Norfolk: Hardwick

William White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk 1883

HARDWICK, 5 miles N. of Harleston, and 12 miles S. of Norwich, is a parish in Depwade union, Harleston county court district, Ipswich bankruptcy district, Depwade petty sessional division, Stratton polling district of South Norfolk, Depwade rural deanery, and Norfolk archdeaconry. It had 197 inhabitants in 1881, living on 855 acres, and has a rateable value of £1141 5s. The soil is held by several owners; but F.B. Frank, Esq., is lord of the manor.

The CHURCH (St. Margaret) comprises nave, chancel, and a fragment of a Norman tower, which fell down in 1770. There are two altar tombs of marble and alabaster, one to Sir Peter Gleane, Knt., a great supporter of King Charles I. Some woodwork of this period still adorns the edifice, notably a 'bedstead pew,' which has been removed from the chancel to the west end, and now serves as a vestry.

In the church is a memorial of Sir Peter Gleane, Bart., who armed two companies of foot soldiers on behalf of Charles I., was J.P. for Norfolk above twenty years, and was twice M.P. for the county. The Gleanes owned the hall here, and gave (amongst other benefactions to the church) some beautiful silver altar plate.

The edifice has recently been repaired by the incumbent, Rev. C. Blomfield Smith, who is also rector of Shelton. The glebe here is 7A. 3R. 11P.

There is a SCHOOL BOARD for the combined parishes of Hardwick and Shelton, formed in 1871. John Furness, Esq., Norwich, is clerk, and the Rev. C.B. Smith, of Shelton, chairman. The other members are: Messrs. William Baxter, George Foulger, James Smith, and George Vipond.

POST, despatched at 5 p.m., delivery at 9 a.m., via Long Stratton, which is the nearest Money Order and Telegraph Office.

	Bower      Joseph          farmer
	Copping    Henry           corn miller
	Dade       Walter          shopkeeper
	Devereux   Benjamin        farmer
	Hill       Miss Catherine  school mistress
	Howard     John            shoemaker
	Lighton    Thomas G.       farmer
	Mullinger  Mr. Michael
	Nurse      Mr. John
	Punchard   George          farmer
	Reeder     Esau            farmer
	Smith      James           farmer, Hall farm
	Thurling   George          vict. Rose and Crown
	Vipond     George          farmer and builder
	Ward       John            farmer