|
|
|
|
|
HEACHAM, 14 miles N.N.E. of Lynn, is a large and scattered village, on the sea-coast, sheltered behind by a bold acclivity, at the foot of which a small rivulet flows across the salt-marsh to the flat beach, where there is no harbour for shipping, though coal vessels and other small craft unlade their cargoes on the sands.
The parish has increased its population, since 1801, from 524 to 811 souls, and contains 3,514 acres.
The principal owners of the soil are Henry L'Estrange Styleman Le Strange, Esq., the Rev. S. C. E. N. Rolfe, M.A., and Miss Davy. The two latter have handsome seats here, called the Hall, and the Lodge, and the first is lord of the manor, and impropriator. Mr. Rolfe is also patron and incumbent of the vicarage, valued in the King's Book at £6 13s. 4d., and augmented in 1779 with £200 of Queen Anne's Bounty.
The CHURCH (St. Mary,) has a square tower, rising between the nave and chancel, and formerly had transepts. It is a handsome structure, in which a new gallery and organ have recently been erected by the vicar, who has made other improvements in the interior. Here are inscriptions to the Redmaynes and Rolfes. One of the latter family sailed with Sir Walter Raleigh, in his voyages of discovery, and married the princess Powhatani, daughter of one of the most celebrated Indian chiefs, which greatly facilitated the friendly intercourse between the natives and the English.
The Independent Chapel, built here in 1832, is under the ministry of the Rev. Jas. Cooper.
A School, for 25 free scholars, was established here by subscription, in 1815, and it is now incorporated with the National School, recently erected by the present vicar.
The Poor's Land, 6A. 3R. 15P., with a cottage, is let for £13 10s., and has been vested, in trust, from an early period, but was partly exchanged at the enclosure, in 1781. The poor have also two yearly rent-charges of 10s. each, left by unknown donors; and the dividends of £500 three per cent. Consols, left by Mrs. Frances Rolfe, in 1837, to be distributed in clothing.
Heacham had a cell of Cluniac monks, under Lewes Abbey, to which this parish was given by Wm. de Warren, Earl of Surrey, in the reign of Wm. Rufus. After the dissolution, the manor and rectory were given to Thomas, Duke of Norfolk.
The present yearly value of the vicarage is £226.
Bly Benjamin wheelwright Bly Francis carpenter Bly George plumber, painter, &c. Bond William builder & brick mkr. Browne Mr. Robert Burcham John Geo. officer in customs Burrell Ann schoolmistress Cooper Rev. Jas. (Indept. Minister) Crisp William farm bailiff Davy Miss Emily Lodge Dawes William joiner Foulsham James National School Granger Robert blacksmith Heugh Henry P. tailor Hill Rev. Hy., M.A. curate of Snettshm. Minns William wheelwright Norgate Wm. miller, (& Ringstead) Nurse Rt. bricklayer & parish clerk Richardson Clement tinner, &c. Robinson William butcher Rolfe Rev. Strickland vicar, Heacham Hall Chas. Edw. Neville, M.A. Rowland Geo., Esq. Holly Lodge Roythorne Edm. & Jas. coal dealers Silcock Mrs. & Miss Mary Steadman John Buck surgeon Wagg James miller and baker Wilton Thomas butcher Wright Rev. Henry, B.A. curate Yaxley Cath. vict., White Sheaf Beer Houses. Bunting E. Collinson Thos. Cory Robert Minns Robert FARMERS Carter Mrs. Clement Stagg Crisp Thos. butchr Duffield Thos. Ellis Robert Foule Robert Harrison John Land William Rix Henry Rix William Spanton William Spencer William Wells John Wells Robert Wilson Jno. (& coal dealer) Grocers & Drapers. Massingham Geo. Rowe Charles Russell John Yaxley James Shoemakers. Collings Wm. Hooks Robert Jarrett William Oughton SamuelPOST OFFICE at the Wheat Sheaf.
CARRIERS to Lynn, on Market days;
and Rd. High's Sociable, every Monday, at 8½ morning.
Towler's Cart to Norwich, Thursday, and Lynn, Monday
Copyright © Pat Newby.
August 1999