CHAPTER 7: HAPPING DURING THE POST MEDIEVAL PERIOD

In 1549 a failed rebellion grew throughout Norfolk regarding 'Enclosure', this is the lord of the manor fencing off parts of the medieval open fields (the so called Kett's Rebellion) and open rebellion occurred in Sea Palling (1). At the time of the Spanish Armada (1588) and due to the vulnerability of the coast, defences were constructed at Waxham and Winterton (2). Sir Henry Woodhouse was responsible for the defence of this area plus Yarmouth (if necerssary) and there were cannon placed at Winterton and Broomholme to defend the coast (27). Most parish registers start shortly after the medieval period (3) and in 1603 an incomplete list of church communicants for each parish was compiled (4).

Brumstead - the parish registers start in 1561 and there were 64 communicants in 1603.

Catfield - the parish registers start in 1558 and the number of communicants in 1603 is unknown.

Eccles & Hempstead - the parish registers start in 1707 and the number of communicants in 1603 was 142.

Happisburgh - the parish registers start in 1558 and there were 159 communicants in 1603.

Heigham (Potter) - the parish registers start in 1538 and the number of communicants in 603 is unknown.

Hickling - the parish registers start in 1653 and the number of communicants in 1603 is unknown.

Horsey - the parish registers start in 1559 and there were 58 communicants in 1603.

Ingham - the surviving parish registers start in 1800 and the number of communicants in 1603 was 140.

Lessingham - the parish registers start in 1557 and there were 75 communicants in 1603.

Ludham - the parish registers start in 1583 and there were 260 communicants in 1603.

Palling (Sea) - the parish registers start in 1616 and no records exist regarding the 1603 communicants.

Ruston (East) - the parish registers start in 1558 and there were 260 communicants in 1603.

Stalham - the parish registers start in 1560 and the number of communicants in 1603 was 180.

Sutton - the parish register start in 1559 and there were 86 communicants in 1603.

Walcott - the parish registers start in 1558 and there were 110 communicants in 1603.

Waxham - the parish registers start in 1780 and the number of communicants in 1603 is unknown.

The above suggests that Horsey, Stalham & Walcott had an increase in population since 1088 and that Lessingham and Ludham had a decrease in population. Coastal erosion was still a problem during this period as in 1605 the inhabitants of Eccles petitioned that their taxes might be moderated on account of originally out of 80 households and 1300 acres of land, only 14 households and 300 acres were left, the rest having been destroyed by the sea (5). However, this may have been a gross exaggeration designed to greatly reduce their taxes. In 1608 there was a major breach within the sea defences and as a consequence the Sea Breach Commission was established to survey the extent of the problem in the Broadland area and to levy taxes to remedy the problem by raising banks along the affected areas (6). In 1722 the Yarmouth Pier and Haven Act laid down the tolls charged on cargoes unloaded at Yarmouth that were used for maintaining the Haven and keeping the principle rivers in the Broadland region dredged (7).

HICKLING FLOOD OF 1608

During the English Civil war of 1642-6 Norfolk declared for Parliament but it appears that only a few families actively took part. In Happing there was an active Royalist supporter in Ludham and an active Parliamentarian supporter in Stalham, elsewhere there appears to been little activity (8). However, it is thought that the followers of Cromwell defaced the screen of Potter Heigham church and that the Vicar supported the King as a marble tablet states "Robert Myhill, Vicar, who suffered much in the Oliverian times" (9). Graffiti appearing to date from this period can also be found in Hickling church. In 1677, regulations applied to the commons of Ludham, Catfield and Potter Heigham regarding the cutting of reed (for thatch) the day after St Andrew's day, to preserve this important commodity. Riverside limekilns are known in the 1600 and 1700s such as at Ludham and Stalham (10). Tanners are noted in Hickling and Ludham during the 17th century (11). An Endowed non-classical school was established in Happisburgh between 1700 and 1750 (12). In 1733, Thomas Brograve purchased Waxham and Horsey manors and so began the notorious Brograve family of Waxham. When Thomas died in 1753, his son, Berney Brograve inherited the manors (28). Berney's wife died in 1765 and within a month he placed an announcement in the Norwich Mercury '... the death of my wife ... wanted by me a middle aged woman who perfectly understands cooking and a table; she is likewise to act as housekeeper; she must not be wasteful ...' (28). However, Berney remarried an heiress in 1769, just 12 months before she inherited her father's money. On one occasion, Berney insisted on fighting a local chimney sweep in an attempt not to pay for having his chimneys swept (29). It is reputed that the local villagers not only feared Berney but stole from him and there are two stories regarding him and the Devil - one describes a mowing match between the two (29). Sir Berney's son, Sir George, reputedly kept a pack of hounds that were kept so hungry that they once killed and ate a keeper (30). In the 1780s there were between 100 and 150 people eligible to vote in Happing who elected Thomas William Coke over John Woodhouse (13). Between 1763 and 1785 a workhouse was established at Smallburgh for the Hundreds of Happing and Tunstead, which was dissolved in 1869 (14). By the mid 1770s smuggling along this stretch of the coast had reached its zenith and there is a report of a secret vault in Palling where contraband was hidden. Revenue Officer, Robert Sexton, based at Happisburgh would patrol the coast between Palling and Waxham and the Revenue Cutter 'Hunter' was a familiar sight along this coastline. It was commonplace for the local population to steal from any ship washed up on the beach. After a storm on New Year's Eve in 1779, 11 ships were washed ashore and immediately plundered by the local population who were reported by the Norwich Mercury to behave 'more like savages than civilised people' (15). As smuggling declined the local Fishermen took to salvage, forming themselves into companies of Beachmen or Longshore Sharks and demanding exorbitant payments from vessels in distress. This practice ceased in 1852 when a lifeboat station was installed at Palling (16). In 1791 the large red and white lighthouse at Happisburgh was built (17). In Happing between 1793-1815 majority of the remaining ancient medieval open field systems were replaced by smaller fields enclosed by fences and hedges by a Parliamentary Act (18). In 1830 there was another rebellion due to the introduction of new farming techniques and machinery that put men out of work. The 'Swing' riots were so called because farmers would receive threatening letters signed by a 'Captain Swing', whose identity has never been determined. In Happing there was arson in Sutton and the destruction of farm machinery in Hickling, Happisburgh & Walcott (19). Stalham had its own Iron foundry in 1888 (20). The Waxham New Cut was dug around 1820 to facilitate drainage and to provide access to various villages and the brickworks at Lound Bridge (21). The North Walsham and Dilham canal built was built in 1826 at a cost of £30,000 and carried Coal, Timber, Manure, Flour and Corn, etc. It was not a great success and the last Wherry to use it was in 1934 (22). Various drainage windmills were built around this period to drain the low-lying land around Happing. St Benet's mill built was built in c1740, Highs at Potter Heigham in 1806, Stubb Mill at Hickling in c1800, Hickling Broad & Swim Coots at Catfield & Womack Water at Ludham & Catfield Fen between c1825 and c1840, Ludham Bridge between c1840 and 1880, Smallburgh in 1847 & Eel Fleet at Potter Heigham in c1860, Horsey in 1912 (23). It should be noted that when these mills were not draining the fens some of them were adapted to grind corn. The railway arrived in Happing in 1879 (24). From Whites Trade Directory dated 1845 (25);

Brumstead - The population was 116 and it had 789 acres of land. Mr Cubitt Durrant was lord of the manor. There was a Blacksmith and a Farmer. The church was held by the Reverend Horatio Nelson William Comyn, who was the son of Lord Nelson's Chaplain and was baptised on HMS Victory.

THE STREET, CATFIELD.

Catfield - The population was 655and it had 2393 acres of land. The Reverend Cubitt was lord of the manor of Catfield Hall and the Reverend John Prowett was the incumbent of the church. There was a Wherry owner, Blacksmiths, a School Master, a Butcher, a Grocer, Joiners, a Baker, a Brick maker, Shoemakers, a Tailor, a Miller and 21 Farmers.

Eccles - The population was 53 and it had 253 acres of land. There were 3 Farmers. The church was unused.

Happisburgh - The population was 631 and the size of the parish was 1953 acres. There were two herring and several small fishing-boats. Mr Andrew Siely, of Walcott, was lord of the manor. There was a large School, built about 80 years previous and two lighthouses. The Revered Charles Birch was the Vicar. There was a Wheel-right, Peter Bird ran the Swan PH, a School Master, a Saddler, a Beer-house and shop, a Grocer, a Miller, a Tailor, a Joiner, Francis le Neve ran the Hill House PH, a Shopkeeper, a Baker, Lieutenant Watson Riches was a Royal Navy Coast Guard, a Blacksmith, a joiner, Shoemakers and 10 Farmers.

Hempstead - The population was 175 and it had 907 acres of land. J Blake was lord of the manor and the incumbency was held by the Reverend Edward Wilkins. There were 5 Farmers.

HICKLING STAITHE.

Hickling - The population was 860 and it had 4334 acres of land. Nathaniel Micklethwait was lord of the manor and the Reverend Millard was the incumbent. There were two School Masters, Benjamin Bates was a joiner and ran the Greyhound PH, a Shopkeeper, Mary Burton ran the Bull PH, a Tailor, a Wheelwright, a Miller, a Tailor, a Shopkeeper & Coal dealer, Blacksmiths, Joshua Steward ran the White Horse PH, Shoemakers and 23 Farmers.

Horsey - The population was 162 and it had 1839 acres of land. Robert Rising was lord of the manor and the reverend William Rees is the incumbent. Thomas Morten ran the Nelson's Head PH and there were 3 Farmers.

Ingham - The population was 509 and it had 1503 acres of land. Robert Whaites was lord of the manor and the Reverend Edward Wymer was the incumbent. A large stock fair was held here on Trinity Monday. There was a Wheelwright, Shoemakers, a Blacksmith, a Tailor & Shopkeeper, William Lack ran the Swan PH, a Bricklayer, a Miller & Farmer, a Master Mariner and 4 Farmers.

Lessingham - The population was 241 and it had 640 acres of land. The manor was held by King's College, Cambridge. There was a Gardener, a Wheelwright, Blacksmiths, a Shoemaker, Tailors, a Saddler, Benjamin Payne ran the Star PH, a Tailor & Hatter, a Bricklayer, a Grocer & Draper and 5 Farmers.

OLD LUDHAM BRIDGE.

Ludham - The population was 924 and it had 2977 acres of land. It had two manors, called Walton Hall and Ludham Bacon, both which the Bishop of Norwich is lord. The church was enjoyed by the Reverend Bathurst. Bishop Redmor procured a fair on the Thursday and Friday after Trinity Sunday and market for Ludham. There was a National School built in 1841. There was a Hairdresser, William Bridgeman was Excise Officer, a Corn and coal merchant, a Butcher, a Boarding Academy, a Baker, a Millwright, a Plumber and Glazier, a Farrier, a Joiner & Builder, a Surgeon, a Saddler, a School Master, Jason Littlewood ran the King's Arms PH, a Glover, Robert Newton ran the Crown PH, a Solicitor, a Druggist & Ironmonger, 3 Blacksmiths, 2 Bricklayers, a Policeman, 2 Millers, 19 Farmers, 3 Grocers, 2 Tailors, 4 Shoemakers and 3 Wheelwrights.

Potter Heigham - The population was 420 and it had 2347acres of land. The Bishop of Norwich was the lord of the manor and the church was held by the Reverend Kidd. A new Vicarage House and a National School were built in 1844. There was a Shoemaker, a Miller, a Joiner, a Cattle dealer & Shopkeeper, Blacksmiths, Edward Rust ran the Falgate PH, a Shopkeeper and 17 Farmers.

East Ruston - The population was 759 and had 2494 acres of land. The Reverend Cubitt was lord of the manors of East Ruston & Burnells and the trustees of D.B. Scott are lords of Kerdiston Netherhall. Samuel Bates ran the Butchers' Arms PH. There was a tailor, John Dixon ran the Fox & Hounds PH, a Wherry owner, Joseph Hammond ran the Chequers PH, a Shopkeeper, Millers, 3 Wheelwrights, a Grocer & Draper, 2 Blacksmiths, 5 Shoemakers and 18 Farmers.

Sea Palling - Was a small fishing village with a population of 425 and had 830 acres of land. H.J. Conyers was lord of the manor and the Reverend Henry Ready was Vicar. There was a National School supported by subscription. There was a School Master, Thomas Empson ran the Cock PH, a Fish curer and Shoemaker, Blacksmiths, a Shoemaker, a Grocer & Draper, Lieutenant Frasser Harris was the Coast Guard, a Joiner, 2 Boat owners, a Miller and 8 Farmers.

STALHAM OLD POST OFFICE. THE MAIDS HEAD STALHAM.

Stalham - The population was 679 and it had 1759 acres of land. It had a Post Office (at Mr Miles Fenn's where letters arrive at 11:00 am by foot post from Coltishall and are despatched at 1:00 pm), 2 Wharfs, Corn Warehouses, Coal Yards, etc. The Fire Station dates from 1833. There was a coach service to Norwich from the Swan PH at 7:00 am on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Miss Brooke was lady of the manor of Linford and Wilds and the Reverend Johnson was lord of the manor of Stalham Hall. The Reverend James White in the incumbent of the church. There was a National School built in 1841 and a Boarding School. There was a Saddler, a Shopkeeper, an Ironmonger, a Basket maker, a Cooper, a Blacksmith, a Coal & Corn merchant and Lime burner, a Butcher, a Surgeon, a Corn merchant & Miller, a Corn Miller, a Baker & flour dealer, Glover and Grocer, Thomas Fenn ran the Swan PH, a Saddler, a Coal dealer, an Earthenware dealer, a Bricklayer, a Gardener, a Chemist, a Cattle dealer, Joiners, Veterinary Surgeon, a Tailor, a Gig maker, a Plumber & Glazier & Paper hanger, a Smith & Farrier, a Wheelwright, a Butcher, a Wine & Spirit & Corn merchant, a Grocer & Draper, a Glazier & Painter, a Watchmaker, Robert Watts ran the Maid's Head PH, 5 Shoemakers and 5 Farmers.

SUTTON OLD POST OFFICE.

Sutton - The population was 365 and it had 1310 acres of land. The Earl of Abergavenny was lord of the manor. There was a Blacksmith, a Miller & Maltster, a Shoemaker, a Shopkeeper, a Corn merchant, Mary Juler ran the White Horse PH, a Tailor, a Wherry owner and Shopkeeper, a Joiner, a Grocer & Draper, a Cattle dealer, a Blacksmith, a Glover, Robert White ran the Catherine Wheel PH and 7 Farmers.

Walcott - The population was 172 and it had 685 acres of land. S. Bignold was lord of the manor. Robert Atkinson was High Constable. There was a Shopkeeper & Smith, a Wheelwright, John Warner ran the Light House PH an there were 7 Farmers.

Great Waxham (Waxham Magna)- The population was 76 and it had 1911 acres of land. H Conyers was the lord of the manor ad the Reverend Henry Ready was the incumbent of the church.

Little Waxham (Waxham Parva) - The population was 14 and it had 206 acres of land Lord Braybrooke was the lord of the manor. The church of Little Waxham and most of the village had been lost to the sea. There were 5 Farmers. Happing had a population of 7286 and consisted of 16 parishes containing 26780 acres of land in 1845.

There were major changes in the population of Happing between 1801 and 1851. Waxham & Horsey doubled in size, East Ruston & Catfield had a 50- 100% increase, Ingham, Stalham, Ludham & Potter Heigham had a 33 - 50% increase, Happisburgh, Eccles, Hempstead and Sutton had an increase of between 10 - 33%. Only Brumstead had a fall in population (26).

RETURN TO MAIN MENU