The Victorian Era (1819 AD to 1901 AD)

A new facade was added to the front of the present Hall during this period (01 - SMR 22904) and the number of pottery sherds found from this period declines rapidly. Significant changes to the Church occurred during this century with new pews in 1818, in 1823 the roof thatching of the nave was in two levels, the chancel was demolished and the east wall was re-built in 1827 then in 1834 the Church was re-roofed at the cost of £200 (06). Further restoration work to the Church was carried out in 1866 and in 1875 costing £500 of which George Durrant donated £100 for a new east window (06). A 1831 gazette stated that Brumstead had a population of 107, had 17 houses and contained 930 acres. Only 7 people had the right to vote in the general election in 1835 (03 - Vol 24) and the poor rates for 1837 was £49. The Tithe map of Brumstead was drawn up in 1840 (05) and the accompanying tithe description document written in 1842 contained the following information on Brumstead ;

Arable land - 630 acres : Pasture and marsh - 105 acres : Woodland and plantation - 7 acres : Houses and buildings - 15 acres : Glebe land - 27 acres : Public woods - 1 acre : TOTAL - 790 acres.

The total agricultural production was ; Wheat - 235.4 Bushels @ 7s. 0.25d / Bushel : Barley - 417.6 Bushels @ 3s. 11.5d / Bushel : Oats - 601.2 Bushels @ 2s. 9d / Bushel.

In 1825 William Bryant drew up his map of Norfolk (shown) that showed about 35 buildings and a Parish boundary that differed greatly from the current O.S. Parish boundary - he included Weyford Bridge in the Parish. The exact reason for this difference is not clear, maybe that Bryant simply got it wrong but there is conflicting evidence both for and against a major change in the Parish boundary around this time. The ordinance survey map of the region was produced in 1837 but did not contain Parish boundaries, these were surveyed and added in 1884 and show the modern Parish boundaries.

An Iron foundry was known in Stalham in 1888 and a lime kiln was known in Stalham in 1845 plus the railway was built in 1879, all of which must have had an effect on the local economy. The 'Swing' riots of 1830 were a result of the new farming methods making farm workers redundant and were directed at the main land owners. Letters to land owners demanding the removal of new farming machines were often signed by 'Captain Swing' (the identity of whom is unknown). Whilst these riots did not directly affect Brumstead, there were several cases of arson and sabotarge in nearby parishes (02 - page 127). 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,. However, it was not a great success and in 1885 it was sold for £600 but the company's solicitor (from London) disappeared with the money and the last Wherry to use it was in 1934 (07).

Between 1848 to 1849 Cholera swept the country. The 1800s had their share of war the Crimean war between 1854 to 1856, the first Boer war of 1881 and the second Boer war of 1899. Slavery was abolished in 1833, the penny post was introduced in 1840 and the education act (for compulsory education) was passed in 1870 (08).

References ;

01. The Sites and Monuments Records held at Gressenhall, Norfolk.

02. An Historical Atlas of Norfolk, edited by P. Wade-Martin and published by the Norfolk Museums service - 1994.

03. Norfolk Archaeology Series (copies held at the Norfolk Records Office).

05. Tithe map held at the Norwich Records Office, ref : DN/TA 634.

06. Council for the care of Churches (PM 1378 replacing PM 620).

07. Website for canals in England - ref : www.canals.btinternet.co.uk

08. The Wordsworth Dictionary of British History.

Definitions ;

Tithe Map was a map of the Parish to determine how much money or produce each farmer / person owed to the church (normally set at a tenth of their income - the word tenth was corrupted to tithe).

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