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Norfolk: Wells
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William White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk 1845
[Transcription copyright © Pat Newby]
WELLS, or Wells-next-the-Sea, is an irregularly built sea-port town, 5 miles N. by W. of Walsingham, 10 miles N. of Fakenham, 29 miles N.E. of Lynn, 32 miles N.W. of Norwich, and 118 miles N.N.E. of London. Its parish has increased its population since the year 1801, from 2,316 to 3,504 souls, and contains 1,606 acres of land, lying in four manors, viz:- Wells-late-the-Duke's, Normans, and Walsingham Priory, of which the Earl of Leicester is lord; and Binham Priory, of which Sir R.J. Harvey is lessee lord, under the Bishop of Norwich. The common was enclosed in 1811.
Wells had formerly a weekly market on Saturday, and races yearly; but both are discontinued, though the town is well supplied with provisions, and has still a fair on Shrove Tuesday, for toys, sweetmeats, and pleasure. Its commerce has been for many years in a declining state, but efforts are now making to revive it, by improving the harbour; and it is intended to form a Railway from the town, to join the Norwich and Brandon line, near Thetford.
Wells, formerly one of the most incommodious sea-ports in England, is now being greatly improved under the powers of the Harbour and Quay Act, and an Act for Lighting and Improving the Town, both obtained in 1844. £12,000 has been borrowed by the Commissioners of these necessary acts. The town will shortly be newly paved, and lighted with gas; a new stone Quay is nearly completed, and new streets and roads are being formed to give ready access to the harbour and other parts of the town.
The Harbour has been much improved of late years, and works are now in progress for deepening the channel, in which the tides rise about 11 feet. Vessels of 150 to 200 tons can get up at high water. Many of 200 tons are built here, and the number of registered vessels, now belonging to the port, 67, and their tonnage 2,885. In 1844, the number of coasting vessels outward, was 222; and inward, with cargoes, 330. The number of foreign vessels which brought cargoes, (chiefly rape and linseed cake,) was 45. There are here 32 fishing boats; and in the offing are prolific beds of oysters and muscles [sic]. The exports consist chiefly of corn, oysters, &c., sent coastwise, and the imports of coal, timber, rape and linseed cakes, salt, &c.
The CUSTOM-HOUSE is on the Quay; William Dawson, Esq., is collector; Mr. J.N. Robilliard, comptroller; J. Brown and T.S. Harman, tide waiters; and Mr. John Parker, harbour master. The limits of the port extend about 5 miles east, and 13 miles west. Within these bounds are four coast-guard stations, of which Capt. G.R. Welch is inspecting commander. The customs received here, amount only to about £500 per annum. Here are nine pilots, including Mr. Robt. Allen, the pilot-master.
The CHURCH (St. Nicholas,) is a neat fabric, with a nave, side-aisles, chancel, south porch, and a square tower. The south gallery was erected by the present incumbent, in 1833, at the cost of £320, with pews for 140 hearers, with the consent of the Bishop and the parishioners, so that it is considered his own private property. The singing gallery, and the window which lights it, were formed at the same time, by subscription, at the cost of £82. Over the south door is painted the history of the flood, and over the north door, that of Jonas. The font is ornamented with carvings of angels, shields, &c.
The benefice is a rectory, valued in the King's Book at £26 13s. 4d., and possesses 40A. of glebe, a neat residence, and a clear yearly rent of £615, awarded in 1844, in lieu of tithes. The Rev. John Robt. Hopper is the patron, and the Rev. Valentine Hill, M.A., is the incumbent.
Here is a Friends' Meeting House, built in 1783; also an Independent Chapel, built in 1817, and enlarged with galleries, in 1826. Here are likewise two chapels belonging to the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodists.
The Theatre is the property of Mr. Fisher, the manager, and will hold about £50, at the usual prices, but is only occupied for a few weeks once in two years.
Wells has formed part of Walsingham Union since 1836, and the old parish Workhouse is now used as a National School, supported by subscription. Here is also a large British School, built in 1838, with a house for the master, at the expense of the late Countess of Leicester, and other contributors.
In 1678, Cphr. Ringer left two yearly sums of £16, - one for the maintenance of two poor widows for teaching 60 poor children; and the other for a monthly distribution of meal among the poor of the parish, mostly to those not receiving parochial relief. In satisfaction of these annuities, £600 was received in 1681, and laid out in the purchase of an estate, now consisting of a farm-house, (rebuilt in 1828,) two cottages, &c., and 88A. of land, in Barningham and Bassingham [sic, possibly Bessingham], let for £120 per annum, half of which, after payment of incidental expenses, is distributed in wheaten flour, and the remainder is paid to two respectable widows, who each instruct 30 children in reading, and the girls also in knitting and sewing.
In the 17th century, the REV. MUNGO MORRAY left an estate of 126A., at Bale, to the rectory of Wells for ever, subjected to the yearly payment of £18 to the poor. Part of this annuity is distributed in meal, and the rest in coals, with the rent of the Fuel Allotment, 10A., awarded at the enclosure, and now let for £30 a year to the Earl of Leicester. A yearly rent-charge of £5, left by Ann Tidd in 1762, is distributed in clothing among the poor, who have also the dividends of £388 2s. 9d., New 3½ per cent. Stock, left by Wm. Branch Elliott, in 1810. The rector and others are trustees.
PETTY SESSIONS are held at the Crown Inn, on the third Monday of every month, and Mr. Thos. Garwood is clerk to the magistrates. The POST OFFICE is at Mrs. Hannah Southgate's, where letters arrive by the Lynn Mail Cart, at ½ past ten morning; and are despatched at 3 afternoon.
In the following DIRECTORY OF WELLS, those marked 1 reside in Burnt street; 2, Butlands; 3, Church street; 4, East end; 5, Freeman street; 6, Glebe road; 7, High street; 8, Mill lane; 9, Quay; 10, Staith street; 11, Theatre street; and 12, at West end.
2 Ackroyd Rev Jno., M.A. vic. of Holkm
Allen Robert haven master
6 Bottomley Joseph H. stone mason
Brett Robert millwright, Mill lane
5 Brown John tidewaiter
Bunting Henry
2 Burley Mr. James
6 Calagan Patrick coast guard
7 Carver Rev. Dd. curate of Warham
10 Cassidy Mrs. Mary gentlewoman
12 Curry Captain Roger, R.N.
9 Dawson Wm., Esq. colr. of customs
2 Dunn Abraham clerk
3 Emes Matthew tobacco pipe maker
Fryer Mr. Jno. Val.
12 Gardner Mr. Francis
Hayden Joseph excise officer
Hayhow Mrs. A.
1 Hill Rev. Valentine,
M.A. rector
Hobborn Sarah pipe maker
4 Howard John gardener
7 Houghton Edward auctioneer and land surveyor
5 Leeder Mr. Rt
2 Loose Mrs. Mary
1 Lowne William cattle dealer
Mann William supervisor
7 Martin Rev. Stephen (Indpt min.)
7 Mitchell Robert Andrew eating house
12 Nettleton Mrs. Ann
10 Parker John H. harbour master
4 Parker Robinson agent to Lloyds
10 Peace Mrs. Jane
10 Pennington Francis S. haberdasher
7 Plowman Wm.
10 Plowright Mr. Edmund Gibbs
10 Potts Mr. Anthy.
2 Purdy Rev. James (Wesleyan min.)
2 Race Mrs. H
2 Race William agent to Trinity house
8 Rayner Mrs. Julia
Read James T., Esq. Marsh House
5 Reeder Misses Rachel
and Elizabeth
10 Robilliard John N. comptroller
5 Robinson John clothes dealer
9 Rump Misses
7 Southgate Hannah postmistress
2 Strutt Samuel
7 Thurston Mr. Rt.
7 Tingay George William clerk
Walker Mrs. Esther Glebe road
5 Wayte Henry in customs
7 Webb Thomas relieving officer
2 Welch Captain G.R. coast guard
12 Williamson Honor pawnbroker
2 Wiseman John ship agent
7 Wright Mr. Charles Temple
Yeams Mrs. Phœbe Burnt-street
FIRE AND LIFE OFFICES.
1 Young James Crown
10 Fryer T. and H. Dissenters'
2 Howard Thomam [sic] Farmers'
10 Ward Rt. Guardian (stamp distrtr.)
7 Neville Henry Norwich Union
2 Loose Francis Phœnix
7 Houghton E., jun. Protector Fire
INNS AND TAVERNS.
3 Newson James Bowling Green
2 Ellis Samuel Crown Inn
10 Hayhow Thos. Crown and Anchor
12 Humphrey George Dogger
3 Gath Thomas Eight Ringers
2 Priest Thomas Globe
9 Allen Dennis Golden Fleece
7 Fox Henry Green Dragon
12 Ford William Holkham Arms
4 Shreeve John Jolly Sailors
9 Johnson Joshua King's Arms
7 Smithbone William King Wm. IV.
10 Lubbock Charles Leicester Arms (and sail maker)
9 Richardson William Lord Nelson
2 Porter John Ostrich Inn
4 Southgate John Queen's Head
9 Powditch John Red Lion
4 Crawford Henry Royal Standard
5 Hammond Robert Ship
9 Leeder Robert Sun
9 Warner William Three Tuns
5 Wickham Edward Wheat Sheaf
3 Paxton John Waggon and Horses
Academies
(* take Boarders.)
7*Cross Anthony Charles
7*Carver John
10 Gamble Wm. British School
2 Garwood Rose
Allen Mrs. Girls' Free Schools
and Wabon Mrs. [See note below]
1*Judd My. Ann
9 Oliver Tamison
4 Peace John
ATTORNEYS.
2 Garwood Thos.
2 Loynes Robert Thurston
BAKERS.
(* Confectrs. also.)
7*Baker Robert 7 Merris John
7 Bambridge Jas. 5 Miller Wm. Hy.
5 Bouch William 7 Moorhouse Geo.
4 Clark Robert 9*Newson Isaac
10 Hill Robert 10*Race Harriet
10 Land Robert 7 Thurgur John
10*Matsell Thos. 5 Walker Thomas
Basket Makers.
3 Canfor Robert
7 Mitchell James
7 Plowman Thos.
Beer Houses. Blacksmiths, &c.
10 Cable Samuel 2 Farrow Thomas
5 Garrett Henry 3 Garrett William
9 Hammond Robt. 7 Hall Robert
4 Houghton R. 2 Randall Wm.
4 Land Joseph 4 Smith Isaac
7 Readcock Ann 8 Whisson Wm.
5 Rhodes Thomas 10 Woods John, & iron founder
Booksellers, &c.
10 Fryer T. & H.
2 Howard Thomas
7 Neville Henry
Boot & Shoemakers
10 Amis John 19 Matthews W.
10 Anderson Josha. 11 Medwell Wm.
12 Barnes Barry 10 Peace Ann
12 Bullock Benj. 10 Powditch Sl.
10 Castleton Jph. 9 Smith Thomas
3 Gregory George 7 Tinker Robert
7 Gregory Augtu. 7 Tyzack Chas.
7 Hall William 6 Warner Wm.
Brazrs. & Tinrs. Brewers.
9 Cawston Thos. 9 Crofts George
10 Godfrey Adam 9 Rust Martha
6 Robinson F. 2 Southgate Jph. (& porter mert.)
Bricklayers.
10 Goss John
Holmes James
7 Steel Edward
12 Youngs Henry
Butchers.
1 Adkin John P. 10 Jarrett Saml.
5 Emerson Rd. 7 Lee James
9 Hammond Eliz. 4 Metcalf Robt.
9 Houghton Rt. 7 Ramm James
5 Howard Edw.
Druggists.
3 Leslie John
10 Copeman W. & Co.
5 Taylor Wm.
China, &c. Dlrs. Coopers.
10 Dixon Jno. M. 10 Massingham John (& brush maker)
7 Thurston Robt. 10 Walker Wm.
10 Ward Robert 3 Whitaker Rt.
Corn and Coal Merchants.
(* Coal only.)
9 Brereton J. and R. Rt. Wells, agent
9 Chapman Jas.
9 Crofts George
2*Dunn Abrahm.
19 Eyre &
Chester
6*Harman Wm.
9 Haycock Jph.
5*Lord Richard
2*Sandling Ths. Dixon
9 Southgate Jph. junior
2*Spooner Wm.
Corn Millers. Currier.
8 Barnes Thomas Leech Benj.
Plowright N.J.
West &
Nicholls
FARMERS.
Belcham Richd. 12 Gardner W.N.
3 Caddamy Hy. 3 Graver Samuel
3 Cole Wm. 6 Hamond Eliz
2 Ellis George 2 Hayhow Thos.
4 Faircloth Robt. 12 Judd Ann
Glovers,&c.
7 Baker Joseph
10 Flaxman John
Grocers & Dprs.
7 Andrews Geo.
5 Bergman Geo.
10 Elgar Wm.
9 Gales Joshua
3 Massey Wm.
5 Ringer Wm. Smith (& tallow chandler)
9 Syder Francis (& Fakenham)
7 Tyrrell Henry (draper only)
Hatters. Ironmongers.
10 Ashmead Ann 5 Bouch Wm.
7 Towler Hubbd. 5 Mann Richard
7 Wharf Ager 7 Tyzack James
JOINERS.
* are Cabt. Mkrs.
10*Betts George and 3*Leslie John
Benjamin 7*Plowman G.A.
2 Betts Edward 5 Ransome John
5*Bouch Wm. 12 Ransome Wm. (wheelright)
10 Fox Henry 10 Savage Jph.
2 Hinson Horatio 3 Sparks Peter
9*Leeder Thos. 5 White Wm.
Maltsters.
See Brewers also.
9 Chapman Jas.
9 Gales Josiah
12 Gardner Wm.
9 Rust M.
Master Mariners. PILOTS.
(* are Owners.)
5 Bunn Thomas Allen Robert
12*Curson John Field Barber
12 Davies John Money Joseph
5*Elliott Edw. Smith Edw., Jno.,
2 Hammond Hy. and Richard
5 Harman W. Stacey Robert
5 Hayden John Wright Matthew
4 Hendry Wm.
10 Hudson John
5 Lynes Joseph
12 Munson Wm.
15 Mussett Robt.
5*Newson Wm.
10 Powditch Jas.
5 Powditch Ths.
5 Smith John
5 Watson Henry
Milliners.
3 Audus Mrs 7 Mitchell Maria
10 Balls Sarah 10 Plowright Hr.
10 Chester Mary 10 Powditch M.
4 Dawson E. 10 Skeet Phœbe
Patten Makers.
7 Plowman Ths.
7 Tyzack Chas.
Perfumers and Hairdressers.
9 Howard Robt.
10 Lynn Wm.
7 Tyzack James
9 Warner Wm.
Plumbers, Glaziers, & Pntrs.
9 King Richard
7 Platten Robert
3 Plowman Geo. G.
Rope Makers. Saddlers, &c.
2 Baker Wm. & John 10 Bell Benj.
3 Flaxman Thos. 10 Evans Geo.
3 Outlaw Chas.
3 Thurger Wm.
Ship and Boat Builders.
5 King Rt. (boat)
4 Lubbock John
4 Tyrrell Hy. T.
Shopkeepers.
5 Bedingfield Pleasance 6 Powditch Ths.
Cock Ann R. 5 Silles John
9 Cubitt Mary 12 Twoo Pleasance B.
4 Palmer Mary
Surgeons.
9 Rump Hugh
2 Rump Robert
1 Young James
Tailors & Dprs.
9 Bird Jonathan 2 Leggett Wm.
9 Brown Samuel 3 Shaw John
3 Buck George 7 Skeet Rt. Rumble
6 Curson Isaac (& par. clk.)
6 Hamaway Jno. 5 Stockings Wm.
Watchmakers. Wine and Spirit Merchants.
10 Curson Mttw. 7 Neville Henry
7 Russell Wm. 9 Rust Martha
2 Southgate Jph.
COACHES, &c.
- The Hero,
- from the Crown to London, via Swaffham, and Newmarket, Tue, Thurs., & Sat., 6 mng.
- Mail Cart to Lynn
- every aftern. at 3;
- and OMNIBUSES,
- every Tuesday, Thurs., and Sat., at 6 mng.; return following days.
Marked * go from the Golden Fleece, and + from the Royal Standard.
- To London,
- Green & Archer's Vans from Church street, Monday and Thursday, 3 morning.
- + Dereham,
- Wm. Raven. Thursday.
- Lynn,
- Peter Cock, Freemen street; and Thos. Rhodes, Monday and Thursday, 6 morning.
- Norwich,
- Wm. Raven, + Monday, 6 mng.; Jas. Stearman, Theatre yard, Tuesday, 7 morning; and Rd. Belsham, West-end, Thursday, 7 morning.
- * Barney,
- Robt. Riches, Wednesday
- *+ Binham,
- John Bullen,daily.
- * Burcham,
- Howard, Wed. & Sat.
Notes
- The format of the directory has been changed.
- In the original, this is:
Girls' Free Schools Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Wabon - In these entries the district is not "1" to "12":
15 Mussett Robt.
19 Matthews W.
19 Eyre & Chester
See also the Wells parish page.
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Copyright © Pat Newby.
January 2016