, she, or they be there, of lawfully convicted, by applying to CHRIS. RODWELL, Treasurer, at Swaffham…” The list of subscribers included Rev. Mr. White, John Coote, John Harvey of Oxburgh [sic]; H. Helsham, William Larner and Edward Squire of Stoke [Ferry]. (IJ 05.09.1778)
1779
August 9, 1779. Legal.
“SWAFFHAM, August 9, 1779. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That as an Encouragement for the more immediate apprehending of offenders, a reward of Ten Guineas, with an allowance of every reasonable expence [sic], will be paid to any person or persons who shall apprehend any one who stole. Or was concerned in stealing any horse, mare, colt, or filly, from the undermentioned subscribers, so that he, she, or they be there, of lawfully convicted, by applying to CHRIS. RODWELL, Treasurer, at Swaffham…” The list of subscribers included Rev. Mr. White, John Coote, John Harvey of Oxburgh [sic]; H. Helsham, William Larner and Edward Squire of Stoke [Ferry]. (NC 21.08.1779)
1780
January 24, 1780. Legal/Auction/Public House:
“WRETTON, Jan. 24, 1780. Left at the RED LION at Wretton, on Sunday the 19th December, 1779, by William Broughton, lately committed to Norwich Castle for Horse-stealing, a CHESTNUT MARE, with a blaze down her Face, four white Legs, and a Saddle and Bridle. If the said Mare, Saddle, and Bridle, be not taken away, and the Expenses paid before the 21st Day of February next, they will be sold for the Payment of the keeping and other Expenses. Mary Parlet.” (NC 29.01.1780)
June 22, 1780. Legal/Crown Inn:
“HONOR of CLARE, in the County of Norfolk. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That His Majesty’s General Courts will be holden & kept for the said Honor, on the several Days and Times, and at several Places following, viz. …On the Part of Walpole, otherwise Ristofts, in Marshland, Stoak-ferry [sic], Wretton, Fordham, Stradsett, Downham-market, Barton [Bendish], Boughton, Crimplesham, Beachamwell, Shingham, Cockley Cley, otherwise Cley near Swaffham, and, Igborow, otherwise Igburgh, the 22nd June, at ten in the forenoon, at the Crown, in Stoak-ferry [sic]…Given under my Hand the 25th Day of May, 1780, EDMUND JENNEY, Steward” (NC 03.06.1780)
July 8, 1780. Commerce:
“EDWARD SQUIRE hereby informs his Friends, and the Public, that the best COALS may be had at Stoke-Bridge, and Oxborough-Hythe, for ready Money, at One Pound Nine Shillings per Chaldron(13), every Expense included.” (NC 08.07.1780)
July 25, 1780. Legal:
“SWAFFHAM, July 25th, 1779. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That as an Encouragement for the more immediate apprehending of offenders, a reward of Ten Guineas, with an allowance of every reasonable expence [sic], will be paid to any person or persons who shall apprehend any one who stole. Or was concerned in stealing any horse, mare, colt, or filly, from the undermentioned subscribers, so that he, she, or they be there, of lawfully convicted, by applying to CHRIS. RODWELL, Treasurer, at Swaffham…” The list of subscribers included Rev. Mr. White, John Coote, John Harvey of Oxburgh [sic]; James Crowe, Thomas Crowe of Cockley Cley; Mrs. Bailey of Barton Bendish; H. Helsham, William Larner and Edward Squire of Stoke [Ferry]. (NC 05.08.1780)
1781
March 1781. To Let/Employment/Postal Service:
“Dwelling house of Rev. Mr. Robinson with large garden and fruit trees. Situated on the Turnpike Road from Lynn to London. The coach to London twice a week and a daily post. Or more information apply to Thomas Seppings, Grocer and Draper of Stoke Ferry. Also. Wanted immediately an Apprentice to a Mercer, Draper, Grocer and Tallow Chandler – a youth of good morals and decent education will be taken on reasonable terms.” (NC 03.03.1781)
May 30, 1791. Enclosure, Foulden/Crown Inn:
“FOULDEN ENCLOSURE, May 30, 1781. The Commissioners appointed by the Act of Parliament made and passed in the 20th Year of His present Majesty’s Reign, for dividing and inclosing the Parish of Foulden, in the County of Norfolk, do hereby give Notice, that they intend to meet at the Crown Inn, at Stoke Ferry, in the said County, on Monday the 18th Day of June next, in order to proceed in the Execution of the Powers vested in them in and by the said Act: and such Proprietors as shall be desirous of exchanging any lands or Tenements within the said Parish, are required to signify their Intensions to the Commissioners at the above Meeting, and deliver Particulars of the Lands and Tenements so intended to be exchanged. – And Notice is also hereby given, that the said Commissioners have appointed or staked out all the Public Roads and Highways Intended to be made by them in and through the said Parish of Foulden, as follows…
1st, One Road leading to Hilborough, beginning at the Falgate near the Dwelling house of Francis John Tyssen, Esq; and proceeding in an East Direction across Hassock Moor, to the South-east Corner of Monk’s Close, and from thence, nearly in the same Direction, to Foulden Thorpe, and to the Bounds of Hilborough, where it joins the Roads leading to Hilborough and Bodney.
2d, One other Road leading from Foulden to Didlington, beginning at the said Falgate, and proceeding in a South Direction across the Green, near to the Shepherd’s House belonging to Mr. Tyssen, and from thence in a South-east Direction over Highmoor Common, next the Inclosures belonging to Mr. Anthony Horrex, to the Gate next the Bounds of Didlington, called the Drift Gate.
3d, One other Road, called Streetway Road, beginning next the Bounds of Gooderstone, next Lady’s Well, and proceeding in near a South Direction to the aforementioned Road leading from Foulden to Hilborough, and rom thence across the same Road, in a South Direction, to the Bounds of Didlington.
4th, One other Road, beginning at the West End of the first mentioned Road, beginning at the West End of the first road, and going in a North west Direction to the Bounds of Gooderstone.
5th, One other Road, leading from Didlington to Hilborough, beginning next the Bounds of Didlington, and proceeding in a North-east Direction across the Firth to the Bounds of Hilborough.
6th, One other Road, leading from Didlington to {Xxx]ney, beginning next the Bounds of Didlington, and [pro]ceding in a North-east Direction across Hall Breeck, to the Bounds of Hilborough.
7th, One other Road, leading to Gooderstone, beginning near the House of William Quentrit [?], and going Northwards across Norton’s Croft, to the Common called Hotherils [?], and proceeding across the same nearly in the same Direction to the Bounds of Gooderstone.
8th, One other Road, leading to Oxburgh, branching out of the last mentioned Road at the South-east Corner of Hotherils [?], and proceeding in a North-west Direction across the same to the Bounds of Gooderstone.
9th, One other Road, leading to the Hithe and Borough Fen, beginning at the House belonging to Francis Pitchers, going in a West Direction across Well Green to the Corner of a Meadow belonging to Thomas Rowe, and from thence nearly in the same Direction to Borough Fen.
10th, One other Road, branching out of the last mentioned Road, at or near the Barn belonging to Mr. Tyssen, and proceeding in a West Direction across the said Green to the End of Church Lane.
And if any Person, or Persons, shall have any Objections to offer and such Direction of the said Roads, or shall think other Roads necessary, he or they are required to apply to the Commissioners on Tuesday the 19th Day of June next, at the Crown Inn, at Stoke Ferry aforesaid.” (NC 09.06.1781)
June 20, 1781. Enclosure/Auction/Crown Inn:
At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry. Pursuant of the powers vested in the Commissioners from the Enclosure Act for “dividing and inclosing the Common Fields, Half-Year Lands, Lammas Meadows(14) Heaths, Commons, and waste Lands, within the Parish of Foulden”. Five lots in all covering; 61 acres of White Fen and, 56 acres of common at Highmoor. Particulars from Mr. Brown of Diss and Mr. Robert Crowe of Northwold. (NC 09.06.1781)
August 1781. Legal:
Robert Wright, gardener and late of Stoke Ferry imprisoned at Norwich Castle for a debt of over £500. This was under the Act passed in “the Twenty-fifth Year of his Present Majesty’s Reign, entitled and Act, for the Discharge of certain Insolvent Debtors”. Notice was given that “a true and perfect Schedule, containing a Discovery of all their real and personal Estates, hereafter to be Sworn to, is now ready to be delivered to any Creditor, applying for the same in Manner aforesaid, to the Goaler, of Keeper, or his Deputy, of the said Prison”. (NC 18.08.1781)
September, 1781. Enclosure, Foulden/Crown Inn:
At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry. “Several Allotments intended to be made by the Commissioners appointed by an Act of Parliament lately passed, intitled, ‘An Act for dividing and inclosing the Common Fields, Half-Year Lands, Lammas Meadows Heaths, Commons, and waste Lands, within the Parish of Foulden’. Are staked out and any persons objecting to apply to the Commissioners at their next meeting.” (NC 01.09.1781)
September, 1781. Enclosure Foulden/Crown Inn:
“Foulden Inclosure. Notice is hereby given, that the several Allotments intended to be made by the Commissioners appointed by an Act of Parliament lately passed, intitled, ‘An Act for dividing and inclosing the Common Fields, Heaths, Commons, and Wette Lands, within the Parish of Foulden, in the County of Norfolk,’ are staked out, and such Person and Persons as have any Objections to make thereto, or desirous of any Alteration therein, are required to apply to the Commissioners at their next Meeting, appointed to be held at the Crown Inn at Stoke Ferry in the said County, on Monday the seventeenth Day of September Inst. for the Purpose of carrying the Powers of said Act into Execution, of which all Persons concerned are desired to take Notice.” (NC 15.09.1781)
October 15, 1781. Enclosure, Foulden/Crown Inn:
A meeting, held at the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry called by the Commissioners appointed by the Act of Parliament lately made and passed, for “dividing and allotting the several Common Fields, Half-year Lands, Lammas Meadows, Fen Lands, Heaths, Commons, and waste Lands, withing the Parish of Foulden” in order to “proceed in the Execution of the Powers vested In them and by the said Act, and to execute their Award, of which all Persons concerned are desired to take Notice….[an] Account of the several Expenses attending to the Execution of the said Act may be Inspected by the proprietors”. (NC 13.10.1781)
October 16, 1781. Enclosure, Foulden/Employment/Crown Inn:
“Any person, or persons, willing to undertake a considerable Quantity of new DITCHING and FENCING, in the Parish of FOULDEN, in the County of Norfolk, intended to be put out by the Commissioners attending under the Act of Parliament, for inclosing divers Lands and Grounds, within the said Parish, are desired to apply to Mr, Rogerson, at Narfield, of Mr. Harvey, at Oxborough, in the said County, for the Particulars, and to attend the Commissioners on Tuesday, the 16th of this instant, at the Crown Inn, at Stoke Ferry, in this said County, with their Proposals, in Writing, to contract for the same.” (NC 13.10.1781)
1782
February 1782. Sale:
Farm buildings, orchard, garden and 8 acres of pasture land, Whittington. Plus 100 acres of arable land in open and common fields in the occupation of Mr. Joseph Bennett. The lands are part Freehold and part Copyhold within half a mile of the navigable River Wissey and have unlimited Right of Common “upon the well known rich and extensive Commons of Northwold. For further Particulars enquire of Mr. John Young or Mr. John Wright, both of Whittington; or Mr. John Houghton, at Wereham…” (NC 02.02.1782)
June, 1782. Legal/Wool Trade:
“The following persons have been convicted of reeling false and short yarn since the 24th day of December last:- Mary Chelvers, and Mary Bush, of Foulden; Ann Pooley, of Methwold; Eliz. Nelson, and Mary Middleton. of Oxborough; Ann Rolp, of Sporle; Frances Sterne, of Southery; Eliz. Rayner, and Ann Ambrose, of Hilgay; Frances Doubleday, of Wymbotsham [sic]; Mary Hammont, of Tibbenham; Mary Riches, of Edinthorpe; Mary Sent, of Tunstall; Hannah Dodd, of Yaxham; Ann Luck, of Limpenhoe; Ann Rust, of Carlton Road; Eliz, Rutfield, and Eli. Sucker, committed to bridewell; Eliz. Basey, of Winterton; Mary Jermy, of Rainham; Mary Gadge, of Griston; Ester Tuck, of Scoulton; Mary Grigston, of Wood-rising; Margaret Rolfe, of Feltwell; Margaret Twiddey, of Wereham; Sarah Alcock, and Frances Lock, of Holme; Eliz. Wilkerson, of Oxborough; Susannah Goodrum, and Ann Sowter5, of Aslacton; Susannah Leshy, of Brocklish; Elizabeth Thaim, of Diss; Susannah Watson, of Mattham; Mary Fincham, of Boughton; Mary Mapps, of Wimbottisham [sic]; Ann Pritcherd, of Stowbridge; Mary Morgan, of Crimplesham; Bridget Elsegood, of Attlebridge; Susannah Pouley, of Besthorpe; Sarah Clark, of Gorleston; Ann Tinker, of Worstead; Ann Barnes, and Ann Bennety, of South Creak [sic], Eleanor Moore, of Tittleshall; Frances Cock, of Whitwell; Sarah Riches, of Tompson; Elizabeth Colyard, and Elizabeth Ames, of Ruckland; Judith Olliett, and Elizabeth Goddard, of Stanford; Emily Johnson, Cicily Hodson, Emily Esgut, Susannah Edwards, and Ann Price, of Feltwell; Ann Pooley, Ann Carter, Elizabeth Smith, and Margaret Tudder, of Methwold; Mary Hall, and Emily Norford, of Munsley; Emily England, of Northwalsham; Ann Gibbons, of Howton St John; Eliz. Allcock, and Rebecca Ringrove, of Lyng; Eliz. Barrett, of Attlebridge; Mary Pulford, and Elizabeth Clarke, of Eye; Eliz. Jarmey, of Langley; Susannah King, of Rockland; Ann Berry, of Winfarthing; and Jane Bacon, of Burston.” (NC 15 .06.1782)
August 20, 1782. Legal:
“SWAFFHAM, Aug. 20h, 1782. A Reward of Ten Guineas, with an allowance of every reasonable Charges, will be paid to any Person or Persons who should the Stealer any Horse, of Gelding, from any of the under-written Subscribers, immediately after the Conviction of the Offender, an applying to CHRIS. RODWELL, Treasurer…” Subscribers included H. Helsham, William Larner, and Edward Squire, of Stoke [Ferry], Rev. Mr. White, of Oxburgh (sic). (NC 31.08.1782)
November, 1782. Legal:
Bankrupt, Thomas Goddard, merchant, now or late of Stoke Ferry at Guildhall, London. (MM 26.11.1782)
c1782. Commerce:
At or around this time, James Bradfield(11) starts acting as land agent for the Earl of Mountrath who has estates in the adjoining parish of Weeting. [One wonders if it was the selling off of the Earl of Mountrath’s estate and stately home, Dereham Abbey (see below) which initiated this relationship. (FF pp160-166)
April 4, 1779. For Sale:
“Norfolk Estate to be SOLD. The Manors of WEST DEREHAM, and CHAPLES in WEST DEREHAM, with the Courts Baron, Fines, Quit Rents, Heriots(11), or other Rights thereto belonging Communibus Annis(12). [Bringing an annual income of £45.0.0]. A Capital MANSION, or SEAT, called DEREHAM ABBEY, situate in the Centre of a Lawn, consisting, by Measure, fifty-two Acres, two Rood, accompanied with a fine Piece of Water, planted round with Firs and Shrubs, and laid out in great Taste, now in high Improvement, and in the occupation of the Earl of Mountrath. Note, The House is large and elegant, and hath every Convenience suitable to the Residence of a Nobleman, or Gentleman of Fortune, and is worth, to be rented, per Annum £300.0.0.”
[Two farms adjoining the Estate and a further farm in West Dereham were listed. Also, 45 enclosures in 8 Lots with a total annual rental income of £458.10.0d were included in the sale. The majority of the enclosures were in West Dereham with some holdings were in Crimplesham. Tenents had to do “…all Repairs, as well as Buildings as Fences, at their own expence…”] (NC 17.04.1779)
November 20, 1782. Legal/Crown Inn:
“HONOR of CLARE, in the County of Norfolk. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That His Majesty’s General Courts will be holden & kept for the said Honor, on the several Days and Times, and at several Places following, viz. …On the Part of Walpole, otherwise Ristofts, in Marshland, Stoak-ferry [sic], Wretton, Fordham, Stradsett, Downham-market, Barton [Bendish], Boughton, Crimplesham, Beachamwell, Shingham, Cockley Cley, otherwise Cley near Swaffham, and, Igborow, otherwise Igburgh, the 20th of November, at ten in the forenoon, at the Crown, in Stoak-ferry [sic].” (NC 02.11.1782)
1783
March 13, 1783. Auction/Enclosure/Public House:
“At John Godman’s Spread Eagle Inn, Oxborough. All the estate of the late Mr. Richard Harvey in Gooderstone and Oxborough; two farmhouses, outhouses, gardens with 177 acres of arable, meadow and pasture land, tenement and garden in Gooderstone – late in the occupation of Thomas Plumb. The premises have three Common Rights in Gooderstone and “should an Inclosure take place (which has been some time in Contemplation); it will greatly enhance the Value of this Estate. For further Particulars apply to Mr. James Bradfield, at Stoke Ferry; Mr. John Houchen, at Wereham; or Mr. William Stuckey, Attorney at Law at Swaffham.” (NC 08.03.1783)
April 18, 1783. Legal/Employment:
“All persons indebted to the Estate and Effects of MR. WILLIAM TOKELOVE, late of FELTWELL…,Wheelwright, deceased, are desired to pay their respective Debts to William Tokelove at Stoke Ferry….within One Month from the Date hereof…N.B. Wanted immediately, A JOURNEYMAN WHEELWRIGHT(15). A good Hand may have confident Employ, by applying to the said William Tokelove at Stoke Ferry.” [see June 1784] (NC 03.05.1783)
April 1783. Legal:
Committed to Norwich Castle by J. Smyth and Samuel Rath, Esq; Thomas Groom of Gooderstone “charged of a violent suspicion of having feloniously entered a water-mill belonging to Mr. William Bull of Stoke Ferry, miller, and stealing there-out about twenty-five stone of flour, and four hempen sacks, the property of Mr. Bull; and John Carter, charged with having received the said flour and sacks, knowing them to have been stolen. They were traced to Carter’s house (where the flour was concealed) by part of it being dropped upon the road through a hole in one of the sacks,” (NC 03.05.1783)
May 1783. Died:
John Fearchild of Stoke Ferry, “a man of unrighteousness and great integrity, very much respected, and deservedly lamented…” (NC 17.05.1783)
1783. Died:
Small footstone in All Saints Church churchyard, Stoke Ferry, marked ‘JF’. Perhaps referring to John Fearchild, above. (ASC)
August 1783. Legal (see also, April 1783):
Assizes Court, Shire House, Castle Hill, Norwich, Mr. Justice Bathurst and Mr. Baron Hotham presiding. William Bull of Stoke Ferry committed to 12 months in a House of Correction and Jonathan Carter to two years hard labour. The Grand Jury at the hearing consisted of consisted of the following 23 landed gentry: The Honourable Henry Hobart (Foreman); The Right Honourable C. Townsend; Baronets ~ Sir E. Bacon, Sir J. Berney. Sir T. Beauchamp; Esquires ~ T.W. Coke, C. Melyneux, R. Martham, E. Rolfe, W.W. Bulwer, T. Durrant, J. Lombe, T. Beevor, E. Hafe, T. Wodeheufe, J. Preston, R. Fellows, J. Micklethwait, P. Bedingfield [sic], R. Cauldwell, J. Worral, A. Aufrere, J. Cullance. (NC 23.081783)
1784
January 1784. Accident:
“A young gentlemen, apprentice to an eminent surgeon at Stoke Ferry, was attempting to skate in the Fens at the said town, he unfortunately fell down and broke his leg, but being immediately bound up, is now in a fair way of doing well”. (NC 24.01.1784)
June 16, 1784. Auction/Crown Inn:
Held at the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry, all the Freehold estate of William Tokelove. Farm, outhouses, engine mill together with 231 acres of arable, pasture and Fen land in Methwold in the occupation of Harris Brown. “The Premises are very improvable…further Particulars apply to Mr. John Byres of Feltwell, or Mr. John Houchen, at Wereham”. [see also April 1783] (NC 12.06.1784)
June 1784. Runaway:
“Absconded from the Service of RICHARD VINCENT, Esq; of Wereham, near Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, on Saturday, the Fifth Day of June, 1784, ROBERT FOREMAN, an indentured Apprentice, aged Nineteen Years, about five Feet three Inches high, low Forehead, dark brown Hair, tied up, swarthy Complexation, and has lost one of his upper fore teeth; had on when he went off a double-breasted Stone-coloured Cloth Livery Coat, and lapelled Waistcoat of the same, with flat plated Buttons, the, Cuffs and Collar of the Coat trimmed with blue and white Livery Lace, Leather Breeches, and round Hat, with a Silk Band and plated Buckle. Whoever secures the said Apprentice, and will inform Mr. John Houchen, of Wereham aforesaid, where he may be met with, shall upon delivering him up receive THREE GUINEAS Reward; and as he has taken away several Articles of Wearing Apparel belonging to his Master (who is determined to prosecute him for Theft) whoever harbours him after this Notice will be proceed against as the Law directs.” (NC 19.06.1784)
June 28, 1784. Auction/Crown Inn:
“At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry, with 8 Lots of various farms and farmland: (i) Mansion House and two enclosures of land Wereham occupied by Thomas Watson Ward, (ii) Wereham Fenhouse Farm, 319 acres in the occupation of Cadmin Gore, (iii) land occupied by John Langley, John Jacques and others, (iv) Reed Croft meadow occupied by Robert Boyden and others, (v) Hythe Close occupied by Robert Salmon, linen weaver, and others (vi) Back Street, Wereham, (viii) enclosed land in Wereham in occupation of Christopher Adamson Esq., and others. The above Premises are in good Repair, moderately assessed to the Land Tax, pays Quit Rents 1L. 11s. ½ d and Corporation Tax to Bedford Level 11L. 15s. 4d per Annum.-Wereham is a pleasant village situate on the Turnpike and Post Road from Lynn to London, in a fine sporting Country, within Two Miles of a navigable River. For further Particulars apply to Messrs. Blake and Norris, Essex-street, Strand, London, or Mr. John Houchen, at Wereham aforesaid.” (NC 05.06.1784 & NC 26.06.1784)
July 17, 1784. Legal/Died:
“All Persons who stand indebted to the late WILLIAM LARNER, of Stoke Ferry, in Norfolk, Blacksmith and Farrier, deceased, are hereby desired to pay the same to THOMAS LARNER, of Stoke Ferry, before the 10th of September next, or they will be sued without further notice”. (NC 24.07.1784)
1785
August 19, 1785. Auction/Crown Inn: “At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry, Farm building and 19 acres of arable land in Stoke Ferry and let to John Marley at a yearly rent of £28. For further information William Harvey at Stoke Ferry.” (NC 06.08.1785)
September 20, 1785. Auction:
At the home of the late Sir Clement Trafford in Stoke Ferry. All household furniture: bedsteads, hangings, feather beds, mattresses, drawers, mahogany dining and other tables, chairs, carpets, brewing utensils, 120 lots of very curious Nanken porcelain and other china, a small collection of valuable paintings selected from Dunton Hal (including an original of Oliver Cromwell, King of Spain and “two pictures of the Holy Family”.(NC 17.09.1785)
November 1785. Legal:
“Lost, supposed to be STOLEN, From the Parish of Boughton, near Stoke Ferry, in the County of Norfolk, sometime the latter End of November, or the Beginnings of December instant. TEN LAMB HOGGETS, branded with a T on the near side. Whoever will give notice, so as the same may be had again, to Mr. Robert Thorrold, at Boughton aforesaid, shall, if stolen, upon conviction of the offender, receive TWO GUINEAS reward; and, if strayed, TEN SHILLINGS and SIXPENCE, by applying to the said Mr. Thorrold.” (B&N 04.01.1786)
November, 1785. Legal:
“HONOR of CLARE, in the County of Norfolk. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That His Majesty’s General Courts will be holden & kept for the said Honor, on the several Days and Times, and at several Places following, viz. …On the Part of Walpole, Ristofts, in Marshland, Stoke Ferry, Wretton, Wereham, Fordham, Stradsett, Downham Market, Barton Bendish, Boughton, Crimplesham, Beachamwell, Shingham, [Cockley] Cley near Swaffham, and Ickburgh, the 28th day of [November], at Eleven in the forenoon, at the Crown, in Stoke Ferry…” (NC 05.11.1785)
December, 1785. Married:
“Lately was married after a courtship of twelve years, Mr. Roger Micklefield, an eminent attorney at Stoke Ferry, in this county, to Miss Mary Tundry, at Wretton. – Hasty marriages are seldom productive of real happiness to the parties, as they cannot form but an indifferent idea of each other’s disposition: But when their affections have been matured by a long intimacy and knowledge of each other, there can be no doubt of their felicity being permanent.” (NC 10.12.1785)
1786
January 3-6, 1786. Auction:
On the premises of Wereham Hall. The household furniture, stock, hay and other effects of Richard Heaton of Wereham Hall. Catalogues available from Inns in West Norfolk including those in Stoke Ferry. (NC 23.12.1786)
August 1786. Legal: At the Assize Court, Norwich. Thomas Stannard was “charged with the stealing of one fat ewe sheep, the property of James Banfield of Stoke Ferry”. Thomas was acquitted. (NC 12.08.1786)
March, 1786.
Here follows a published description of Stoke Ferry and its surrounding countryside from the diary of an ‘inquisitive young French aristocrat’:
“Going through a little town called Stoke [Ferry] on our way. Soon after leaving Brandon we found a pleasant house belonging to a Mr Denton, a farmer and now a merchant, newly enriched, so that he has a house at King’s Lynn, as well as this one. He has a stable of hunters and a number of saddle-horses. The country to Stoke Ferry is just as open and uncultivated as it was the other side of Brandon. You can tell by looking at the soil, which is full of shells, that the water once covered it. I forgot to say that, two miles after crossing Brandon Bridge, we passed in front of Lord Montross’s[sic] house — newly and very well built, and with an air of comfort, despite being small. Nothing worthy of remark between here and Stoke: from Stoke to Downham the road’s good, the countryside enclosed and looks well-farmed. Downham is 17 miles from Bury — long miles. As soon as we reached Downham, we found out how far it was to Mr Canham’s house, who farmed one of Dr Wollaston’s properties. Our plan in coming here was to see a part of these enormous fens, drained by windmills. We had already provided ourselves with a letter of introduction to Mr Canham, with the hope that he would demonstrate these drainage-works.
We set out from his [Mr. Canham’s] house on foot, and there we were, right among these mills: on the way he told us many things about this fenland that I will report on my return to Downham. Here we are in what was a drowned countryside: a lost land, barren and nowhere cultivated, until this drainage by means of windmills was undertaken.
Every year there are floods; but, provided they don’t come in the middle of April, the land yields a good harvest. Dozens of small drains (saignes) have been dug to feed the greater surrounding dykes. These come together to form a river, on the banks of which the drainage-mills are established. The rivers feed the two major river- systems, the Ouse and the Nene, which enter the sea not many miles away. They’ve built great embankments along all the rivers and dykes to prevent them from flooding back across the fenland. The greatest difficulty comes about here, where
the sea is close, with its tidal rise and fall. They have had to find a way of regulating the outflow of the river against differences in level caused by the tides. The weight of the river can be built up to give it greater strength to enter the sea: then when the tide rises and the river flows back, the sluice automatically closes against it. There is little fear that the gates won’t work adequately without loss of time; but a man is at hand to assist with the opening and closing of the gates, just in case.” (Source: To the Highlands in 1786: the inquisitive journey of a young French aristocrat, Norman Scarfe, The Boydell Press, 2001.)
March, 1786. Legal/Wool Trade:
“This week Sarah Blumfield, of Hunstanton; Elizbeth Makeman, Ann Mitchell and Susanna Howard, of Heacham; Elizabeth Barrit, of Wolferton; Mary Waller, of Swaffham; Mary Barker, of East Winch; Alice Sleigh, of Little Ryburgh; and Rebecca Catton, of Colkirk, were severally convicted of realing [sic] short and false yarn, and paid the penalties according to the act of Parliament.” (NC 11.03.1786)
1787
March 20, 1787. Legal: Lost, a bay pony found by James Ward of Stoke Ferry. (NC 31.03.1787)
July 1787. Died/Crown Inn:
Mrs. Verden after “a long and tedious illness”, wife of John Verden who is maltster at the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry. “In her, her husband has lost a valuable wife, her son a good and indulgent mother, her relations a good friend, and the public an invaluable member of society.” (NC 21. 07.1787)
1787. Died:
Small footstone in All Saints Church churchyard, Stoke Ferry, with the possible marking, ‘IB’ (ASC).
July 1787. Crown Inn/Malting:
Licensee named as John Verden, also described as a maltster. (NC 21. 07.1787)
December 14, 1787. Legal/Died:
“All Persons indebted to the Estate and Effects of ROBERT WEBB, late of Stoke Ferry, in the County of Norfolk, Victualler, deceased, are desired to pay their respective Debts, within one Month from the Date hereof, to Mr. Thomas Seppings, Grocer or Mr. William Hebgin, Farmer, both of Stoke Ferry, aforesaid. And all Persons who have Demands on the said Estate and Effects, are desired immediately to send an Account thereof to the said Thomas Seppings of William Hebgin, that the same may be discharged.” (NC 22.12.1787)
1788
March, 1788. Legal:
“Robert Playford, for burglaries in the dwelling-house of Henry Stannard, of Wretton, also of William Carter, of the same place, and also James Curil, of Stoke Ferry…” (NC 15.03.1788)
October 20, 1788. Legal/Crown Inn:
“HONOR of CLARE, in the County of Norfolk. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That His Majesty’s General Courts will be holden & kept for the said Honor, on the several Days and Times, and at several Places following, viz. …For Stoke Ferry, Wretton, Wereham, Fordham, Stradsett, Downham Market, Barton Bendish, Boughton, Crimplesham, Beachamwell, Shingham, [Cockley] Cley near Swaffham, Ickburgh, and Walpole, otherwise Walpole Ristofts in Marshland. On Monday the 20th [October], at Eleven o’clock, at the Crown, in Stoke Ferry…BUNGAY, Sept. 24, 1778, EDMUND JENNEY, Steward of the said Honor.” (B&N 01.10.1788)
1789
January, 1789. Legal:
“Tuesday was committed to the [Norwich] castle, by S. P. Galwey, Esq. Thomas Stannard, an old offender, and John Wilkinson, of Wretton, charged on oath of Gabriel Nicholls, and also on their voluntary confession, with killing and carrying away conies [rabbits] from Methwold Warren, and with assaulting Robert Horn, and others, servants of Messrs. Fletcher and Preston. – Stannard was lately tried with his father, for sheep-stealing, but was acquitted; his father was condemned, and put on board the Hulks this last summer, where he shortly after died.” (NC 03.01.1789)
June, 1789. Legal/Wool Trade:
“This week Elizabeth Wortley, of Oxborough; Matthew Rudland, of Colverton; Hannah Dent, Hannah Wright, and Elizabeth Read, of Northwould [sic], were convicted of reeling short and false yarn, and paid the penalties according to the act of Parliament.” [see also October,1789] (NC 06.06.1789)
July 10, 1789. Auction/Crown Inn:
At the Crown Inn, five assorted Lots of land and farm buildings in Boughton and Stoke Ferry. (NC 27.06.1789)
August 21, 1789. Turnpike/Crown Inn:
“Notice is hereby given, That application is intended to be made to Parliament in the next Session, for an Act to continue the term, and alter and enlarge the powers of an Act made in the 16th year of the Reign of the present Majesty, intitled ‘An Act for amending and widening several roads leading from the Bell in Stoke Ferry, in the County of Norfolk;’ and for amending and widening the road, from bell pub toll from the end of the present turnpike-road, near the gate going on to Methwold Warren, to Weeting-hill, near the plantation belonging to the Earl of Mountrath; which said road lies in the Parishes of Methwold, Feltwell, and Hockwold, in the said County. By Order of the Trustees, Roger Micklefield, Clerk.” (NC 02.09.1789)
September, 1789. Legal.
“This week Sarah Jewell, of West Dereham, and Mary Catton, of Shipdham, have been convicted of reeling short and false yarn, and paid the penalties according to act of Parliament.” (NC 19.09.1789)
October 15, 1789. Auction:
“…at the dwelling-house of the late Mr. Robert Reeve, deceased at Boughton, near Stoke Ferry. Consisting of horses, cows, carts, waggons, etc. with other articles in the farming line; also all the household furniture, dairy and brewing utensils, hay on the stacks, and wood in the yards.” (NC 10.10.1789)
October 1789. Legal/Wool Trade:
“NORWICH, Oct. 7.1789. FROM December 1, 1778, to September 15, 1779, the following persons have been convicted of reeling false or short yarn, and paid the penalties according to Act of Parliament, viz…” [There then followed a list of 63 names of Norfolk women including: Elizabeth Worthy of Oxborough; Hannah Dent, Hannah Wright and Elizabeth Read of Northwold; Jane Morley of Hockwold-cum-Wilton; Sarah Jewell of West Dereham.] ”…And the undermentioned were committed to Bridewell, convicted of embezzling wool, or for non-payment of the penalties enacted for false and short reeling…” [The names of 22 women followed including: Elizabeth Hayler of Cockley Cley.] “It is with great concern the Committee of Yarn-makers find so many persons who have imprudently and wickedly violated the laws of their country by offences, which are, in a high degree, prejudicial to trade. They therefore, in the most earnest manner recommended all those employed in the spinning of wool, to be extremely careful to reel the yarn on reels of a proper length, with the full number of threads in each lea, and also leas to each skain [sic]. And it is further expected, the putters out of wool will either ticket each pound of yarn they receive, with the spinners name, or with some distinguishing mark; as the Inspectors have positive orders to use their utmost diligence in their respective divisions to detect all those who are guilty of reeling false or short yarn, or of embezzling wool.” [see also June 1789] (NC 10.10.1789)
October 1789. Turnpike/Crown Inn:
“Whereas, at a Meeting of the Trustees of the Stoke Ferry Turnpike Act of Parliament held on the 13th August last past, they adjourned the same to 2nd November following:- Now we the Trustees, who have subscribed our names hereto; by the authority of the said act, have agreed and appointed, and do hereby give notice that we do agree and appoint, an occasional Meeting of the Trustees, under the said act, to be held at the CROWN INN, in Stoke Ferry aforesaid, on Wednesday the 28th day of OCTOBER instant, on special matters relative to an application to be made in the next Session of Parliament, to continue the term in the said Turnpike Act, and to alter and enlarge the powers and authorities thereof, dated the 6th day of October, in the year of our Lord, 1789. Richard Bedingfield [sic], H. WM. Wilson, Richard Whish, Joshua White, HY. L. Helsham.” (B&N 21.10.1789)
1790
January, 1790. Legal/Postal Service:
“We are informed that Jackson, the mail robber, who was apprehended at his house at Wretton near Stoke, yesterday fo’night, passed off four of the bills at Swaffham the day after the robbery, and a letter of Mr. Baker’s, merchant at Lynn, has been found (with the post-mark thereon) in a private pocket inside of his waistcoat, since his commitment to Lynn goal. He went about three days after the robbery to the post-office at Stoke, and asked (very coolly, and with great appearance of innocence) of the post-boy about the robbery, wished the villain might be found out, and said, he was sure the rogue would be hanged, if discovered; and in the afternoon of that day was taken up himself. The same man is suspected of having robbed the mail two years since. He pretends that he found the notes in a pocket-book on the road near Stoke.” (B&N 20.01.1790)
January 1790. Legal/Postal Service:
“One Jackson, a hog butcher, at Eastmoor, near Stoke Ferry, is committed to Norwich Castle on a violent suspicion of robbing the Lynn mail; several bills taken out of the mail have been traced up t0 him, one of which led in a singular manner to the discovery. Jackson on the morning after the robbery gave it to a relation, servant ‘to a gentleman at Swaffham, to get cash; the servant., a young man of good character, offered it to an innkeeper, who not having cash sufficient in the house, desired a clerk to a corn merchant at Lynn, then present, to change it; the clerk, on his return, delivered to his master, who soon discovered the bill to have been one of his own, sent Off by post on the night the robbery. The merchant and a county magistrate immediately set off for Swaffham, and having procured such information as directed them to Jackson, or the thief, apprehended him on Monday evening in his house; a gun, deeply loaded, was very near him, but a rush being made, it was seized before any bad use could be made of it. At first, he gave contradictory accounts of the manner in which he found the bill; but on more recollection he chose to remain entirely silent. The mail bag, containing a large quantity of letters all opened, was found on the preceding Sunday afternoon under a low arch in the turnpike road, at Northwold, ‘by a boy who stooped down to drink at the rivulet. It is remarkable the Lynn mail bags, stolen about two years since, were found in the fame parish; from different circumstances now collected, there is reason to suspect Jackson or having stolen the said bags. He has spent more money, and done less work than usual, for the two years last past.” (HJ 20.01.1790)
June 10, 1790. Sale:
“STOKE, June 10, 1790. GOOD GRASS, FOR HORSES, BULLOCKS, and other Cattle, to be taken of Mr. W. Cater, of Wretton, near Stoke Ferry, at the following Prices, viz. HORSES at 1s. 6d. per Week. – Ditto One or Two Years old, at 1s. – BULLOCKS, Three Years old, at 8d. – Under that Age, 6d. – Sheep, at 4s. per Score. The Grounds will be open for Cattle on the 14th Inst.” (NC 19.06.1790)
June 1790. Legal:
“On Tuesday last was committed to the [Norwich] Castle by T. Berners Plestow Esq. James Day, alias Charles Sterne, of Fressingfield, in Suffolk, supposed to be an old offender, charged with the oaths of William Bradfield, gent, of Stoke-ferry [sic], and John Turner, of Freston, near Bolton, Lincolnshire, with stealing from a pasture in Stoke aforementioned, on the night of 21st of May last, a black mare, the property of the said Mr. Bradfield. The said Day has been near three weeks in Bolton goal; he had led his pursuers a chase of several hundred miles, before he was taken. He is near six feet high, about 28 years of age, has long darkish hair, and is well dressed.” (NC 19.06.1790)
July 1790. Auction:
“An improvable ESTATE at Stoke Ferry, in the county of Norfolk, now in the occupation of Mr. WARD; containing a house and offices, and about 150 acres of land, nearly all freehold, the rest fine certain; the outgoings remarkably moderate. Possession, if required, may be had at Michaelmas [29th September] 1791:- Plenty of Game on the premises. Further particulars may be had from Mr. James Bradfield, Stoke Ferry; or Messrs Forster, Son, and Unthank, attorneys, Norwich.” (B&N 21.07.1790)
July 1790 Legal: (see also, June 1790)
“James Day, otherwise known as Charles Sterne, for stealing a black mare, property of James Bradfield gent. of Stoke Ferry, was capitally convicted, and received sentence of death; but was reprieved before the Judges left town.” (NC 31.07.1790)
August 30, 1790. Turnpike:
“NOTICE is hereby given, That application is intended to be made to Parliament, in the ensuing session for an act for enlarging the term and powers of an act of the tenth year of the reign of his present Majesty, entitled, ‘An ACT for REPAIRING and WIDENING the several ROADS from the SOUTH GATE in the Borough of KING’s LYNN, into the parishes of EAST WALTON, NARBOROUGH, STOKE FERRY, and DOWNHAM MARKET, in the county of NORFOLK;’ which said Roads lie in the several parishes or hamlets of South Lynn, otherwise All Saints, Hardwick, North Runstan, Middleton, East Winch, West Bilney, Pentney, East Walton, West Winch, Setchey, Tottenhill, Wormegay, Shouldham Thorpe, Stradset [sic], West Dereham, Wereham, Wretton, Stoke Ferry, Watlington, Runston with Holm, Wallington, Stow Bardolph, WimbottishamI [sic], and Downham Market, in the said county of Norfolk. WILLIAM CASE, Clerk to the Trustees. Lynn, Aug. 30th, 1790.” (NC 04.09.1790)
October 25, 1790. Turnpike:
“Notice is hereby given, That Application is intended to be made to Parliament in the next Session, for an Act to continue the term, and alter and enlarge the powers of an Act made in the 10h year of the Reign of the present Majesty, intitled ‘An Act for amending and widening several roads leading from the Bell in Stoke Ferry, in the County of Norfolk;’ and for amending and widening the road, from the end of the present turnpike road, near the gate going on to Methwold Warren, to Weeting-hill, near a plantation belonging to the Earl of Mountrath; which said road lies in the Parishes of Methwold, Feltwell, and Hockwold, with Wilton shall sufficiently amend and widen the same, without expense to the trust, which they have proposed and agreed to do; and that the next General Meeting of the Trustees will be on the 25th day of October next, when the petition to Parliament, for a continuance of the term in the said Act, and other purposes, will be resolved upon. Dated the 19th August, in the year of our Lord, 1790. By Order of the Trustees, Roger Micklefield, Clerk.” (B&N 01.09.1790)
December 1790-1794: Crown Inn:
Licensee listed as Richard Curtis. (NPH)
December 2-6, 1790. Auction/Crown Inn:
A mixture of lots including household goods and four-wheeled chaises, horses, cattle, gardening equipment. (NC 27.11.1790)
December 22, 1790. Commerce:
Agents for the Bury & Norwich Post newspaper included Mrs Thompson, Stoke Ferry. (B&N 22.12.1790)
1791
April 17, 1791. Legal:
“On Sunday the 17th instant, about ten o’clock in the evening, a fire was discovered in a wheat stack at Boughton, near Stoke Ferry, in this county, which was entirely consumed. From the above stack being near a quarter of a mile from any house, there is no doubt of the same having been wilfully set on fire. Unfortunately, it was not insured.” (B&N 27.04.1791)
May 1791, Marriage: “Thursday last Mr. John Hebgin, of Stoke Ferry, farmer, was married to Miss Mary Newton, daughter of Mr. John Newton of Methwold.” (B&N 04.05.1791)
July 18, 1791. Legal:
“HONOR of CLARE. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That His Majesty’s General Courts will be holden & kept for so much and such Parts of the said Honor, as lye [sic] in the Places following, in the County of Norfolk, viz. …For Stoke Ferry, Wretton, Wereham, Fordham, Stradsett, Downham Market, Barton Bendish, Boughton, Crimplesham, Beachamwell, Shingham, [Cockley] Cley near Swaffham, Ickburgh, and Walpole, otherwise Walpole Ristofts in Marshland. On Monday the 18th [July], at Eleven in the Forenoon, at the Crown, in Stoke Ferry…” (NC 09.07.1791)
August 1791. Turnpike:
“Notice is hereby given, That Application is intended to be made to Parliament in the next session, for leave to bring a Bill or Bills for amending, widening, or improving the road from the town of Bury St. Edmund’s, in the county of Suffolk, through Thetford, to Croxton, in the county of Norfolk; for making and maintaining a road from thence, near a place called Frey[?] Lodge, across West Wretham Heath to Tottington; for — —, widening, and improving the road from there to the town of Watton, in the said county of Norfolk; for amending, widening, and improving the road from the town of Thetford aforesaid, to a plantation called Belt in the parish of West Toss, in the said county of Norfolk; for making and maintaining a road from thence to Mundford, in the county of Norfolk aforesaid; and for amending, widening, and improving the road from the said parish of Mundford, to Stoke Ferry, in the said county of Norfolk; which said roads all lie in the several parishes of Bury St. Edmund’s, Fornham St. Martin, Fornham St. Genevieve, Timworth, Croxton, East Wretham, Stamford, Sturtton, Tottington, Merton, Little Cretlingham, Thompson, Threxton, Watton, West Tosts[?], Linford, Mundford, Cranwich, Northwold, and Stoke Ferry, in the said county of Norfolk.” (B&N 31.08.1791)
Details of the passage of the 1791 Roads Bill may be found here: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol39/pp80-97
1792
1792. Building:
The Hall, The Hill, Stoke Ferry was built for James Bradfield.
June, 1792. Marriage:
“On Thursday last was married at Stoke Ferry, in this county, Mr. William Farrer, a considerable farmer, at Tottington, to Miss Mary Womock, of the former place – an agreeable young lady with a handsome fortune.” (NC 02.06.1792)
August 1792. Legal:
At the Assizes Court, Norwich. “Micklefield v. Hebgin. This was an action brought by the plaintiff a reputable attorney, at Stoke Ferry, against the defendant, a farmer, to recover the sum of 41L. being a wager laid by plaintiff with defendant that he could not produce an agreement, signed by a person for selling his estate to plaintiff, who produced the same, and having proved, by a variety of evidence that he had signed it, the jury, without hesitation, found a verdict for the plaintiff.” (NC 04.08.1792)
December 24, 1792. Drainage:
“EAU BRINK CUT and DRAINAGE. AS the Proprietors of the great Part of the Lands, which are proposed to be assessed or taxed for the intended New Cut, from Eau Brink to Lynn, may not be aware of their respective situations; it has been thought proper to sunjoin a list of parishes within the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, which by the intended Bill are proposed to be charged with the payment of an annual tax of 4d. per Acre on all adventure land, all lands formed into districts, also lands usually rated by the commissioners of sewers, for the county of Norfolk; and all other lands, as well commons as several, within the boundary of the act, subject to land, or sea floods, and draining their waters to sea, by the River Ouse; viz. in the county of Norfolk:- [there then follows a list of effected parishes in Norfolk and Suffolk including “…Hockwold Wilton, Methwold, Northwold, Oxburgh, Foulden, Stoke Ferry, Wereham, West Dereham…”] “It is therefore hoped, – that this hint will merit the serious attention of every person interested; and that all such parishes or persons, as would wish to be prevent so partial and oppressive a measure from passing into a law, will immediately signify the same to John Foster, Esq. Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, or to Mr. Thos. Archer, Mildenhall, Suffolk, The Solicitors appointed to conduct the opposition to the said intended New Cut. – December 24, 1792.” (B&N 26.12.1792)
1793
February 1793. Died:
“Last week, after a short illness, Mrs. Helsham, the wife of Mr. Henry Linhook Helsham, an eminent surgeon, at Stoke Ferry – She bore her affliction with the most becoming fortitude and has left a large circle of her friends and acquaintance to lament her death. Her remains were on Monday last in the family vault at Stoke.” (NC 09.02.1793)
May 1, 1793: Legal/Crown Inn:
“NORFOLK. THE Inhabitants residing in the undermentioned or any adjoining Parishes, are requested to meet at the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry, on Wednesday the 1st day of May, 1793, at Three o’Clock in the Afternoon, in order to establish an Association for the Prosecution of Felonies, and to peruse the articles which will be then produced for that purpose. STOKE FERRY, WRETTON, WEREHAM, WEST DEREHAM, CRIMPLESHAM, STRADSET, FINCHAM, BARTON with EASTMORE, BOUGHTON, OXBOROUGH.” [Perhaps the larger, Swaffham-based Association folded, or it could be that the landed gentry in the environs of Stoke Ferry were becoming more self-confident in running their own affairs to their own ends?] (NC 27.04.1793)
June 13, 1793. Legal/Crown Inn:
“Stoke Ferry ASSOCIATION, Norfolk, For Prosecuting Horse Stealers, and other Felons. At a meeting of the Gentlemen and others, residing within the hundred and half of CLACKCLOSE, and adjacent hundreds in the said county, associated for prosecuting Horse Stealers and other Felons, held the 13th day of June 1793, at the Crown Inn in Stoke Ferry, it was then and there agreed, that Mr. ANTHONY ETHERIDGE(16), of Stoke Ferry aforesaid, should be Treasurer for the year ensuing; and that the articles of this Association, and all orders therein contained, should remain and be in full force until the next annual meeting, to be held on the 14th of June, 1794; at the place aforesaid; and that a reward of FIVE GUINEAS (together with all reasonable charges) be paid by the Treasurer to any person or persons who should apprehend and prosecute to conviction the stealer of any horse, mare, of gelding, from any of the undermentioned subscribers; and also a proper reward to any person or persons who should also apprehend or prosecute to conviction any other person or persons guilty of felony and other offences against any of the said subscribers.
Sir RICH BEDINGFELD, Brt. Oxburgh[sic]. RICH. BEDINGFELD, Esq. Ditto. Rev. ROBERT FORBY, Barton [Bendish]. Rev. JAMES OAKES, Wereham. Rev. HARDY ROBINSON, Ditto. JAMES BRADFIELD. Gent. Stoke Ferry. HENRY LINHOOK HELSHAM, Gent. Ditto. ROGER MICKLEFIELD. Gent. Ditto. THOMAS EBDEN, Gent. Barton. THOMAS MORRILL, Gent. Ditto. Boughton: Mr. Ro. Thorrold; Dereham (West: Mr. Wm. Dungrey, John Filbee, Mast. Godfrey, John Oldham; Foulden: Mr. Wm. Filbee; Methwold: Mr. W. H. Clarke, Ab. Cock, John Caney, Geo. Eyres, Robert King, John Newton, fen. Jas. Wortley, John Wortley; Northwold: Mr. H. V. Foyster, John Wright, John Young; Stoke Ferry: Mr. Jas. Bloomfield, Richa. Curtis, A. Etheridge, John Morley, Wm. Nurle, James Ward, E. Youngman; Wereham: Mr. Rob. Catton, John Houchen, Thos. Ingey; Wretton: Mr. Thos. Rolfe. Richd. Wallis. (B&N 31.07.1793)
June 22, 1793. Religion:
“FRENCH REFUGEE CLERGY(18). Subscriptions and Collections already advertised £181.10s.6½d …Collected from the following parishes:…Rev F.A. Oxburgh Chapel £7.15.0d…Subscriptions and Collections received at several Bankers in Norwich, and remitted by them to the Chairman of the Committee in London.” [Oxborough was one of 30 Norfolk parishes listed in this notice.] (NC 22.06.1793)
September 1793. Died:
“Last week died at Stoke Ferry, in this county, esteemed and regretted by her family and friends, Mrs. Bradfield, after a life spent in humility, the constant exercise of piety and every Christian virtue; she sustained a long and painful illness with the most exemplary attitude and patience; and on Tuesday last, her remains deposited in the family vault at that place.” (NC 07.09.1793)
September, 1793. Drainage, Ouse Navigation:
Notice given that application is intended to be made at the next session of Parliament for altering the course of the River Ouse by making a navigable Cut or new River to branch out of the old river at Common Salt March at or near Eau Brink in the parish of Wiggenhall St. Mary’s, through the parishes of South Lynn All Saint’s and West Lynn St. Peter’s and re-joining the old river at the harbour of King’s Lynn. (NC 14.09.1793)
October 19, 1793. Legal:
“HONOR of CLARE. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That His Majesty’s General Courts will be holden & kept for so much and such Parts of the said Honor, as lye [sic] in the Places following, in the County of Norfolk, viz. …For Stoke Ferry, Wretton, Wereham, Fordham, Stradsett, Downham-Market, Barton Bendish, Boughton, Crimplesham, Beachamwell, Shingham, [Cockley] Cley near Swaffham, Ickburgh, and Walpole, otherwise Walpole Ristofts in Marshland. On Saturday the 19th [July], at Twelve 0’clock at noon, at the Crown, in Stoke Ferry…” (NC 28.09.1793)
1794
1794. Public House:
The Blue Bell, Lynn Road, Stoke Ferry was built around this time. Its licensee was John Drake. (NPH)
1794. Public House:
The King’s Arms, The Hill, Stoke Ferry. Licensee listed as William Bravestow[?]. (NPH)
1794. Public House:
Duke’s Head, Stoke Ferry. Licensee named as John Flowers. (NPH)
1794. Public House:
The Bull (then called the Black Bull), Stoke Ferry. Licensee named as John Drew. (NPH)
April 23, 1794. Military:
Anthony Etheridge of Stoke Ferry was one of a number of individuals across the county available to take subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security Military force. The list money raised by local nobles and gentry stood at £5,722.6.0d.(17) (B&N 23.04.1794)
May 17, 1794. Military:
“NORFOLK, AT the Committee held at the Shire-House, in Norwich, on the 10th day of May, 1794, for the Internal Defence of this County, BRAMPTON GURDON DILLINGHAM, Esq. in the Chair. JAMES HEWITT, Esq having produced a plan for raising a Volunteer Company of Foot, consisting of 80 men in the town and neighbourhood of Holt, in conformity to the Resolution agreed upon at the General Meeting of the county, RESOLVES, 1ST. That Mr. Hewitt’s Plan meets with the approbation of the Committee, and that the same be transmitted to the Lord Lieutenant for his approbation. RESOLVED 2nd. That Subdivision Committees be formed of the Subscribers of each Hundred, to raise voluntary Corps of Cavalry and Foot, and to receive on muster rolls the names of such persons as are willing to inroll [sic] themselves for the respective service into which they chose to enter; and that such Committees do meet in the principle tows in the respective or adjoining Hundreds, on TUESDAY the 20th day of May inst. At noon, and adjourn as they see fit; and that the said muster rolls, signed in the said respective Hundreds and towns, be sent to ROGER KERRISON, Esq. Treasurer, to be laid before the General Committee to be holden on SATURDAY the 24th day of May inst. at twelve o’clock in the Shire-house, at Norwich, or so soon afterwards, as the same shall be completed, in order that the said muster rolls may be transmitted to the Lord Lieutenant for his approbation, that the officers may then receive Commissions under authority from His Majesty. RESOLVED. 3rd. That the Thanks of this Committee be given to BRAMPTON GURDON DILLINGHAM, Esq. for his readiness and attention to the business of this Committee. B. G. Dillingham, Chairman. The several Subscribers for the internal defence of the County of Norfolk, are required to meet on TUESDAY the 20th day of this inst. At the places hereunder mentioned, in order to enter on to the muster-roll the names of such volunteers who shall chose to inroll themselves for service at the present crisis according to the resolution of the General Meeting of the county…” [There then follows a list of 16 groupings of Hundreds in the county and one single Hundred:] “…For the Hundred of Clackclose, at the Crown, in Downham [Market]…” (NC 17.05.1794)
May 1794. Military:
Anthony Etheridge of Stoke Ferry is now listed as one of several individuals across the county available to take subscriptions (financial and recruits) towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of Roger Kerrison Esquire of Norwich, Treasurer. The notice in the Norfolk Chronicle shows £8,519.14s 0d had been paid to date. (NC 10.05.1794)
May 24, 1794. Military:
Subscriptions from the gentry in Stoke Ferry and Wereham to Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security Committee included: Mrs. Pratt, £20.00.00d; John Houchen, £10.10.00d; Anthony Etheridge Jnr(19), £5.05.00d; Roger Micklefield, £5.05.00d. (NC 24.05.1794)
June 12, 1794. Legal:
“Stoke Ferry ASSOCIATION, THE Annual Meeting of the Subscribers to this Association for prosecuting Horse-stealers and other Felons, will be held at the Crown Inn, in Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, on Tuesday the 12 day of June next, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, when it is requested that all Members will attend. Dinner precisely at two o’clock. ANTHONY ETHERIDGE, Treasurer.” (NC 07.06.1794)
June 14, 1794. Military:
“WE hear, several Men from London, who follow the trade of Enlisting Men under False Pretences (in order to sell them) are already come into the County of Norfolk to inveigle Men from the Norwich Regiment – as these people have already been enquiring about the uniform of the said Regiment, it is sincerely to be wished, any information may be given to the Commanding Officer that may enable him to bring these people to that punishment they deserve -it is hoped the Recruits of this Regiment will therefore will avoid getting into company with any men in the uniform of the Regiment they are not acquainted with.
N.B. Major Bulwer requests those young Men that wish to serve in this Regiment will take care to apply only to those People properly authorised to recruit for the Regiment, for he would be obliged to any men that find themselves deceived in being enlisted in any other corps under false pretences to inform him of it, that he may bring the offender to justice.
N.B. Major Bulwer would like to obliged to any Magistrate attesting a Man, to insist on seeing the beating order and instructions(20), understanding some men are come into the country, to use his name and enlist men as for the Regiment, not authorised to do so by him.” (NC 14.06.1794)
June 1794. Military:
Anthony Etheridge of Stoke Ferry was again listed as one of several individuals across the county available to take subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of Roger Kerrison. Esquire of Norwich, Treasurer. This notice shows £10,758. 18s 0d had been paid to date. (NC 07.06.1794)
June 1794. Military:
Anthony Etheridge of Stoke Ferry was one of several individuals across the county available to take subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of Roger Kerrison. Esquire of Norwich, Treasurer. This notice shows £10,938. 13s 0d had been paid to date. (NC 14.06.1794)
June 1794. Military:
Anthony Etheridge again listed as a receiver of subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of Roger Kerrison. Esquire of Norwich, Treasurer. The notice on this day shows £11,070. 14s 0d had been paid to date. (NC 28.06.1794)
June, 1794:
“On Thursday last a terrible fire broke out at Oxburgh [sic], which in a very short tome consumed two barns, two stacks of hay, stables, etc, but happily the beasts were saved.” (NC 21.06.1794)
June 16.1794. Military:
“DOWNHAM, June 9,1794. THE Loyal Inhabitants of the Hundred and Half Hundred of Clackclose are requested to meet on Monday the 16th day of June inst. At the Crown Inn, in Downham-Market, in the County of Norfolk at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, to receive the report from the Chairman on the Articles of Enrolment presented to the Lord Lieutenant pursuant to the order of the last Meeting, when the attendance of all Persons who wish to enrol themselves is requested. THOMAS HART, Chairman.” (NC 14.06.1794)
July 1794. Military:
Anthony Etheridge again listed as a receiver of subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of Roger Kerrison. Esquire of Norwich, Treasurer. This notice shows £11,113. 00s 6d had been paid to date. (NC 12.07.1794)
July 7, 1794. Auction/Crown Inn/Public House:
At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry. Six Lots: (i) Messuage, orchard and garden , Stoke Ferry, occupied by John Winkfield, (ii) Messuage and buildings, Stoke Ferry, belonging in the tenure of Rawling Green and others. (iii) New-built Messuage with yards, Stoke Ferry, occupied by John Hewson and others – formally the Wounded Heart public house, (iv) New-built Messuage adjoining the above in Stoke Ferry, (v) Messuage, yard and offices adjoining the above occupied by Charles Bidden, (vi) Messuage, yards, garden and small area of land, Whittington, occupied by Widow Bennett. (NC 28.06.1794)
July 17, 1794. Turnpike/Crown Inn:
“Notice is hereby given, That the Tolls arising at both the Tollgates, upon the turnpike roads, in the town of Stoke Ferry, in the county of Norfolk, also the toll-house and garden thereto; belonging, will be Lett by Auction, to the best bidder, at the Crown Inn, in Stoke Ferry aforesaid, on Thursday the 17th day of July next ensuing, between the hours of Four and Six o’clock in the Afternoon, for 1, 2, or 3 years, as shall be agreed upon by the Trustees then present; commencing from the 1st day of August then next following, in the manner directed by the Act, passed in the 13th year of his present Majesty’s reign, “for regulating turnpike roads” which tolls were let the last year for the sum of 238L. clear of expenses of collecting them, and will be put up at that sum; and whoever happens to be the best bidder, must, at the same time, give security, with sufficient sureties, to the satisfaction of the trustees of the said roads, for payment of the rent agreed for, and at such times and proportions as they shall direct. Dated the 19th day of June1794. Roger Micklefield, Clerk to the Trustees.” (NC 21.06.1794)
October 3 &4, 1794. Auction:
“At Barton Hall, near Stoke Ferry. Part of the furniture, cattle and other stock, carts and other farming equipment and other effects of Thomas Morrill who is leaving Barton [Bendish].” (B&N 24.09.1794)
November 19, 1794. Legal/Died:
“NOTICE to DEBTORS & CREDITORS. ALL Persons having Demands upon the Estate and Effects of THOMAS CLARKE. Late of Gooderstone, in the county of Norfolk, yeoman, deceased, are requested to send an account thereof immediately to Mr. John Earle, of Stoke Ferry, or Mr. Tho. Wyley of Narford, his Executors, that the same may be discharged; and such persons who stood indebted to the said Tho. Clarke, at his decease, are desired to pay their respective debts to the said executors, or they will be sued for the same without further notice. Note- If Ann Hannah Scott of the city of Norwich, Spinster, a Legatee named in the Will of the said Tho. Clarke, will immediately apply to his said executors, she may hear of something to her advantage. Dated November 19,1794.” (NC 22.11.1794)
November, 1794. Marriage:
“Tuesday last was married at Stoke Ferry, in this county, Mr. John Skoulding, an eminent surgeon and apothecary, at Wymondham, to Miss Hackett, of Stoke Ferry aforesaid; an amiable young lady possessed of every accomplishment to render the marriage state happy.” (NC 22.11.1794)
December 6, 1794. Military:
Anthony Etheridge again listed as a receiver of subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of Roger Kerrison. Esquire of Norwich, Treasurer. This notice refers to five resolutions that were passed at the meeting in Norwich relating to the raising of different troops in various Hundreds and collection of subscriptions. (NC 13.12.1794)
1795
February 7, 1795. Military:
Anthony Etheridge again listed as a receiver of subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of Thomas Wodehouse, Chairman. (NC 14.02.1795)
March 5, 1795. Enclosure, Shouldham:
“Shouldham and Shouldham Thorpe, otherwise Garboise Thorpe Enclosure. The Commissioners named and authorized in and by an Act of Parliament, passed in the thirty-fourth year of the Reign of his present Majesty entitled, -An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common Fields, Half Year Lands, Fen Lands, Lammas Meadows, Heaths, Commons, and Waste-Lands, within the Parishes of Shouldham and Shouldham Thorpe, otherwise Garboise Thorpe, in the county of Norfolk,’ do hereby give notice, that they intend to hold their next meeting at the house of James Porter, in the parish of Marham, in the said county of Norfolk, on Monday eight day of June next, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of proceeding in the further execution of the powers given them in and by the said Act. Dated the 5th day of March, 1795. By Order of the Commissioners, JOHN HARDCASTLE, Solicitor.” (NC 09.05.1795)
May 2, 1795. Military:
Anthony Etheridge again listed as a receiver of subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of J. B. Burroughs, Esq, Chairman. (NC 09.05.1795)
May 15, 1795. Drainage/Crown Inn:
“Stoke Ferry DISTRICT. The Owners and Occupiers of Lands assessed to the Draining Tax, by virtue of an Act of Parliament passed in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of his present Majesty, entitled, “An Act for draining and preserving certain Fen Lands and Low Grounds in the Parishes of Stoke Ferry, Northwold, Wretton, Wereham, West Dereham, and Roxham, in the county of Norfolk,” are requested to meet at the Crown Inn, in Stoke Ferry, on Friday the 15th day of this inst. May, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, to take into consideration the bad state of a certain drain called, Saint John’s Eau, and the Sluice at the end thereof, called Stow Fall. By order of the Commissioners. Dated May 4, 1795.” (NC 09.05.1795)
June 6, 1795. Military:
Anthony Etheridge again listed as a receiver of subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of J. B. G DILLINGHAM, Esq. Chairman, ROGER KERRISON Esq, Treasurer. (NC 13.06.1795)
July 4, 1795. Military:
Anthony Etheridge again listed as a receiver of subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of J. B. G DILLINGHAM, Esq. Chairman, ROGER KERRISON Esq, Treasurer. (NC 11.07.1795)
July 30, 1795. Military:
Anthony Etheridge again listed as a receiver of subscriptions towards Norfolk’s Internal Defence and Security on behalf of George Nelthorpe, Esq. High-Sheriff, in the Chair; Resolved that each Captain be requested to deliver to the Committee monthly a statement of days of Exercise, and the number present on each day. (NC 01.08.1795)
September 1795. Marriage:
“Thursday fo-night, Mr. Henry Helsham, jun. Stoke-ferry to Miss Catherine Crowe, youngest daughter of the Rev. Mr. Crowe, of Burnham.” (IJ 03.10.1795)
September 17, 1795. Enclosure, Foulden:
“NOTICE is hereby given, that the several Allotments intended to be made by the Commissioners appointed by the Act of Parliament lately passed, entitled, ‘An Act for dividing and enclosing the Common Fields, Half Year Lands, Fen Lands, Lammas Meadows, Heaths, Commons, and Waste-Lands, within the Parish of Foulden, in the county of Norfolk,’ are staked out, and such Person and Persons as have any Objections to make thereto, or desirous of any Alterations therein, are required to apply to the Commissioners at their next Meeting, appointed to be held at the Crown Inn at Stoke Ferry, in the said County, on Monday, the seventeenth day of September Inst. For the Purpose of carrying the Powers of the said Act into Execution, of which the Persons concerned are desired to take notice.” (NC 28.02.1795)
1796
March 2, 1796. Auction at Stoke Ferry:
“WINNOLD FAIR CAPITAL SHEW OF HORSES. Notice is hereby given – That there will be a SHEW of HORSES at Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, on Wednesday the 2nd day of March, 1796, being the day before the above Fair – where many respected Dealers and Breeders of Horses have entered into a resolution to attend as usual.” (NC 27.02.1796)
April 20, 1796. Enclosure, Northwold/Crown Inn:
“Northwold Enclosure. We the Commissioners named and authorized in and by an Act of Parliament, made and passed in the 30th[?] year of the reign of his present Majesty, entitled, ‘An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the common fields, whole year lands, half year lands, commons, fen grounds, and waste lands, within the parish of Northwold, in the county of Northwold,’ do intend to hold our second meeting, for the purpose of carrying out the said Act into execution, at the house of Richard Curtis, being the Crown Inn, in Stoke Ferry, in the said county of Norfolk, on Monday the 9th of May next, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon at which time and place, all and every person or persons having, or claiming to have, any estate or property, or any right of sheepwalk, shackage [arable land that also provided sheep feed], or common, or other right or interest whatsoever, in, to, over, or upon the lands and grounds to be divided and allotted, by virtue of the said Act, are hereby required, by themselves, their guardians, trustees, agents, or tenants, to deliver in writing to us, the said commissioners, a true and just account of the commonable messuages, cottages, lands, and tenements, belonging to them respectively, describing the quantity of the freehold, copyhold, and leasehold parts thereof respectively describing the quantity of the whole year land and half year lands respectively, and the quantity of freehold, copyhold, and leasehold parts thereof respectively, and the manor or manors whereof such copyhold part of part are held, and also a true and just account of their respective claims, rights, and interests, in, to, over, or upon the said lands and grounds, to be divided and allotted, and that no such claims will be received by us; and all and every person or persons neglecting or refusing to deliver such accounts as aforesaid, shall be, and are by the said Act, excluded and debarred from any right of sheepwalk, common, shackage, or any other commonable right or interest whatsoever, in, to, over, and upon the said common fields, whole year lands, half year lands, commons, fen grounds, and waste lands, within the said parish of Northwold. And we, the said commissioners, do hereby give notice, that we intend, on the 10th day of May next, to meet at the Bridge in Stoke Ferry aforesaid, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, and proceed from thence to set out the boundaries of the said parish of Northwold, as required by the said Act; at which time and place, the inhabitants of the several parishes of Northwold, Cranwich, Didlington, Foulden, Oxburgh [sic], Wereham, and Stoke Ferry, may attend the setting out of the said boundaries, if they think proper. Dated this 20th day of April, 1796. HENRY BURTON, J. DUGMORE, JOHN HOUCHEN. (NC 23.04.1796)
May 23, 1796. Auction/Crown Inn:
At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry. Seven Lots:
(i) Mansion House and farm with 130 acres at Shouldham Thorpe. Currently let to “Mr. Thomas Hebgin, at a very old rent, and capable of great improvement. Note.- The house and buildings are a complete residence for a genteel family. (ii) Messuage next to the Manor House in the occupation of Mary Greeves and Francis Dorman. (iii) Messuage with 5 acres in the occupation of Martha Edwards. (iv) Messuage in the occupation of the said Thomas Hebgin, or his undertenants. (v) Messuage in the occupation of Ann Tisdell and others. (vi) Messuage in the occupation of John Harrison, as an undertenant of the said Thomas Hebgin. (vii) Messuage with 2 acres in the occupation of Thomas Pleasants. The above estate is situated in a pleasant, sporting, and convenient part of the county of Norfolk, upon the high road from London, to Lynn Regis, from which it is distant only eight miles, and about five from Downham Market, and Stoke Ferry. N.B. What more particularly renders this estate truly desirable is, the perfect enclosure of the open and common fields, commons, and waste lands, in the said parish of Shouldham Thorpe, wherein al the said messuages have rights of common; which will be a very valuable acquisition. As the Land to be allotted in lieu thereof, may be added lot the ist [animal manure], and thereby make a considerable farm; well worth the attention of gentlemen wishing to realize property in that part of the county of Norfolk.” (NC 07.05.1796)
September 1796. Auction:
At the end of the month, “THE FOLLOWING ESTATES, VIZ. A FARM; comprising the requisite Buildings. And about 150 statute acres (more or less) of extremely good land, with a cottage belonging, in Stoke Ferry and Wretton, in Norfolk, and now in occupation of Mr. James Bradfield, under a lease of which 11 years will be unexpired at Michaelmas next [29 September], at the very low rent of 105L per ann. ANOTHER FARM, in Stoke Ferry and Wretton aforesaid; containing the usual buildings, and about 130 statute acres (more or less) of good land, now in the occupation of James Ward, a tenant from year to year, at the rent of 84L per ann.” (NC 03.09.1796)
September, 1796. Auction:
“To be SOLD by AUCTION, The latter end of this present month or sometime in the following month, unless sooner disposed of by private contract, THE FOLLOWING ESTATES, viz. A FARM, comprising the requisite Buildings, and about 150 statute acres (more or less) of extremely good land, with a cottage belonging, in Stoke-Ferry and Wretton in Norfolk, and now in the occupation of James Bradfield, under a lease, of which 11 years will be unexpired at Michaelmas next, at the very low rent of £105 per ann. ANOTHER FARM, in Stoke Ferry and Wretton aforesaid; containing the usual buildings, and about 150 statute acres (more or less) of good land, now in the occupation of James Ward, as tenant from year to year, at the rent of £84 per ann…For further particulars apply to Messrs. FOSTER, SON and UNTHANK; or to MR. WELLS, Attorneys, Norwich.” [These farms were actually auctioned at the Crown Inn on 26th October, 1796.] (NC 10.09.1796 and NC 15.10.1796)
September 10, 1796. Enclosure, Northwold:
“Northwold Enclosure. We those names are hereunto Subscribed, being the Commissioners named in and appointed by an Act of Parliament, entitled, ‘An Act for dividing, allotting and enclosing the Common Fields, Whole-year Land, Half-year Lands, Commons, Fen Grounds and Waste Lands, within the parish of Northwold, in the county of Norfolk,’ do hereby give notice, pursuant to directions of the said Act, that we have enquired into, set out, ascertained, fixed and determined the Boundary of, the said parish, according to the description hereinafter mentioned, that is to say. THE BOUNDARY of the PARISH of NORTHWOLD aforesaid, begins at the bridge of Stoke Ferry, in the said county, and proceeds from thence nearly in an east direction in the middle of the river Wissey, or Stoke river, to a certain place in the said river, called Queen’s Ware, and from thence across part of the said river to the north side thereof, and from thence nearly in such east direction on the north side of the said river to Oxborough Ferry, in the said county, and from thence again across the said river to the south side thereof, and from thence in the like east direction to the south west corner of a certain place in the said river, called the Turnpool, and from thence across Northwold Common Water or River, to the south west corner of a certain Common, in Northwold, called the Great Reach, and from thence on the east and south sides of the said river Wissey according to its various wanderings, to a certain place therein, called Exendon Ware, and from thence across the said river to the north side thereof, and from thence nearly in an east direction on the north side of the said river to within about 100 yards of a certain Fen in the Parish of Foulden, in the said county, called Barrow Fen, and from thence across the said River to the south side thereof, and from thence on the south side of the said River in and east direction to the north east corner of a certain other common in Northwold, called the Little Reach, and from thence across the said River to the south east side thereof, and from thence to the east and north east sides of the said River to a certain place therein, called the Double Stream, , and from thence on the north side of the said River according to its various windings across the King’s Highway leading from Northwold to Didlington, in the said county, at the north end of a certain bridge, called Didlington Bridge, and from thence on the north east corner of a certain Fen in Northwold, called the Mill Fen, and from thence across the said River to the said north east corner of Mill Fen, and from thence nearly on the east side of an ancient drain or water course in Northwold, called the Devil’s Dyke, in the said parish of Northwold, and from thence nearly in a south direction along and upon the middle of the said dyke or bank across the Turnpike Road leading from Stoke Ferry to Cranwich, in the said county of Norfolk, to the south end of the said dyke or bank within the said parish of Northwold, and from thence in a northwest direction at the ends of the lands in Brandheck field in Northwold, to the west side of the King’s Highway, leading from Didlington aforementioned to Brandon, in the county of Suffolk, and from thence in a south west direction about twenty five yards to the east end of a certain drain in Northwold aforesaid, called the String Drain, and from thence on the south side of the said Drain nearly in a west direction to the end of a certain Drain. Called String Drain, to a certain place or broad water in the said Drain to the north side thereof, and from thence on the north side of the said Drain nearly in a west direction to the King’s Highway leading from Northwold to Methwold, in the said county, and from thence across the said Highway, and from thence nearly in a west direction to the Turnpike Road leading from Stoke Ferry aforesaid to Bandon aforesaid, and from thence across the said Turnpike Road, and from thence on the north side of the said Drain in the same direction to a certain place, called Daisy Corner, being the fourth corner of a certain Fen in Northwold, called Threw Fen, and from thence across the said Drain to the fourth side thereof, and from there; on the south side of the said Drain nearly in a west direction to certain Enclosures within the said parish of Methwold, called Thornham Close, belonging to Richard Paul Jodrell, Esq. and from thence across the said Drain to the north side of the same which is there, called Methwold Lode, and from thence nearly in a west direction on the north side of the said Drain, called Methwold Lode, to the said River Wissey or Stoke River on the south west corner of High Fen in Northwold, called Bess Buckles Corner, and from thence across the said River to the north west side thereof, and from thence to the west and north sides of the said River to a point opposite the west end of a certain drain which divides the Adventures in Northwold aforesaid, belonging to James Bradfield, Esq. from the said Fen, called High Fen, and from thence in a north east direction on the north side of the said River for about the distance of 100 yards, and from thence across the said River on the south east side thereof, and from thence on the south east side of the said River nearly in a north east direction to a certain point there opposite the Engine Mill on the land of James Bradfield, in the said Adventurers Land from a certain fen in Northwold, called Whittington Moor, and from thence across the said River Wissey to the west side thereof about one hundred and Ten yards below the Bridge at Stoke Ferry aforesaid, which last-mentioned Boundary from the south west side of the said River Wissey, formally was and now called the Old River, and from thence nearly in a north east direction in the middle of the said River to the said Bridge od Stoke Ferry aforementioned.
And the said Commissioners do also give notice, that we intend to hold our next Meeting for the purpose of proceeding in the further execution of the powers vested in us, in and by the said Act, at the house of Richard Curtis, being the Crown Inn, in Stoke Ferry aforesaid, on Monday the thirty-first day of October next, at the hour of Eleven o’clock in the forenoon, – Dated this 10th day of September, 1796.
HENRY BURTON, J. DUGMORE, JOHN HOUCHEN. (NC 15.10.1796)
October 8, 1796. Enclosure, Shouldham.
“Shouldham and Shouldham Thorpe, otherwise Garboise Thorpe Enclosure. We whose Names are hereunto subscribed, being the Commissioners named and authorized in and by an Act of Parliament entitled, “An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Common Fields, Half Year Lands, Fen Lands, Lammas Meadows, Heaths, Commons, and Waste-Lands, within the Parishes of Shouldham and Shouldham Thorpe, otherwise Garboise Thorpe, in the county of Norfolk.” Do hereby give notice, that they intend to set out and appoint the public roads and highways hereinafter mentioned and described, pursuant to the directions of the said Act (that is to say,)
First – In the parish of Shouldham as resaid, — road being the present road leading from Shouldham to Marham, in the said county, beginning at the Found Green, in Shouldham aforesaid, and proceeding from thence nearly in a south east direction over Seaff Green, to the west end of Lang’s Lane, and along the said Lane to the east end thereof, and from thence nearly in a south direction for a distance of about 220 yards, and from there nearly in an east direction to the southeast corner of Bowel Wood belonging to Thomas Hare, Esq and from thence nearly in the same direction to or near the direction post, standing in Limekiln Shift[?], in Shouldham aforesaid, and from thence nearly in a north direction to the Town street of Marham aforesaid, near the Pound.
Second – In the said parish of Shouldham, one other road branching out of the last described road, at the distance of about 380 yards from Bowel wood aforesaid, and proceeding nearly in a south direction, in a straight line to the north end of a road called She-t Lane, in the bounds of Fincham, in the said county, being the road leading from Shouldham to Fincham aforesaid.
Third – In the said parish of Shouldham. One other road branching out of the first described road, about 100 yards from the south west corner of Cherry Close, belonging to the said Thomas Hare, in the occupation of James Potter, and proceeding nearly in an east direction across the said Cherry Close, and from thence nearly in the same direction on the north side of new close belonging to the said Thomas Hare, in the occupation of the said James Porter, to the north-east corner thereof, and from thence nearly in an east direction on the south side of the bounds of Marham; and from thence nearly in a south direction on the east side of the barn belonging to the said Thomas Hare, in the occupation of the said James Porter, until it joins the north end of a road in the bounds of Barton, in the said county, being the road leading from Shouldham aforesaid to Swaffham in the said county.
Fourth – In the said parish of Shouldham, one other road beginning at the said Pound Green, and proceeding from thence nearly in a north direction to the Abbey Common in Shouldham, and from thence nearly in the same direction over part of the said Abbey Common, for a distance of about 570 yards, and from thence nearly in an east direction to, or near the west end of Redmore Lane, and from thence on the north side of the said lane, over certain lands called Oxtorths[?], belonging to the said Thomas Hare, to a certain fen called Button Fen, in Shouldham, and from thence nearly in the same direction over the same fen, until it joins the present new road in the bounds of Marham.
Fifth – In the said parish of Shouldham, one other road beginning at the north-east corner of the said green, called South Green, and proceeding nearly in a north direction along a certain street in Shouldham, called the Back street, to the north end thereof, and from thence nearly in an east direction on the north side of several houses belonging to John Lamson and others, until it joins the road fourthly described, at or near the horsestall of the Rev. James Oakes.
Sixth – One other road being the present road leading from Shouldham aforesaid to King’s Lynn, in the said county, beginning, at the said Pound Green, and proceeding early in a west direction to South Green, and from thence in the same direction over the said green to a lane leading to Shelly Field, in Shouldham aforesaid, and along the said lane to the west end thereof, and from thence in the same direction to a certain place called Short Row, and from thence nearly in the same direction, until it joins the turnpike road leading from Stoke Ferry, in the said county, to King’s Lynn aforesaid, which last-described road lies part in the parish of Shouldham, and part in the parish of Shouldham Thorpe.
Seventh – In the parish of Shouldham Thorpe, one other road being part of the present road beginning at Hengate Common, in Fincham aforesaid, and proceeding in nearly a north-west direction across Finchley common, to a gate near the Tythe Barn, in Shouldham Thorpe, and from thence nearly in a north direction over a certain green, called Thorpe Green, and from thence nearly in the same direction over certain lands belonging to the said Thomas Hare and others, called Rogers Corner, until it joins the road sixthly described.
Eighth – In the parish of Shouldham Thorpe, one other road branching out of the last-mentioned road, at the distance of about 50 yards from the said Tythe Barn, and proceeding in a Lane, called Church Lane, and along the said lane until it joins the said turnpike road leading from Stoke Ferry aforesaid to King’s Lynn aforesaid.
Ninth – In the parish of Shouldham Thorpe, one other road being the present turnpike road leading from Stoke Ferry aforesaid, to King’s Lynn aforesaid, beginning at a Lane called Shaasett[?] Long Lane, and proceeding in nearly a north direction in its present course to the bounds of West Biggs in Tottenhall in the said county.
Tenth – In the parish of Shouldham Thorpe, one other road being the present road, branching out of the said Turnpike Road, and proceeding nearly in a north west direction to the bounds of Tottenhill aforesaid, being the road leading from Shouldham aforesaid, to Watlington, in the said county.
Eleventh – In the parish of Shouldham Thorpe, one other road being part of the present road, branching out of the said Turnpike Road, at, or near the Shepherd’s House belonging to the said Thomas Hare, in the occupation of James Parker, and proceeding nearly in a west direction over Fedderston Green to the bounds of Runston Holme, in the said county, being the road leading from Shouldham Thorpe to Runston Holme aforesaid.
Twelfth – And also one other road being the present road, beginning at the south end of the road secondly described and proceeding from there nearly in a west direction of a certain Lane, called Galow [sic] Lane , and along the same to the west end thereof, and proceeding from thence nearly in the same direction over Woodfield, until it joins the road fifthly described.
N.B. One half of the said last described road from the beginning thereof to the west end of the said Galow Lane, lies in the said parish of Shouldham, and the other half in the parish of Fincham aforesaid, and the remainder thereof lies in the said parish of Shouldham, and part in the said parish of Shouldham Thorpe.
And we the said Commissioners do further give notice, that we have appointed our next Meeting to be held at the house of Susanna Smith, widow, being the Queen’s Head Inn, in Downham Market, in the said county of Norfolk, on Monday the 14th of November next, at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon, in order to hear and consider any objections which may be made against the said intended roads or any of them, and if any person or persons, should have any objections to the said roads, or shall have any other roads to propose, such person or persons is or are required to deliver his or their objections in writing to us the said Commissioners, within 21 days, or at our said Meeting. – Dated the 8th day of October, 1796. JOSEPH FORBY, JOHN HOUCHEN, T. G. EWEN. (NC 15.10.1796)
December 19, 1796. Auction/Commerce/Crown Inn/Malting:
At the Crown Inn, Stoke Ferry, auction of 28 Lots.
“ELIGIBLE FREEHOLD ESTATES, advantageously situated on and near the NAVIGABLE RIVER WISSEY, at STOKE, 88 miles from LONDON, on the Turnpike Road to LYNN, from which it is distant 14 miles, and from BRANDON 10, in a fine corn country, with NAVIGABLE COMMUNICATION, with LYNN, WISBECH, PETERBOROUGH, ELY, CAMBRIDGE, BEDFORD, NORTHAMPTON, BURY, BRANDON, and THETFORD, and are let to tenants at will, at rents amounting to THREE HUNDRED and SEVENTY FIVE POUNDS, Five Shillings per annum; consisting of the OLD ESTABLISHED BULL INN, MERCHANTS YARD, NAVIGATION on the RIVER WISSEY, FISHERY, CAPITAL MALTING and GRANARIES, GENTEEL DWELLING HOUSE, OFFICES, COACH HOUSE, STABLING, and GARDENS, and sundry small MESSUAGES, FARMS and LANDS; containing about TWO HUNDRED and THIRTY ACRES.
ALSO SEVENTY-SIX ACRES of MEADOW and ARABLE LANDS, situate at PENTNEY, one mile from NARBOROUGH, within eight miles of SWAFFHAM, and 10 of LYNN REGIS, let to Tenants at will at SEVENTY-TWO POUNDS per annum.” (NC 03 12 1796)
1797
February 13, 1797. Enclosure, Northwold /Crown Inn:
“NOTICE is hereby given, that the Commissioners named and appointed in and by an Act of Parliament, entitled, ‘An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the Common Fields, Whole-year Lands, Half-year Lands, Commons, Fed Grounds, and Waste Lands, in the parish of Northwold, in the county of Norfolk’ will hold their next meeting on Monday the twenty-seventh day of February instant, at the hour of none o’clock in the forenoon, at the house of Richard Curtis, being the public inn known by the name or sign of the Crown, in Stoke Ferry, in the said county, for the purpose of proceeding further in the execution of the said Act, Dated this thirteenth day of February, one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven. BENJ. YOUNG, Solicitor.” (NC 18.01.1797)
May 1797. Military:
Deserters from Oxborough and Stoke Ferry: “DESERTERS FROM THE Norfolk Supplementary Militia, NORFOLK to WIT. WHEREAS the following men enrolled for the Norfolk Supplementary Militia, did not attend any part of the Twenty days appointed for training and exercising of the respective divisions to which they belong, nor has the Commanding Officer received any certificates of their being prevented by sickness, or any other unavoidable necessity; they are therefore to be deemed Deserters, and according to Act of Parliament, have incurred the penalty of Twenty Pounds, and in case of non-payment, to be committed to Prison for Six Months.
The Subdivision Clerks, and others concerned, are hereby required to use their best endeavours for the finding up of the said deserters, and causing them to be carried before a Magistrate or Deputy-Lieutenant, to be dealt with according to Law. – Nevertheless, if the said Deserters, or any of them, will as soon as possible, surrender themselves to the Commanding Officer of the Fifth Division, now assembled at Thetford, their offence will for this time be pardoned, on condition of performing their duty at that place; but this indulgence will not be granted to them, or to any others guilty of the like offence, at any future period. Names of Deserters, as follows…” [There follows a lengthy list of names including from the Second Division, 8 names, including John English, substitute for John Fenn, of Oxborough and, from the Third Division, 17 names ,including: William Lunt, substitute for John Hewson, of Stoke Ferry.] (NC 06.05.1797)
May, 1797. Military/Deserters.
“DESERTERS FROM THE Norfolk Supplementary Militia. Norfolk to Wit. WHEREAS the following Men, inrolled [sic] for the Norfolk Supplementary Militia, did not attend any part of the Twenty Days appointed for the training and exercising of the respective to which they belong, nor has the Commanding Officer received any certificates of their being prevented by sickness, or any other unavoidable necessity; they are therefore to be deemed Deserters, and according to the Act of Parliament, have incurred the penalty of Twenty Pounds, and in case of non-payment, to be committed to Prison for Six Months. The Subdivision Clerks, and others concerned are hereby required to use their best endeavours for the finding up of the said defaulters, and causing them to be carried before some Magistrate or Deputy-Lieutenant, to be dealt with according to Law. – Nevertheless, if the said Deserters, or any of them, will as soon as possible, surrender themselves to the Commanding Officer of the 5th Division, now assembled at Thetford, their offence will for this time be pardoned, on condition of performing their duty at that place; but this indulgence will not be granted to them, or any others guilty of the like offence, at any future period. Names of Deserters, as follows:…” [a long list of names then followed including: William Lunt, substitute to John Hewson, of Stoke Ferry; John English, substitute for John Fenn, of Oxborough; John Salter, substitute for John Frost, of Barton Bendish; Thomas Garwood, substitute for John Eldred, of Foulden.] “…EDWARD HARCOURT, Clerk of the General Norfolk Militia Meetings.” (NC 13 .05.1797)
June 19, 1797. Turnpike/Crown Inn:
“NOTICE is hereby given, that the Tolls arising at both the Tollgates, upon the Turnpike Roads, in the town of Stoke-Ferry, in the county of Norfolk, also, the Toll-house and Garden thereto belonging, will be Let by Auction, to the Best Bidder, at the Crown Inn, in Stoke Ferry aforesaid, on Thursday the Twentieth day of July next ensuing, between the hours of Four and Six o’clock in the afternoon, for One, Two, or Three Years, as shall be agreed upon by the Trustees then present, commencing from the First day of August, then next following, in the manner directed by the Act passed in the Thirteenth year of his present Majesty’s Reign, for regulating Turnpike Roads, which Tolls were let the last year for the Sum of Two Hundred and Forty-four Pounds, clear of the expenses of collecting them, and will be put up at that sum, and whoever happens to be the best bidder, must, at the time, give security, with sufficient sureties, to the satisfaction of the Trustees of the said Roads, for payment of the rent agreed for, and at such times and proportions as they shall direct. Dated the 19th June 1797. Roger Micklefield, Clerk to the Trustees.” (NC 24.06.1797)
August 5, 1797. Died/Crown Inn:
“Lately died, at Wretton, in this county, Mr. John Verden, who many years kept the Crown inn, Stoke.” (NC 05.08.1797)
August 14, 1797. Turnpike/Crown Inn:
“Whereas the Stoke Ferry Toll-houses and Garden, Toll-gates and Tolls, were not let at the Meeting of the Trustees held on the Tenth day of August instant,- Therefore pursuant to the directions of the Stoke Ferry Turnpike Acts and the Turnpike Act of the Thirteenth year of the reign of his present Majesty, – They appointed another meeting, to be held on Thursday the Twenty-first of September next, at the Crown In, in Stoke Ferry, in the county of Norfolk, at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon; for letting the said Toll-house and Garden, Toll-gates and Tolls, by auction, or to the highest bidder, between the hours of Four and Six o’clock in the afternoon of that day, for one, two, or three years, and the yearly rent thereof to be made payable at such times and proportions as it shall be agreed upon by the trustees, then present. Dated the 14th day of August, 1797. Roger Micklefield, Clerk to the Trustees.” (NC 02.09.1797)
September 1797. To Let/Malting:
“NORFOLK. To be LET, at Stoke Ferry, In a fine Corn Country, with a navigable communication to Lynn, Wisbech, and various Inland Towns and Markets. A Capital well-built MALTING OFFICE, which steeps 52 coombs every 4 days, granaries for about 1000 quarters of corn, and other sufficient room for a necessary stock of malt and barley, a kiln and spacious yard; a convenient and roomy dwelling house, with good stables, coach house, brewhouse, offices, and gardens. The tenant may be accommodated with any reasonable quantity of land. Apply to Mr. Chas. Sanders, at Stoke Ferry aforesaid. Any person willing rather to purchase, may do so at a fair value.” (IJ 23.09.1797)
September 25, 1797. Enclosure: Northwold.
“NORTHWOLD ENCLOSURE. NOTICE is hereby given, that the Commissioners named and authorized in and by an Act of Parliament, entitled, “An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the common fields, whole year lands, half year lands, commons, fen grounds, and waste lands, within the parish of Northwold, in the county of Northwold,” do intend to hold their next Meeting on Monday the sixteenth of October next, at Ten of the clock in the forenoon, at the public Inn known by the name or sign of the Crown, in Stoke Ferry, in the said county. – And notice is hereby given, that the said Commissioners have directed the several allotments intended to be made by them by virtue of the said Act, to be staked out by Monday the Ninth day of October next, and that they will be ready at their said next Meeting, to hear, consider and determine any objections which may be then made by the proprietors to their sad respective allotments, or any of them. – Dated this Twenty-fifth day of September, 1797. HENRY BURTON, J. DUGMORE, JOHN HOUCHEN.” (NC 30.09.1797)
December 4, 1797. Enclosure, Northwold:
“NORTHWOLD ENCLOSURE. NOTICE is hereby given, that the Commissioners named and authorized in and by an Act of Parliament, entitled, “An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the common fields, whole year lands, half year lands, commons, fen grounds, and waste lands, within the parish of Northwold, in the county of Northwold,” will hold their next Meeting, by adjournment, on Wednesday the Twentieth day of December instant, at Ten of the clock in the forenoon, at the public Inn known by the name or sign of the Crown, in Stoke Ferry, in the said county, for the purpose for proceeding further in the execution of the said Act. Dated this Fourth day of December, 1797. BENJ. YOUNG, Solicitor.“ (NC 09.12.1797)
December 12, 1797. Enclosure: Northwold.
“NORTHWOLD ENCLOSURE. MEETING POSTPONED. NOTICE is hereby given, that the Commissioners named and authorized in and by an Act of Parliament, entitled, “An Act for dividing, allotting, and enclosing the common fields, whole year lands, half year lands, commons, fen grounds, and waste lands, within the parish of Northwold, in the county of Northwold,” will hold their next Meeting, on Wednesday the Tenth day of January next, at the hour of Ten of the clock in the forenoon, at the public Inn known by the name or sign of the Crown, in Stoke Ferry, in the said county, for the purpose for proceeding further in the execution of the said Act. Dated this Twelfth day of December, 1797. BENJ. YOUNG, Solicitor.“ (NC 091612.1797)
1798
August, 1798. Legal.
“SWAFFHAM, August xx, 1778. PUBLIC Notice is hereby given, That as an Encouragement for the more immediate apprehending of offenders, a reward of Ten Guineas, with an allowance of every reasonable expence [sic], will be paid to any person or persons who shall apprehend any one who stole. Or was concerned in stealing any horse, mare, colt, or filly, from the undermentioned subscribers, so that he, she, or they be there, of lawfully convicted, by applying to CHRIS. RODWELL, Treasurer, at Swaffham…” The list of subscribers included Rev. Mr. White, John Coote, John Harvey of Oxburgh [sic]; H. Helsham, William Larner and Edward Squire of Stoke [Ferry]. (IJ 12.09.1778)
June 29, 1798. Accident :
“On the 29th ult, a most shocking accident happened at Stoke Ferry, in Norfolk. As the two sons and a servant of Mr. Edward Youngman, an opulent farmer, were returning from shooting birds from a piece of colefeed [a popular crop in the Fens, often used as part of a rotation system], one of the guns by accident went off and shot his eldest son, a young man of about 16 years of age, through one of his hands and into his body, of which he languished till the next day, and then died in great agonies.” (CI 21.07.1798)
July 1798. Died:
“A few days since, as a boy was climbing a tree in Oxborough, Norfolk, for a bird’s nest, a person of the parish mistaking him for a ring-dove, shot at him, by which he was wounded in the legs in a so dreadful a manner that he is not likely to recover.” (SA 21.007.1798)
1799
January 15, 1799. Birth: John Wright Etheridge (d. April 8, 1883). He became the husband of Gertrude Etheridge (February 26, 1806-August 21, 1882). (ASC)
May 1779. Employment/Postal Service:
“Wanted immediately, an APPRENTICE to a COOPER, in a Shop where Hoop-Making and Clapboard Riving (16) is carried on. – For Particulars enquire of EDMUND THOMPSON, Cooper, at the Post Office, Stoke Ferry. N.B. A JOURNEYMAN (13) is wanted for the same place.” (NC 01.05.1799)
Late 1700s
Late 1700s. Building: Moulsham House, High Street, Stoke Ferry. This late 18th century house was constructed. Once partly used as a bank and later, under various owners as a drapers and groceries shop for some 150 years. (HE, and PP, p27))
Footnotes:
(1) 1751, September, The Hundred of Clackclose: Also referred to as The Hundred and Half of Clackclose. Between Anglo-Saxon times and the nineteenth century Norfolk was divided for administrative purposes into hundreds, plus the boroughs of Norwich, King’s Lynn, Thetford, and Great Yarmouth. Each hundred had a separate council that met to rule on local judicial and taxation matters.
(2) 1751, September, Chief Constables: these were Parish Constables who were chosen by the local manorial courts and then appointed by a local magistrate.
(3) 1756, October, MESSUAGE: a dwelling house with outbuildings and land assigned to its use.
(4) 1756, Glebe lands: is an area of land within an ecclesiastical parish used to support a parish priest. The land may be owned by the church, or profits from the land (e.g. rent) may be reserved to the church.
(5) 1756, December, Roger Micklefield: (c1722-1809), was a money lender and local solicitor he was involved in the vast majority of all legal transitions in and around the village of Stoke Ferry.
(6) 1772, Honor of Clare: The Norman Earls of Clare were once the baronial owners of lands of Stoke Ferry. The court of the Honor of Clare was a feudal court where petty criminal issues were resolved and tenants/sub-tenants paid their dues through a receiver, steward or constable. The Honor of Clare’s lands were extensive, and The Eastern circuit consisted of numerous estates within East Anglia including holdings in Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridge, and Norfolk. Lords of the Manor had freehold ownership of the land, which could then be leased long-term to others under a system called copyhold (because the owner had a copy of the court roll recording the conveyance). During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries land was gradually enfranchised to the tenants (converted into freehold, the model of ownership in use today), but certain manorial rights were often retained.
(7) 1773, June, Association for apprehending horse-stealers: This type of Association was being created elsewhere in Norfolk at this time e.g. in The South Erpingham Association, Aylesham (NC June 14, 1794) and, Diss Association (NC June 11, 1782)
(8) 1773, June 5, James Bradfield: He became very wealthy through the acquisition of lands in and around Stoke Ferry and was, at one point the Lord of the Manor of Stoke Ferry. It was probable that he lived in the Manor House, Wretton Road, Stoke Ferry (FF). He was also a land agent in Ireland for the absentee landlord, the Earl of Mountrath, whose English landholdings included Weeting Hall, near Stoke Ferry.
(9) 1776, A wrap reel or skein winder was a device for measuring yarn and making it into hanks of wool at a standard size, weight, and strength (a skein or lea). The standard length for wool would be 80 yards, though in the 18th century there were regional variations. In the 1760s, Yorkshire wool manufacturers formed a private association funded by subscription to pay the costs of prosecutions and for two inspectors to prevent short and false reeling by their workers. By 1778, the master wool combers and yarn spinners of East Anglia adopted the Yorkshire rules and set up their own Association. Wool spinning was mostly carried out by women in their own homes who, across Norfolk worked for masters supplying the Norwich weaving industry. Short reeling in East Anglia continued until the end of the 18th century when the mechanisation of production in Yorkshire made the wool trade in Norfolk and Suffolk immaterial.
(10) 1778, Whitesmith: someone who makes articles out of metal, especially tin.
(11) Heriots: Taxes paid from the estate of a dead tenant to the local lord.
(12) Communibus Annis: means on an average year.
(13) 1780, Chaldron: a weight of 32 to 36 bushels or more, dependent on local custom. It is an old style of the word ‘Cauldron’;
(14) 1781, June 20, Lammas Meadows: Patches of meadowland that are owned by local families and not enclosed. Each owner could take a crop of hay off their patch in July, then from Lammas Day (1 August) to February, the land becomes common grazing.
(15) 1783, April 18 A Journeyman is a qualified worker who works for someone else.
(16) 1793: Anthony Etheridge: (1712-1775), a gentleman farmer of Hindringham, North Norfolk. He and his descendants acquired significant commercial interests in Stoke Ferry.
(17) 1794, April, This is part of the British State’s creation of a ‘standing army’ and a ‘regular infantry’; as a reaction to the French Revolution. The British Government also released criminals and debtors from prison on the condition they joined the army. Of the Volunteer recruits, some would find they had been enticed to take the King’s shilling under false pretences and many men would find they had signed up to a lifetime in the army.
(18) 1793, June 22, French Refugee Clergy: Under Revolutionary France’s Civil Constitution of the Clergy of January 1, 1791, every bishop, parish priest and curate had to take an oath of fidelity to the new Constitution or lose their positions. The Decree of the French Legislative Assembly of August 26, 1792 aimed to rid the country of those clergy who did not take the oath – non-oath takers were ordered to obtain a passport and say which country they wishes to go to or face to French Guiana. This led to an emigration of Catholic French clergy to several European countries including Protestant Britain. At this time Catholicism in Norfolk was mainly confined to around the stately homes of important recusant families, including the Bedingfelds at Oxborough; the Jerninghams at Costessey, near Norwich, the Gages at Hengrave, near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk; and, the Huddlestones at Sawston, Cambridgeshire. Three orders of nuns took refuge in East Anglia in the 1790s along with many French priests. This included a community of thirty-six Benedictine nuns who moved to Bodney Hall, Breckland, Norfolk. On September 2, 1793, the nuns were housed at Diss and were given 20 guineas by the Committee. Shortly afterwards they requested and were awarded £35 a month to subsidises their living ‘Educating Young Ladies’. After nearly half a century at Bodney and Heath Hall, they settled in Princethorpe, Warwickshire.
(19)1794 May 24, Anthony Etheridge Jr (1739-1806), grain, wool and wine merchant of Stoke Ferry and also described himself as a ‘grocer and draper’.
(20) 1794, June 14: In the British Army authority was given to an individual empowering him to raise men by beat of drum for any particular regiment, or for general service.
(21) 1796, Winnold Fair was held on the 3rd March.
(22) 1779, Riving: splitting wood for facing on housing.
Sources:
ASC: All Saints Cemetery
B&N: Bury and Norwich Post
BH: Brewing History
CANP: Character Assessment, Neighbourhood Plan, Stoke Ferry
CI: Cambridge Intelligencer
DM: Derby Mercury
FF: A Farthing for the Ferryman, Richard L. Coates, The Harpsden Press, 2019
HE: Historic England
IJ: Ipswich Journal
JHC: Journal of the House of Commons
JMC: Jim McNeill’s Collection, Stoke Ferry
KG: Kentish Gazette
MM: Manchester Mercury
NC: Norfolk Chronicle
NH: Norfolk Heritage
SA: Staffordshire Advertiser
SFMP: Stoke Ferry Market Place Facebook contributors
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