Share your memories of Hingham

Did you or some of your past relatives used to live in Hingham or have stories or photos of Hingham days gone by that you’d like to share?

Share your memories by using the “Leave a Reply” form at the bottom of this page.   Or respond to any of the existing posts by using the “reply” link to the right hand side of each posts date and time.

If you have scanned photographs you’d like to share with us (and have published on the site) please send them to us at info@hinghamhistorycentre.co.uk

119 Comments

  1. This site is already producing results!
    I’ve just had contact from the daughter of one of our Doctors; she’s going to send us some photos.

  2. How lovely it is to have this up and running. I’ve been a member of the history group since the beginning and think it’s great to be able to share all we have collected. Keep up the good work

  3. Has anyone any photos or memorabilia about any of the Bowls Clubs in Hingham? We’re trying to put something together about either the Rectory Club or the White Hart teams.

  4. Congratulations to all involved with putting this wonderful website together, although not a native of Hingham or even of Norfolk, I have been visiting Hingham now for the past 10 years,staying with Carol Harris.
    We have together been involved with research during that time on the town and the people who have lived there , and consequently i have learned a lot about the history of Hingham, this website demonstrates the combined efforts of the local people who have put together this informative story of the town.
    Hingham should be proud of the people involved in recording the history of the town.

  5. I’ve recently become aware of the Royal Observer Corps bunker on Seamere Road. This appears to have been used as a “cold war” monitoring post in the late 50s and 60s. Can anyone shed any light on the history of the Royal Observer Corps in Hingham? Does it have a history before (or after) the “cold war” era? Do we know who served and when and what their mission may have been? Any information or memories or pictures would be much appreciated.

    • Hingham Observer Corps (the Royal prefix was granted in 1941) post (titled 16/X.3)was first opened, above ground, in November 1934 as part of No.16 Group Norwich. 16 Group ROC were redesignated No.6 Group in 1953 and the Hingham post became 16/Q.4 in November 1953. The post went “underground in December 1959 and was closed in October 1968. The majority of the ROC were “stood down” in September 1991 with 15 “cells” of 17 members being finally stood down on 31st December 1995..
      There are a number of publications about the ROC e.g “Attack Warning Red” by Derek Wood (1976, revised 1992)(this includes a cutaway drawing of an ROC post); “Forewarned is Forearmed” by T E Winslow (1948) and “The Plane Spotters” by H J G Dartnall (1995).
      Roger J Appleby (Gt. Great Grandson of Matthew Jarvis who, with his brother Christopher, had a brick and tile works in Hingham) .

      • Some corrections to the above (received from Roger):
        1. Hingham post became 6/Q.4 and not 16/Q.4 as stated
        2. Roger is Great Grandson of Matthew Jarvis (stated one too many Greats originally)

      • Hi My name is Sheila Green nee Newton and I lived in Hingham in the house photographed at
        the bottom of Hall Lane for two and a half years in 1959 to 1961; the house was called “Langlea” and
        was a hiring for RAF families based at RAF Watton; it was owned then by Mr. & Mrs. Goose; I was 8
        years of age. The House at the time was stunning the gardens were absolutely beautiful with every
        plant imaginable and a large round bed in the front garden full of Roses. There was a field at the side
        that I used to play in that was quite large!!

        I was a member of the Hingham Brownies and was a Sprite!! Also became the youngest chorister by
        approaching The Rev. William Stone at the Old Vicarage and asking if I could join the choir. I was asked
        to go to the Vestry in the Church whereby I had to sing a hymn to see if I could sing; I was accepted and used to walk up to choir practice every Friday night and was escorted by Nancy and Ivy Lees!, the choir master was a Mr. Norton. Mr. & Mrs Neeve lived in a Cottage to the right of us going up the hill. I was good friends with the Holman Family who owned The George Pub which is now a couple of houses. Also very good friends with The Sillence family who lived at the bottom of Hall Lane, I am still very close to Hilary one of the daughters. Nina Holman whose parents were Russian who ran The George I am still in touch with. A Mr. Attleborough was paid to come and do the gardens. Opposite was a house with a Windmill with the Colchester family residing where we used to get fresh eggs from. Mum was friends with a Mrs. Stevens, Miss Timpson who both lived around the corner past the Colchesters house. Going up Mill Lane was a bungalow on the left a Mrs. Turner who had the most beautiful Aubretia growing over her walls.

        I went to Scoulton Primary School. The Headmaster at the time was Ian Rowarth who also became my brothers Godparents with his wife Geraldine. My brother was Baptised at the Hingham Church by Rev. W.A. Stone. I became good friends with Bill and Grace Stone and even as a teenager used to holiday with them
        in the summer in the Old Vicarage.

        I was also friends with a Cynthia Cushing who lived in a little house going out of Hingham very like a lodge house.

        We used to have an Annual Fair which I was allowed to go to on my own as was so safe in those days.

        I can remember there being a Supermarket at the top of the road and Farrents the Green Grocers and Fish n Chip Shop, Flaxmans Haberdashery down a side street with Simmences the Butcher, I think it was Bond Street! We had Burts the Bakers, Turners the hardware store and a Co-op on the edge of the village on the
        way out on the Watton Road.

        I had very happy memories of my time in Hingham especially for me being in the Choir! I had to have a gown adapted for my size and a beret made as the hats for the ladies were just too large!!

  6. Hi Graham
    I think we can help
    We have a few names of those who were stationed there
    Ted Sent
    Billy Foster
    Ted Milk
    Denis Bunn
    Frank Law
    George King
    We’ve a couple of other possibilities but haven’t proved them yet
    Although the bunker doesn’t seem to have been constructed till 1957, there was a post there from at least 1937; it was made from sleepers with an earth bank around it
    The bunker is still there, although locked. We will try to get some photos for the web-site
    Thanks for your interest
    Carol

  7. Hello Carol
    There is an elderly lady in St. Andrew’s Church who remembers the time when the land on which the War Memorial currently is placed together with the current Car Park (i.e. west of St. Andrew’s Church, North of The Manor House and South of the main path to the West door of the church adjacent to Attleborough Road NR9 4PH) was one piece of rough unmade ground, and that the War Memorial was not there at that time.
    Do you have a record of when the Memorial was erected in its current position, some information suggests it was around 1948 / 1949 ? but I have found nothing specific.
    Who currently owns the land on which the war memorial is placed, is it Hingham Town Council?
    Thank you
    Carey

  8. Hello Carey
    As far as we know, the War Memorial has always been in its present location since it was erected in the early 1920s. My father who was born in 1922 cannot remember it elsewhere and I know that, in 1937, May Cook placed her wedding bouquet there on leaving the Church after her wedding (this was in memory of her father Charles Ward and her father-in-law Frederick Cook who are both commemorated on it)
    A plan was mooted for the Memorial to be removed to the Fairland but this was not popular,
    The Memorial was taken down in 1945/6 for cleaning and for the names of those killed during WW2 to be added
    There have been indications that the land was owned by the Manor House and an agreement was drawn up to gift the land to the Church but the owner died before signing. We find this very unlikely as on the 1595 Survey,see map, it was marked as a “watering place or fishery, and has always been known as “Parson’s Pit” This would indicate that it was owned by the Church
    I have asked the Town Council if they have any further information
    Hope this is of help
    Carol

  9. My Grandparents lived in Hingham for over 50 years, my Mum was born in one of the cottages on Bond street. My Nan (Margaret ‘Peggy’ Cunningham) worked for several years in the Unicorn pub which used to be on the Fairland. My Grandfather (William ‘Bill’ Cunningham) was one of the carpenters that built the bus shelter in the town. My first Sunday job was in Turners Ironmongers (now Boots) and I moved my family to Hingham fairly recently. Hingham is a lovely little town and I couldn’t wish to live anywhere better.

  10. Emma. Welcome back to Hingham. I knew Bill & Peggy quite well. One of favourite memories is of when my Dad was working late on
    a Sat your grandad used to take a cake and cup of tea. Dad had a shoe repair shop on the corner of Bond St and Commercial Rd (as it
    was then. Billy & Jenny

  11. Hello, I was born of two very large Hingham families the Vincent’s and the Higgs’. I have recently been doing a lot of research into my family history and my uncle’s lent me my great grandma Dorothy Daisy Higgs’ postcard album from the 1910′s. There were many postcards addressed to her at Bears Farm/House I was wondering when this became a hospital and whether this probably meant she was nursing there.
    Carrie Higgs

    • Hello Carrie, I’m sure someone will be able to help you with the details. We do have a couple of photographs of Nurses and patients at Bears Farm. These are in the “Hingham At War” gallery (F43 and F39) on this website. We also have some pictures of Bears Farm in the “Hingham Houses” gallery. If you recognise your Great Grandma on any of these photographs then please let us know.

    • Hi Carrie
      Bear’s Farm was a Red Cross Hospital from 1915 until 23rd December 1918. They treated 200 men in that time.
      I don’t know if your Great Grandma was a nurse or worked there BUT I have discovered (from Gerald and Malcolm) that her sister Aggie was a nurse there. They are looking for photos
      I think we’ve got at least one other photo of the nurses, I’ll try to find it and put it on the site
      Good luck with the family history

  12. , emma I knew the Cunningham family very well I went to school with your uncle bing I worked with grand dad billie at lawrences I also worked for your uncle Stanley at clam construction wymondham. I started my drinking in the unicorn where your gran peggy often served us. the latter part of billies life he use to come to the bar at the sports hall for a sunday lunchtime drink as I was the barman at the time. I use to make sure he got indoors ok on my way home . please excuse the errors as I am new to this game .

  13. It’s so lovely to hear from people who knew my family, thank you. I spoke to my Mum (Dawn) and she is familiar with you both. Thank you Rick for taking care of my Granddad, one of his favourite sayings was ‘a bird can’t fly on one wing’ this meaning he had to have two pints at least haha!!

  14. Dear Sir/Madam

    This is probably the most unusual enquiry in recent times.
    I am a brass band historian and am researching the ‘lost’ village and town bands of Norfolk in preparation for my third book on the subject (I have already self-published books about bands in Essex and Suffolk)

    In the late 19th Century there were estimated to be 30,000 bands in the UK. Nearly every village had one, towns had several, cities had dozens. The village brass band was an important aspect of rural life and played for fetes, church festivals, funerals and, of course, Christmas carolling. Today there are around 3,000 so someone, somewhere has an awful lot of instruments, uniforms and memories tucked away in cupboards and attics.

    I have found approximately 70 villages in Norfolk that used to have a band but I am convinced that there are many dozens more still to be found and their histories collated and recorded for future generations of local history researchers.

    I am enquiring as to whether there was a brass band in Hingham Norfolk. I have found some text regarding the Corner-Stone S of T band part of which I have copied here: “In 1866 Chas. W. S. Seymour, Wm. H. Thomas, Horace F. Reed, Wm. M. Gilman, John B. Lewis, and Horace Peare, members of Corner-Stone Div. S. of T., decided to organize a brass band, procured instruments, and commenced rehearsals, which were kept up through the year. In the spring of 1867 new members were taken in, and the band was reorganized under the name of the Hingham Brass Band, with the following instrumentation:—- ”

    I understand that there is a Hingham in the USA and wondered which Hingham this belongs to.

    To establish bona fides you may wish to visit my website at http://www.brassbandsman.com where you will find a short biog and details of my books and the many talks I give all over East Anglia. If I can help with a talk in anyway I would be delighted to do so.

    Thank you for your time in reading this email and I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.

    David Cawdell
    Ex Band of the Irish Guards

    • David,

      I don’t know if you have already found the following pictures on our website. In the “people” gallery A44 (21 of 71) and A50 (26 of 71) are both of Hingham Brass Band. Also A66 (40 of 71) is of Hingham Silver Band. We may well have more pictures in the pipeline as we try to add a few each week.

    • Hi David
      I hope you’ve found the pictures of our Silver & Brass bands on the site
      I’ve just sent our web master a list of the names for the Silver Band line-up; it should be added to the picture in the next few days
      I’ve also found a couple of entries from the press in 1884
      • An entertainment was given on Tuesday evening in the Fairland Hall by members of The Band of Hope kindly assisted by other friends. An excellent Sax Horn Band was engaged for the occasion. The Hingham Fife and Drum Band also took part in the Programme
      This was the first I’d heard about a Fife & Drum Band
      .• Winter evening Pastimes: A few weeks since a meeting for boys and young men was called by the Rector, The Revd MW Currie, to consider the best and most profitable way of spending the winter evenings. It was suggested that classes might be formed for instruction in chemistry, scientific agriculture or some other special subject but the general feeling amongst those present was for music which was found to mean a brass band. Since then instruments have been provided, a competent teacher has been obtained and a class meet every week in the Schoolroom. In addition to the above amusement a room has been opened as a Gymnasium or Drill Hall and Sergeant Babbage (Sergeant Instructor to the 4th Royal Norfolk Volunteers) has been engaged to attend two nights in the week. A large number of lads have already availed themselves of this opportunity of exercising their muscles and limbs.
      If we can be of any more help, please get back to us
      Thanks for your interest
      Carol

      • Hi does anyone know what happened to the memorial on the tree at Manson Green, it was a memorial for a spitfire pilot, my husband used to walk that way, when we went by recently we are not able to find it?

  15. Does anyone have any information about The Mid Norfolk Golf Course which was situated close to the present Melsop Farm at Scoulton from about 1896 to 1920. It then moved to the grounds of Morley Hall and was later replaced by the RAF hospital which became Wymondham College.
    Some names associated with it are its secretaries EW James (1906) and A. Mirrlees (1914), professionals F. Larke (1906) Walter Tex (1911) and J. Little (1914) and the holder of the amateur course record of 72 was F Robinson. All these were named as being Hingham people.

    • Hi Julia
      As promised we talked about it at the Mardle yesterday. One of our members recalls being told that his Grandfather was a ball boy there. Another one remembers ploughing it up for Mr Daniels when he bought the land. EW James was the doctor here for many years and A Mirrlees was a Major who settled here after the 1st World War. We’ll keep working on it
      Carol

  16. I have written a book on the “Fishers of Hingham Hall” as my husband is a descendent of the Fishers. However, as part of my ongoing research, I was wondering if anyone has any information regarding the history of the Congregational Church in Hingham? I have the following information and would be most interested to know if it can be expanded upon.

    “Elizabeth Fisher invited the Congregationalists from Princes Street Chapel, Norwich, to come and build a Chapel at Hingham. At the laying of the foundation stone, William, the Missionary Martyr of Erromarga, preached as did the Reverend Robert Moffatt”.

    According to Roger Norris in his booklet “Hingham a Short Guide, for the St Andrew’s Heritage Fund, 1988” wrote that the church was build in 1836.

    If anyone has any further information I would be most appreciative.

    • Hi Jennifer
      Thanks for getting in touch. We’ve got a copy of your book in Hingham. The Congregational Chapel was built in 1836 and extended and remodelled just before 1900. I can find they date by walking round there. Unfortunately its congregation dwindled so much in recent years that it was forced to close and is now in the process of being turned into a private house. It would have been great if it could have remained as an asset in the town but it cost too much. We haven’t (as yet) done much research into it … as is usual there’s never enough time!
      When we find out more, we’ll get back to you
      Carol

    • Hi Jennifer, we may have communicated some time ago, my ancestor was William Fisher who may have been a son of Elizabeth Fisher (possibly illegitimate). If you had any information I’d be interested. Many thanks. Peter.

  17. Hi Carol,

    Thank you so much for your message. I look forward to receiving any information that you may come across. Hingham is so full of wonderful history I can imagine there is never enough time to research everything. My book attracted quite a bit of interest and I have received more information from various contacts all over the world. In view of this, I shall be producing a second edition and once this happens I will be happy to forward a copy to your history centre.
    Kind regards,
    Jennifer

  18. Hi Emma
    My Son sent me this link yesterday and when I saw your posting re your Grandparents and your Mother, Dawn, I felt I wanted to let you know that Dawn was my best friend (Valerie Bowen). Born in Seamere Road, we moved to Hingham Hall when I was five. I can remember your Grandmother, after lunch, sitting in the armchair doing her crossword puzzle! I still visit Hingham nearly everyday, as I am involved with running Romba Footwear (over 30 years). Say Hi to your Mum for me!
    Valerie Henry

    • Hi Valerie, I notice you say you lived at Hingham Hall. Can you tell me when that was as my husband’s relatives (James Fisher) owned the Hall before the Muskett’s purchased it? Cheers, Jennifer

      • Dear Jennifer

        I’m unsure if Valerie responded to your message? Valerie is my mother and I have fond memories of my grandparents living at the Hall. I believe my grandparents moved into the Hall about 55 years ago. But I can check with my mother if you wish? I note one person has said the Hall was turned into flats. That’s not my recollection. I did visit the Hall just before it was demolished which was very sad.

        • Dear Darren,

          Many thanks for your reply. I would really love to know what year your family lived at the hall. I would think that it would have been after the Muskett’s lived there and changed it dramatically by adding two large wings on either side. My husband’s family sold the Hall in 1858 to the Muskett’s. Yes it was a shame it had to be demolished but I believe it was used by the armed forces during the war and did not was not well treated. Cheers, Jennifer

        • Hi Darren,

          I would love to hear of any recollections that your mother has of Hingham Hall and whether your grandparents moved there and when that was.

          Sorry for the delay in replying to your message.

          kind regards,

          Jennifer

  19. I am doing research on the laws family in hingham and mulbarton, which is for my wife,,,,,,but then I found my own family had strong connections with both locations. We undertook a search for any Laws in a church in Mulbarton crematory and I actually found my great, great, grand farthers grave, which rooted me to the spot, I strongly believe that both the Laws and Huggins family had very strong connections late 1800,s early 1900’s,,,both family’s moving north to hull in Yorkshire, early 1900,s………any info would be greatly appreciated,,,,thank you.

    • Ken,

      If you use the “search the site” function (top RHS of this page) and search for Huggins, you’ll find that we have some pictures that include a “Huggins”. May or may not be a family member.
      Graham

  20. Hello Emma

    I like so many people in Hingham have very fond memories of your Granddad & Grandmother, Bill and Peggy. I was with Ricky and others at Hingham School with your Uncle Bing and later at Swaffam with your Uncle Stanley.

    I am sure that each and every one of us has a story to tell about Bill, he was I think it could safely be said was a man of certainties. I have enough stories of him and Peggy to warrant a book, one of my favourites was when he brought me a birthday card. I thanked him very much of course but pointed out that actually my birthday had been two days earlier. “You’re wrong” exclaimed Bill and no amount of explaining, even to the extent of showing him my birth certificate would convince him otherwise and he eventually stormed off still muttering “You’re Wrong”

    Bill served on the Atlantic Convoys and also I believe volunteered and served on the Arctic Convoys taking supplies to the Russians. (Stan says that Bill always was a bit of a “Red”.) Has anyone in the family considered applying for the Arctic Star Medal which has only relatively recently issued?

    I would also like to echo Tess Towner’s comments and applaud Carol and all those involved with producing the website – Great Job – Well Done!

    Charlie Cooper

  21. “Hingham in the Great War”
    Just a word of thanks for this publication, which I bought and enjoyed recently.
    I have for some 34 years been a resident of Hardingham and have of course known Hingham and its people well. I remember very well Ted Turner, hardware, the two generations of Semmences, butchers, the Burts, bakers and many other Hingham families as I taught in Attleborough High School and other local schools for many years.
    The publication is a useful compilation and obviously a testament to a generation. Thank you all once more..

  22. I am Writting this email for the second time (forgive me if you already received it ) I am looking for any details on Hingham Hall and its owners. You were good enough to supply me with the name of Hunter-Muskett as being a owner. My interest is that a late freind of mine a Mrs Gay Christison stated that here family owned the Hall.. i am not sure of her maiden name but she had a water mill in Ashford Kent where I meet her and a house at 18, Kensington Square London. I hope to make a visit to Hingham early next year and would like as much information to hand as possible. As you can see my skill with the computer is very limited. Hope you are able to help me
    Rob Howes

    • Hi Robert,

      I believe Hingham Hall was originally built in 1759. In approximately 1826 James Fisher from Wramplingham (relative) purchased Hingham Hall and had it thoroughly renovated. James and his wife and three children moved into Hingham Hall in 1834. James died suddenly in 1835. His wife Elizabeth Fisher was shown to be the owner. In 1848 Elizabeth was living at Hall Farm while she tried to sell Hingham Hall. It seems the property did not sell until 1858, apparently to Alfred Muskett. Radical changes were undertaken between 1841 and 1886. In 1944 it was used to billet officers. Unfortunately, the Hall was not looked after and was badly damaged. Therefore, between 1947 and 1955 most of the Hingham Hall building was pulled down with only one wing remaining and this was converted into flats after it was bought by a property developer. In 2000 the remaining wing of Hingham Hall was demolished to make way for a new housing estate. I do not know who owned the Hall before our relatives but it is mentioned in documents such as the Ridley Estate Collection held at the Northumberland Museum and among the L’Estrange family documents held at the Berkshire Record Office. I have tried in vain to find out more about the Hall’s early history but have not been able to. The photo on this website of Hingham Hall when it was small is during the time of our relatives and they are shown at the front of the Hall in the photograph. I hope this has been of some help.
      Regards,
      Jennifer

      • Hello Jennifer,
        I am sorry I have not thanked you for your information on Hingham Hall. When Alfred Muskett died it passed to a nephew Rawdon Hunter-Mushett who came from Brighton in Sussex.
        If when you publish your new book I would very much like to purchase a copy.
        Thank you for putting me on the right road.
        Once again thank you

        • Hello Robert Howes,
          I’ve just been doing some digging into our family history from Australia and was wondering if by chance you might have come across any Howes family trees from Hingham. I’m looking for information about a William Howes born about 1807 in Hingham who married an Anne Baldry. Their son as far as i can gather was born in Ipswich in Suffolk (about 1828) before moving to Australia. Any assistance would be very much appreciated.
          Phil

        • Hello Robert,
          Many thanks for your message dated 23 January, which I have just seen. I am still working on the second edition of my book and I shall let you know once it is published. I will probably publish it as an ebook so that anyone interested in it will not have to pay the postage charges.
          Good luck with your research and I shall remain interested in learning of any further progress you make on the history of Hingham Hall.
          Kind regards,
          Jennifer

  23. Hello!

    Just trying to get some history on my Mum’s side of the family. My Mum was born in 1934 and went to Hingham school. She lived at 18 the semere, Rose cottage. It is next to Ken Eaglens farm. Also oppisite the Medlars. My Nan was Grace Hilda Tillett and her husband Bill (William) Tillett (2nd marraige) Her 1st hsband died and was called Thomas Kenny. As far as I’m aware my Grandad Bill owned a cottage in the village to. My great Gran also owned no 16 semere rd I believe. As a child, myself and 2 brothers spent many happy times in Hingham. Travelling all the way on the bus. I can remember so many times sitting in the bus shelter. Unfortnatley my Mum died aged 45 and she was an only one. My Nan and Grandad are also dead so don’t really know much more about their ancestors. If anyone could help I would be very grateful. I have today visited the church and left a message in the visitors book hoping someone may remember them.

    Thank you
    Lorraine Jewell

    • William John Tillett was born in Wicklewood, later came to Stone Lane, Hingham. He married a Mrs Kenny and moved to her house in Seamere Road. He was the grandson of John Plowman Tillett (more info if you want it).. I have a note that William married a Grace Hilda Sadd. She was born 6.6.1903, son of Albert Sadd, aged 29 in the 1901 census
      , gardener of Seamere Road, and his wife Elizabeth. There was an Albert baptised on 5.5.1872. He was a warrener at the age of 19, a painter at 24.and married Harriet Elizabeth Robins of Saham Toney on 17.10.1896. Albert was the son of William Sadd who married Sarah Ann Meek on 19.10.1867. William was the son of William W. Sadd, agricultural labourer of Pigg’s Hill (now called The Fields) and Copper Lane. He married Frances Howes.on 2.4.1835.
      Hope this might be of help. Its as far back as I can go.

      • Thank you so much for this information. After visiting again yesterday 25.11.2018 and looking back at this website. I just realised that I had this reply. That information is fantastic thank you. Would you have anymore information on my Nan Grace Hilda Tillett and possibly my mum? Joan Diana Kenny born 31.08.1934 I have so little information also on my mums dad Thomas Kenny who I believe died in a motorbike accident or a heart attack??? 5th December 1953. May great nan and grandad were Albert said and and H Harriet Elizabeth Robins and were married 1th October 1896 at St Andrews church Hingham. I have lots of photo’s and paper articles if this would help with this sight?? I would love to find out more about my ancestors. Thank you for your so far and look forward to hearing from you again. x

  24. My husband and I have lived in ‘new’ Hingham in Massachusetts for many years.
    We would like to visit ‘your’ Hingham in the next few weeks. We will be staying with friends in Sheffield but expect to visit Hingham at the last of June or the first week of July.
    We would like to stay overnight and see some of the sights of local interest, and are open to any suggestions you might have.

    Thank you,
    Mary and Mat Bell

  25. My family lived at White Lodge Farm (or Lodge Farm), on the Hardingham road, for well over a century. My grandfather, Archie, lost the farm during the Depression of the 30s and my father, Roger Bernard Vincent, whose brothers Philip, Dick and Stephen (the latter still living, at Wramplingham Hall) were also born at White Lodge, took over the farm on returning from the Second World War. He married my mother, Helen JOAN Vincent (nee Harrison) in 1947 and I was born in 1949. He farmed until about 1996 when he and his second wife (my mother died after a long, long battle against multiple sclerosis) retired to Carleton Forehoe. The housekeeper at White Lodge from the end of the war to her retirement in the late 1970s was the magnificent and kindly Miss Phyllis Booty of Mill Corner (later Hall Moor Road). I left Norfolk in 1973 for a career in Fleet Street but return occasionally to Hingham. Only last week (August 1015) I returned to visit my late father’s head farm worker, the wonderful Wally George, of Boundary House, Nordelph Corner, on the boundary between Hingham and Hardingham. I have a good collection of postcards depicting old Hingham, many dating back well over a century. Naturally, I have memories of many people from the village, long since dead, JRA Vincent, south west London. PS: There were THIRTEEN pubs in Hingham when my father was a boy and still seven when I was cycling around the village in the 50s and 60s (the nearest to the farm being The Swan).

    • The only additional information I have about Archie is that his horse ‘Crook’ won a prize for jumping in 1905.
      Archie’s father was Jesse 1841-1919 and Jesse’s wife Hannah (1841-1913).. Both are buried in Hardingham. Their children were May, born ~1875, m. Horace Edward Baly 23.9.1897; Lilian Mary, b ~1876, m. Thomas Clifford Smith 4.7.1901; Bessie b~1878, m. Pierre de la Vault, an artist of Inverness, 18.7.1903; Jesse, b ~1879 and Archibald, b~1880. They lived at White Lidge Farm fromat least 1890, though it would appear likely the children were not born in Hingham as I have no details of date of birth or census records before then.
      Thank you for bringing my records up to date!.

    • A sad note to add to my piece about the Vincents of White Lodge Farm, Hingham. My uncle, Stephen Baly Vincent, last surviving of four brothers, died on October 15, 2016 at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital aged 92. He was buried at Wramplingham on November 3 and the church of St Andrew’s, Hingham, was packed at a memorial service later that day, at which the eulogy was given by his friend, (Lord) John MacGregor. Incidentally, it was the roof of that very church that Stephen spent many a night during the Second World War on fire watch, looking out for enemy planes, parachutists or exploding bombs.

  26. My ancestor came from Hingham in 1637 and settled in Massachusetts. I’m the 13th generation. I often wonder if he left relatives there. He came with Rev. Hobart.

    • My ancestor also emigrated from Hingham in 1637. The surname survives (as you can see). I would love to visit some day.

      • I was jest there for my first visit. My Tower ancestors are from there and made their way to the US. This trip marked the start of my heritage quest. Next stop is to see New Hingham and then to join one of the Tower reunions. While there in old Hingham I toured St. Andrews church and walked around town a bit. I picked up the wonderful publications (thank you, these are amazing) at the church and left my name in the guest book and hope to return again. I noticed Bill Gates roots lead here too. I live not far from Microsoft. It is a Small World after all. I would love to see more of the Tower family heritage of old Hingham and neighboring villages and connect with distant cousins across the lands!

        • I am also related to the Tower family. My great Grandmother was a Tower. I am trying desperately to find any information on Robert Tower and Dorothy Damon. John Tower, who emigrated from Hingham in 1637, was born there. Where could I find more information about the Tower and Damon families?

    • My many times great grandparent John Beal came over with Hobart, too. John was wed to Nazareth Hobart. Seems like at the time about half the town crossed over? Curious as to whether any Beal or Hobart relatives are still in the area.

    • My ancestors descendants also left Hingham to go to Massachusetts – Cushing, Lincoln, Gilman etc. Genni Renehan

  27. I have traced the first Folsom of our family to a John Folsom (Foulsham). He came over (to the Massachusetts area) on a ship called the Diligent of Ipswich, England in 1635. He sailed with his wife and her parents, Edward and Mary Gilman. From the research I’ve done so far they left Hingham with other families because of trouble in ecclesiastical matters with a Bishop Wren. I would really appreciate any information regarding the Folsom (Foulsham – one of many other spellings), Gilman families and any historical tidbits about Hingham. Also, if possible, I would love to have a picture or postcard of the old Hingham (as far back as possible) and one of present-day Hingham. If you can do this let me know the cost and an address so I can reimburse you. I’m so glad I found this website.
    Thank you,
    Pam Barritt (my great-great grandfather was Jeremiah Folsom who eventually settled in Council Bluffs, Iowa)
    Raleigh, North Carolina

  28. Adam Smith alias Foulsham had property in Hingham in 1566, the year he died. This land passed to his son John, probably the father of the John who emigrated. There is very little information about the Foulshams (I have 11 different spellings!) after 1637. There is mention of a Roger (widow) marrying Susan Turner on 2.7.1718 and their daughter Lydia (baptised 28.i.1720) and of William and a Caroline, who were servants, in the 1840s Caroline had a (base?) daughter, baptised 13.7.1845. Otherwise all that I know is of Frederick, who lived in Dereham Road and was buried at the age of 79 on 1.8.1942.
    I have a lot of information on the Gilmans, who were resident in the town until 1869. There were 2 Samuel Gilmans (father and son) who had a brewery in Bond Street (the buildings still stand) and another Samuel who was a prominent lawyer.
    As for pictures etc. the Hingham History Group has published 2 books of old photos (the first has old and new views on the same page), The American Connection (1630-2000), Roads & Tracks (showing maps of some parts of the parish in 1595) and others. All are £3.50 each plus postage. Please send details to sticklandrichard@google mail.com

  29. Further to the information concerning the Hingham Royal Observer Post the following appear to be long serving members.
    Edward Henry Sent was awarded the Royal Observer Corps in 1953 as Observer 16 Group and a bar to the medal in 1964.
    William Henry Bunn received the medal as a Chief Observer, 16 Group in 1952 with a bar in 1964.
    William Edward Foster gained the medal in 1963 as an Observer in the renumbered 6 Group.
    Kenneth George King was awarded the medal in 1971 as a Chief Observer, 6 Group and gained a bar to the medal in 1983.
    The details are from “The Royal Observer Corps Medal” by Richard Sirley published in 2015 by the Orders and Medals Research Society. Every member of the ROC awarded the ROC Medal is listed therein – there may be other Hingham ROC members listed.
    A Chief Observer would have be in charge of a post of Leading Observers and Observers. An Observer Officer or Observer Lieutenant would have charge of a number of posts all reporting to Group Control under the command of an Observer Commander who had a small full-time staff headed by an Observer Lieutenant Commander.

  30. John Vincent – New Malden – January 2016. Having typed in the name “Vincent” into this site, I see that my uncle, Richard “Dick” Vincent, of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Regiment, who was killed in Italy in 1944 shortly after winning the Military Cross, is listed, along with my father, Roger Bernard Vincent, of the Norfolk Yeomanry and Royal Artillery, who survived the war but spent from 1941 until 1945 in a POW cam pin eastern Germany. The (faded) picture of Dick is his likeness – but the same photograph is attributed to my father for some reason. As I mentioned in an earlier missive, The four Vincent boys, Philip, Dick, Roger and Stephen, were born at White Lodge Farm on the Hardingham Road. On another matter, a wonderful painting of “J(ohn) Barcham, Butcher, of Hingham and Wicklewood” in a horse and trap, is being auctioned at The Gentleman’s Library Sale” at Bonhams in London on February 10, 2016, with a pre-sale estimated of £2,000-£3,00. It is by the unknown (to me at least) painter E.Hoy (British). Barcham worked from a shop in Bond Street (Market Street), no. 14 I think, and sold his business to George Adcock, whose wonderful old butcher’s van is pictured in One Hundred Captured in Photographs, Vol. 2, with his assistant William Symonds.

    • A further update to my 2014 note….my uncle, Stephen Baly Vincent, died in October 2016, aged 92. A funeral services was held at St Peter and St Paul Church, Wramplingham, on November 3, followed by well-attended memorial service at St Andrew’s, Hingham.The eulogy was delivered by Lord John MacGregor.

  31. My grandfather had a carriers business based in Hingham. He was Alfred Ruffles. This was around 1912 and he travelled from Watton, through all the villages between there and Norwich, ending up at the Coach and Horses in Bethel Street. He appears in various Kelly’s directories which show exactly which villages he covered.I have an old blank invoice with my grandmother’s name printed at the top ( F.M.RUFFLES) so the business must officially have been in her name. No doubt some sort of financial dodge as I think grandad was a rather dodgy character!
    We travel through Watton and Hingham sometimes on our way to Norwich and I wonder where they lived during this time.

  32. What a wonderful website!
    My great great grandfather was born in Hingham in 1830 and, I think, his father too (Charles Joseph and Joseph Pearce)
    I have been scrolling through your fantastic photos and wonder if any of my family may be on them….though I am positive they will not be in the grand looking gardens! I do know Joseph (or James?) was buried there in 1847, so I may be visiting there very soon.
    Looking forward to a stroll around your beautiful village.

  33. does anybody happen to know if there are any harrisons resting in your churchyard around 1850’ish — you can guess why I ask.
    have just found out we have ancestry there .. regards —

  34. Do any Tower still live in Higham, England? My mother’s Tower relatives came from there in 1630s to Hingham, massachuesetts.

  35. My ancestors came from Hingham. I am wondering are there any Cushings living in Hingham. My ancestors was Mathew Cushing who brought his family to America in the 1600s.

  36. I live in Oklahoma, but my paternal grandfather George William? Huntley owned a farm in Hingham 1926. I’m trying to locate information on him. Any help is greatly appreciated! I am using ancestry.com already.
    Sincerely, Alanna Webb

  37. My great great great grandfather John Turner b c1790 lived in Hingham Norfolk. He married Sarah? One of their children was John Turner 1823 to 1902, he married a Mary Lain. 1830 to 1913.

    I am interested in any information concerning these folk.

  38. We lived in Hingham 1947-1975. Thank you to all involved with the History Centre. I have happy memories of the walk from Hall Moor to school, the wonderful smell of baking bread at Hazell’s Bakery at the top of Gas Lane to be followed by the less appealing smell of smoking kippers from a shed at the back of Mrs Purdy’s.fish & chip shop. Then if we were lucky we could wave to Lord Ironside shaving as we entered Tally Alley. At school I shared with Charlie Cooper, Christine Danes, Barbara Thurston the rigours of chanting our times table under the fierce direction of Miss ‘Beaty’ Blake. Just what we was needed. A really good teacher.

    • I went to school with a Hilary Sillence..I presume a relation? My aunt, Mary Harrison, would drive Hilary and I from Hingham to the farm home of the head teacher at Carbrooke School, a Mrs Pye (?), on the Watton road and she would then drive us a couple of miles to school. At the end of the school day she would drive us back and Hilary and I would play on the farm for about an hour until my aunt returned from her job as a school meals supervisor in Watton and she would then drive us both back to Hingham. Happy days…..

    • are you related to hilary sillence? I have a linocut she did at age 17 when she was at secondary school and am trying to reunite her with it if she wants it

      • Hi Julie
        Hilary Is my aunt and Mike Sillence is my uncle. I will let her know about this site for her to respond to your message.

  39. Hello I lived in Hingham until I was 20 years old, my family were the Edmonds, Grandad Lenny ran College farm , My dad was Jack and mum was Margaret,( nee Thurston) I had a brother Roy, we went to Hingham primary school until the 60’s when we then went to Wymondham high schools. My great aunt Cissie Newson ran the private school on the green near Lincoln Hall until i think the end of the 50’s.My parents took over the post office in the early 60’s and ran it from their greengrocers shop opposite the White Hart until mums illness forced them to give it up.
    I have enjoyed looking at all the photo’s and seeing members of my mum’s family, some of these’s photos I have never seen
    Thank you
    Angela

  40. Does any one know when Market Street became Bond Street and why Commercial Road became Baxter Road and the reason for the changes

  41. Hi, we moved into one of cottages down ‘The Fields’ previously called Piggs Hill in 2014. We live at number 1 and we would love to hear any information and stories people have and also see any photos if anyone has some. I am so intrigued about the history of the road and cottages. Thanks

  42. Does anybody have a copy – digital or otherwise – of the ‘Two Hinghams’ programme made in the mid seventies – part of which was filmed in our (then) sitting room in 9 Market Place?

    Jeremy

  43. Hello,

    My 7th great grandfather was Taylor Cooper 1703-1761 and I believe there is an inscription on a plaque in the bell tower of St Andrews church with his name on it. Can anyone confirm this? I would love to see a photo if it exists as when I visited the church recently there was no-one about to ask. Also I think he owned a grocers shop in market place [NUMBER 4?] is that now a chemist?
    Best wishes Peter Cooper.

  44. The Hingham History Centre has kindly put me in touch with the Higgs family who have provided me with invaluable information about my great aunt and uncle, Agnes (née Hardy) and Ted (Edward) Rosbrook who lived at Bell Corner. I have many happy memories of visits to Hingham in the 1960s and have sent a family photo to appear in the gallery. My grateful thanks to all concerned!

  45. Hello, I am writing from the USA. My wife’s father, Leonard B. Thompson went down in a B-17 bomber. It was said to have went down somewhere outside of Bingham! The aircraft was named the AIN’T MISBEHAVIN 3. Would anyone here have or be able to find any information on this, crash site photos, recognition, etc? Thank you!

  46. Hi All,
    I am writing to let you know that I have written a second edition of my book “The Fishers of Hingham Hall, Hingham, Norfolk, Uk.” It is available in soft cover, hard cover or as an eBook at the following websites:
    Hard/soft copy link:
    http://au.blurb.com/b/8270529-the-fishers-of-hingham-hall-hingham-norfolk-uk
    eBook copy link:
    http://au.blurb.com/ebooks/p5093db0a521cffb68934
    The book covers the family of James and Elizabeth Fisher who lived at Hingham Hall with their four children. The book follows the lives and families of the four children and incorporates other Norfolk families like the Elsy’s of Hingham, the Jarrolds of Norwich, and the Fergusson’s along with many others. The book will take you on a journey to South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand as the various families members travel to live in different parts of the world.
    Kind regards,
    Jennifer

  47. I would like to share my family history connection with Hingham.

    Thomas Hewitt, My great/great/great grandfather was born in Hingham on 25 October, 1785, the natural son of Susanna Beales and the illegitimate son of A Norfolk Squire. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, James and Catherine Wright in Hingham, whom he believed to be his parents. Although his mother was still living she didn’t take care of him and had supposedly married a man called “Hewitt”. When Thomas met his mother at age fourteen years, he decided to take the name Hewitt as his surname rather than Wright or Harvey which was his father’s name, although at this time he was unaware of who his biological father was.

    The “Norfolk Squire” gave Thomas’ grandmother money to clothe and educate hime at the “free school” where he was Head Boy at age fourteen years. After a disagreement with his uncle, he ran away to Norwich and joined the 48th Regiment of Foot. As he could play the fife he enlisted with the band under the command of Drum Major Dan Long.

    After many hours of research I was able to identify his father as Thomas Harvey of Northwold, Norfolk. Thomas Harvey was born in 1761 in Hingham and was a property owner in both Hingham and Northwold. He recognised Thomas Hewitt as his son and supported him financially until his death in 1840.

    The 48th was dispatched to Gibraltar where Thomas met and married Mary Anne Wellington in 1805 in The Kings Chapel. The 48th was sent to Lisbon in Portugal where the British were fighting Napoleon. Mary Anne travelled with Thomas through all the Peninsular battles and became a much respected nurse, taking care of the wounded soldiers, including captured French soldiers. At the end o the war they returned to Ireland where the regiment was based. The 48th was then dispatch to New South Wales where they spent six years before returning to England. Two sons where born in Australia, one of whom was my great great grandfather.

    Thomas Hewitt could play several instruments and was regarded as a very talented musician, often accompanying Mrs Macquarie at Government House in Sydney on his clarinet. His son Absalom settled in Australia when his regiment (12th Foot) was dispatched to NSW.

    Rev Richard Cobbold wrote the story of Mary Anne Wellington’s extraordinary life during the Peninsular War. Thomas kept a journal all his life and recorded extensively his experiences and Rev Cobbold was able to write the story of Mary Anne’s life from Thomas’ journals. Three books were published in 1846.

    I do hope this has been of some interest you, I still have to research the Beales family, however living in Australia does limit what I can find. Any information that you have on the Beales family would be appreciated.
    Thank you.

    • Thank you. Thomas Hewitt was my great great great grandfather too. I had hardly any contact with my mother’s family after her early death but, decades ago, my mother’s mother showed me a copy of Cobbold’s “Mary Anne Wellington: The Soldier’s Daughter, Wife and Widow”. I was just idly researching my maternal grandparents online and discovered that one of my great grandmothers of that side of the family was a Martha Hewitt, daughter of a Thomas Hewitt (who was presumably one of the soldier sons of Cobbold’s Thomas Hewitt – as I seem to remember that two of them migrated to Australia.)

      I could check, as “Mary Anne Wellington: The Soldier’s Daughter, Wife and Widow” can be read online.

      • Barbara, I have only just checked into the comments section and was delighted to see your reply. Just one correction to your information, Martha Hewitt’s (also my great grandmother) father was Absalom not Thomas as Thomas Hewitt jnr returned to England and was killed in 1854 in the Crimean War. Martha’s Death Certificate does show Thomas as Martha’s father but this is incorrect. Absalom’s family settled in the Bathurst area of NSW and Martha apparently was born there, however I have been unable to locate a birth certificate for her.

        Martha married David Young Robertson (from Kinclaven in Scotland) in Sydney and one of their sons, Ernest, was my grandfather. I am assuming that your connection must be through the Robertson family. Would love to make contact with you to find out our connection. My email is sg.collins@bigpond.com.

        Kind regards
        Sandra

  48. My Grandmother, Hannah Louise Baxter, was born in Wellingtonia Terrace, Hingham, on the 13th December 1887. As the illegitimate daughter of Elizabeth Baxter, a domestic servant who, according to family folklore was rapped and disregarded by her high ranking master, also entered into domestic service.
    I’m planning on visiting Hingham sometime in the coming months and would appreciate any information you may have on any titled families living in Hingham at that time. I seem to recall, from a previous fleeting visit, Hingham having a couple of grand buildings. One the ‘Manor House’ and the other a rather derelict looking place that had been some sort of residential home.
    If you can provide me with any information it would be most welcome.
    Thanks
    Vic

  49. My family originates from Hingham, My father William Eagling (Jimmy) had a blacksmith forge on Dereham Rd during the 1940/50’s my grandfather Arthur and grandmother Catherine (nee Goldsmith) also residents of the village as well. She lived in the prefabs which were further up the Norwich Rd. As a child I can remember visiting them on the bus from Watton, when my family moved to Caston Forge.

    There were many other family members in Hingham, that I can barely remember or didn’t know. I can recall a Toby, and Lenny Eagling. but sadly that is about all.

    Would love to find out more

    Gordon Eagling

  50. Can anyone help me locate my father, Tony Simpson. Formerly of 53 Hardingham Street, Hingham. He sold the house in November 2014, and I don’t know where he has moved to!

    I live in Australia now and am desperately trying to locate him.

    Regards,

    Nic

  51. Hello. I was born in Hingham. My Grandmother was Ivy Starling who lived in Hingham for many years. I went to the Primary School in Hingham. Now 50, I have fond memories of my early days in Hingham, and subsequent visits over the years visiting my Grandmother. I have a Facebook group for memories of Hingham if anyone is interested to share their thoughts and memories. Hingham has such a thriving history and I will always hold Hingham very close to my heart.

  52. My 9th great grandfather, Henry Rust, is assumed by many (largely in America) to have left Hingham for Bare Cove, Massachusetts between 1633 and 1635. Since there is apparently no evidence that he was a native of Hingham, I wonder if he might have been from elsewhere in Norfolk, perhaps Norwich, travelling with members of the Hingham community, but not being one of them. Is there any example of any other known person doing this? Thank you Carol for answering my question of 2014.

    • You might want to explain Barecove, Massachusetts Bay was the original name of Hingham, Ma before the name change, your average Briton is not going to know that little tidbit of info. However, Henry Rust is listed as one of the first settlers from Hingham, UK to Hingham, Ma. it is a well known historical name in the area. Your search should be relatively easy, there is a published genealogy book on the Rust Family name written by Alexander Rust that you can purchase, it lists Henry Rust’s parents back in England. Having grown up in the next town over from Hingham, Ma, I recognized the name of Rust and have seen mentions of the name in current Hingham Ma.. There is a connection between Wessagussett (Weymouth) and Barecove (Hingham) in that they were once the same settlement before 1635. Hope this helps.

  53. I lived in Hingham in the mid 1950’s with my parents John and Edna Bonnick. I attended primary school there but we left in early 1957. I am trying to work out where we actually lived. My mother worked in a small shop owned by a man named Perry. My father worked at the Sewage Station for a while. We attended St. Andrews church. I have lived in Australia for 55 years but wonder if anyone remembers the family or knows where we used to live. Might have been Glebe cl. I am trying to chase up some photos to send you of Hingham in the 50’s. Regards Ian Bonnick

    • Hi Ian
      I grew up in Hingham from 1970 onwards. You mentioned Glebe Close. Do you remember a water tower and the end of the street?

    • Hello Ian. I have a postcard with a signed photograph of Joseph Bonnick on a bicycle, written in 1911 and sent to my great-grandmother in Norfolk. My grandmother lived only a few miles away from Hingham, and in her Birthday book she has the names of Muriel Anne Bonnick (September 23rd) and William Orange Bonnick (July 6th). Could these be your ancestors? I will upload the picture on to the share section for you to see. Let me know what you think? Regards, Susan Hayward

  54. I have recently had a stroke hence returning to my family tree but I can’t find my 6th gt Grandfather marriage
    I’ve got to his birth death but no marriage
    Henry Baxter born 14.May.1744Hingham/Wramplingham Norfolk
    Death 26.1.1816 aged 72 Hingham Norfolk
    Father Robert
    Mother Hannah
    I would be very grateful for any help on this please
    Thank you Laura Bowcutt

  55. Does anyone have history of the Bush Family from Hingham /Hardingham 1800’s they were farmers. I am doing research on my family tree and have come across this site it’s brilliant. Is the Bird in Hand on Demark Green? Would love to hear more …..

  56. Hello Laura Bowcutt, I have the information about Henry Robert Baxter 1744-1816. Married to Rebecca Taylor in 11th Oct 1772 in Hardingham. His father was Robert & mother Hannah and I have their marriage as 1738 Wramplingham. I have been researching the Corbetts and the Baxters as my granny was Lily May Daisy Baxter married to Arthur Corbett of Desford Leics. I have been looking for you as I have a portrait of Lily. I believe that you have signed the back of it in pencil and also the name of a pub The White Swan Inn, Shawell. Always wondered who you were and the connection to the family. Lesley Nicholls nee Corbett (Cyril’s daughter). Pleased to say ‘Hello’. We live between Nottm and Derby.

  57. I’m writing this on behalf of my mother whose family (Batley) lived in the Thatched House in Bond Street. Parnell Batley is remembered on the war memorial – my mother’s uncle. Her Uncle Jim was a magistrate in the town and her father Robert Batley joined the Royal Horse Artillery (I am currently transcribing his war diaries to an online version).

    At school she remembers teachers big Miss Read and Little Miss Read and a Miss Brown who married an American. Her cousins Annabel and Bobby Daynes were pupils at the school. Her best friend was Maureen Neeves She thinks it might be her image in the gallery photo People A75 Class of 43, front row 4 from left. Have any of these children been identified? Next to the thatched house were the forge and stone mason Mr Knott (Mrs Knott played organ at the chapel) and she remembers people coming to pay their bills here at the ‘clubhouse’. One of Robert Batley’s first jobs was with Horrie Manning. At the outbreak of war her Granny had to accept the billeting of 12 soldiers in the thatched house in Bond Street. She remembers a shop run by two sisters Lees? near the White Hart.

    When I was just a baby (I was born in 1957) my parents stayed with me in a caravan behind Mr Burt’s the baker.

    One of her unsolved mysteries is the location of Pigs Hill. This is where her father says he was born in one of three cottages near a covered well – this was close to the school up a lane on the same side of the road.

    This is just a few details I have so far – I’m sure there will be many to come. We often visit for my mother’s birthday and there’s nothing like a walk around the place to evoke memories.

  58. I was just going through some old papers of my mothers, whose mother, so my grand mother, came from Hingham. She was Daisy Louise Cook born in 1st November 1885 daughter of Frederick Cook, Baker & Corn Miller Hingham. I have a picture of the shop on The Fairland and remember my mother saying that she had worked in the shop as a young girl. I note the entry by Carol Harris on March 7th 2014 and also remember that I had an Auntie May who lived in Hingham who I vaguely remember meeting on the one and only time visiting Hingham Presumably this is all connected. Daisy Louise Cook married Edward Joseph Dorman in Hackney on 13th September 1915 and my mother Joan Vivienne Dorman was born on the 17th February 1918 in Norwich. Sad to say That Daisy passed away in Doncaster on the 12th November 1923 at the young age of 38.

  59. My mum, Ruth Phoenix, was born in Hingham in 1929. She was originally Ruth Brown and her parents were Alfred and Daisy Brown who lived at The Willows, on Woodrising Road. She had an older sister Peggy and three brothers, Richard, Roger and Russell but Daisy died in 1937, when mum was 7 years old and the family were split up. Russell was brought up by his maternal grandparents, John & Emma Smith, in Cranworth (Russell still lives there) while Roger lived with his Aunt, Eliza Cushing, and her husband William in Rectory Lodge, The Fairland. Alfred Brown was a dustman and general dealer who could often be seen around Hingham with his pony and cart. Peggy (for a short time before leaving to work in Kings Lynn), Ruth & Richard were brought up by Alfred’s housekeeper Gladys Butcher who Alfred married in 1941. Mum left school at 14 to work for Leonard Burt in his Bakery. While attending a dance at the Lincoln Hall she met a young airman, Robert Phoenix. They married in 1950 and lived in Great Melton. I remember visiting ‘The Willows’ as a young boy as well as paying visits to mum’s Aunt & Uncle, Nellie & Sid Chilvers at Sid’s shoe repair shop on Bond Street. I’ve a keen interest in family history so any stories or memories relating to the Browns would be very well received.

  60. Hello, I am a new resident to Hingham and wondered whether anyone has any information regarding our home. We have moved in to Little London on Market Place, and would like any history as to who built and has since lived in the house. I am aware of the people from whom we bought the house, but would like to research it’s history. If anyone could provide information on how best to research a houses inhabitants I’d be very grateful! We really like Hingham, people seem very friendly and I think the photos on this website are wonderful. Thanks, Penny.

    Ps. To add, we don’t have any deeds relating to the house.

  61. Hi. Am trying to find some history regarding Lorna Louise Howe. She was the daughter of Joseph Edney Howe. She lived in Hingham at the time of her marriage. She worked in a brush factory. Would this have been in Hingham?? What was the factory called.??Does anyone know of her??? Any information would be useful.
    Many thanks
    jean

    • Believe the brush factory was called Brittons, don’t think it was actually in Hingham but nearby possibly in Watton.
      Ann

    • Briton Brush had factories at Wymondham and Attleborough, so this is possibly where she worked. Have you any dates? It might be beneficial for you to ask on both Hingham and Memories of Wymondham Facebook pages.

  62. I lived for a few years from an unknown early age (but not from birth) until about the age of six (i.e. around 1950-1953) at a house on the opposite side of the B1108 (Watton Road) from the Angel pub. I think this was known as Angel Corner. The house was demolished at some point to widen the road. I have been looking at photos on this site and can see that our house, which must have been very small, joined the back of a shop on the corner of Watton Road and the market place.

    A photo on the site taken from the church tower looks directly down into our back garden and I can see the single storey parallel to the Watton Road which contained the kitchen (such as it was!) This section also contained the ‘privy’, and the wash house with its copper boiler heated by a fire underneath. Our front door opened from the single storey section on to the road opposite the pub yard. The part of the house backing on to the shop was two storey and my bedroom looked out on to the Angel. The end of our garden (no more than a yard really) was bordered by the church wall.

    I have memories from that young age of going in to the shop round the corner, which sold wool etc. The shop was attended by a lady called Minnie who emerged from a room at the back. I remember being fascinated by Minnie whose head appeared (to me at least) to wobble in time with the bell hanging on the back of the shop door which announced the arrival of a customer.

    I was amazed to find in the shops section of this website an entry for “Cooper’s (now demolished, was No 33) Date: 1911 – 1965 William Cooper was a wardrobe and furniture dealer. He was succeeded by his daughter Minnie who dealt mainly in second-hand clothes, shoes and drapery.” This does confirm that my memory of Minnie from almost 70 years ago was correct. I don’t know how old she would have been at the time but she seemed extremely old to me!

    My mother (Doris Ada Eagling, known as Ada) was Hingham-born and my father was Reg Wyatt. I don’t know precisely when I moved away but I was certainly still there in June 1953 for I have distinct memories of being given a Coronation mug (what ever happened to that, I wonder) and an orange at a celebratory tea party at the school. Unfortunately my mother died at the age of 36 later that year, after we had moved away.

    I would be interested to know if anyone has memories or more information about the house, when it was demolished etc. No photo that I have been able to find shows the frontage along Watton Road although many feature Minnie’s shop on the corner and the Angel pub opposite. I would love to see one.

  63. How wonderful to have found this site! I am hoping to trace descendants of my Uncle Bob (my mother’s only brother) who died in Hingham on August 19th 1947. He was just 33 years old. He originally came from Seaton in Devon and is buried there. His wife was Ivy Eileen Harper niece of Mr and Mrs George Elliot of Commercial Road in Hingham. They had two girls Brenda and Norma. We think Brenda married someone from Finland and moved there and that Norma joined the army. These ‘girls’ would of course be my cousins and it would be great to find out where they or their children are now. Appreciate any help – thanks!

  64. I lived in Hingham, on Dereham Road, from 1967-1978. I visited recently and was amazed to see my old school, it hasn’t changed much.
    However, I noticed our playing fields were being built on.
    I remember the fire bridgade being called because a boy got his head stuck in the railings.
    Mr Harris was one of my teachers, I think. I also remember those very cold and drafty toilets in the rear yard and the tracing paper toilet roll
    I also remember being dressed in a white smock old looking, dress to celebrate the schools Anniversary or something like that. The news paper was there taking photos of us all.
    Does anyone have these photos, or has the school got them ?

  65. i am trying to get some information about my grandmother Elsie Attwood(was Eagling)
    she and her husband Alec Attwood lived in the back of the bank house opposite the White Hart

  66. My Name is Andrew Allen we moved to Hingham in 1963/64?when my parents purchased Carters Mace Grocery and Bakers near the Old Oak pub
    People I knew
    David Bacon Angela Edmund John Hubbard
    Cynthia Cushion Veronica Horsefall Patric Bowes Margaret Fiddy Roger Grey
    The boys an girls traveled to Wymondham High on separate Semmence buses.
    Have traced some of the above but would like to find Cynthia if possible
    Thankyou

  67. My Name is Andrew Allen we moved to Hingham in 1963/64?when my parents purchased Carters Mace Grocery and Bakers near the Old Oak pub
    People I knew
    David Bacon Angela Edmund John Hubbard
    Cynthia Cushion Veronica Horsefall Patrick Bowes Margaret Fiddy Roger Grey
    The boys an girls traveled to Wymondham High on separate Semence buses.
    Have traced some of the above but would like to find Cynthia if possible
    Thankyou

  68. I wonder if anyone has any knowledge of the history of Ivy Lodge on Watton Road at the junction with Woodrising Road please? Was it a lodge to a particular farm or estate originally? This is for research connected to the Neighbourhood Plan being developed on behalf of Hingham Town Council.

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