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Sparke Landowners & Edward Sparke/Sparkes
of Mattishall

We have on record that a 'Sparke' family had owned land in Mattishall and Mattishall Burgh for some years however no relationship has been found of Edward Sparke to this family so it might just be coincidence that Edward purchased property here.

1830: Rev John Henry Sparke bought Gunthorpe Hall which included land at Mattishall and Mattishall Burgh

1854: Francis White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory, of Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh - The land belonging chiefly to the Rev. John Henry Sparke and the Rev. J. Shuldham, of Wood Norton

1883: Kelly's Trade Directory - Mattishall - The principal landowners are the Rev. Charles Donne and Edward Bowyer Sparke esq of Gunthorpe Hall. and the Rev. John Shouldham.

1896: Kelly's Trade Directory - Mattishall - The Principle land owners are the Rev Charles Edward Donne M.A. vicar of Faversham, Kent, and Edward Bowyer Sparke esq of Gunthorpe Hall.
In the same entry is - Edward Sparke, farmer and landowner and maltster, Malthouse Farm.

1896: Kelly's Trade Directory - Mattishall Burgh - Edward Bowyer Sparke esq. of Gunthorpe Hall, and the trustees of of the late Rev John Shuldham M.A. rector of Wood Norton 1845 - 1879 (d 1884), are the principle land owners.
In the same entry is - Alfred John Gay Farmer.

MORE on this 'Sparke' family:
Edward Bowyer Sparke born 1832 was the son of John Henry Sparke born about 1797. He in turn was a son of Bowyer Edward Sparke who was the Dean of Bristol in 1803, Bishop of Chester in 1809, and was Bishop of Ely from 1812 until his death at an age of 77. He died at Ely House, Dover Street, London. His body was interred on 16 April 1836 in a vault in Bishop West's chapel at Ely Cathedral. It is said Bowyer Edward Sparke
gave so many of his best livings to his family that it was said locally that you could find your way across the Fens on a dark night "by the number of little Sparkes along the road.
John Henry Sparke married Agnes Astley the daughter of Jacob Henry Astley Baron of Hastings on September 10th 1825. Edward Bowyer Sparke born 1832 was named after his father's brother.

1910: July 2 - The Times - The death of the Rev Edward Bowyer Sparke, Canon of Ely Cathedral, and for nearly half a century rector of Feltwell, Norfolk. The younger son of the Right Rev Dr Bowyer Edward Sparke, Bishop successively of Chester and Ely, he was born about the year 1803, and was educated a Pembroke and St John's Colleges, Cambridge, and was for some years Fellow of the latter college. He was appointed by his father a Prebendary of Ely in 1829, vicar of Littleport, Cambridgeshire, in 1830, rector of Feltwell in 1831, and Canon Realdentiary of Ely the following year. According to "Crockford", the income of Feltwell is £1,471 a year and a home, and his canonry £303 and a house. Besides his rectory and canonry, Mr Sparke held also for many years the registrarship of the diocese of Ely. He married in 1833 Miss Catharine Maria Newcome, only daughter of of the Rev William Newcome, of Holkwold, Norfolk.

This was found in the Mattishall archive from a grandson of Edward Bowyer Sparke
Edward Bowyer Sparke was the eldest surviving son of of Canon Rev John Henry Sparke (the eldest son Henry Ashley Sparke, was killed in the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854 while serving in the IV Light Dragoons). Both Edward Bowyer Sparke and his only son Henry Bowyer Sparke died within two weeks of each other in 1910 and their Trustees eventually sold the Ely and Mattishall estates to meet death duties.
Edward Bowyer Sparke also raised a school at Mattishall in 1872

John Henry Sparke was Canon an Chancellor of Ely Cathedral, he was the eldest son of The Right Reverend Bowyer Edward Sparke D.D. who was Lord Bishop 1812 - 1836

1836: William White Directory - Gunthorpe - The Rev John Henry Sparke, B.A., is patron and the incumbent, owner of a great part of the parish, and lord of the manor, lately purchased from the Collyers. He resides a Gunthorpe Hall, a handsome white mansion, with a well-wooded lawn and a small lake. Sir Charles Chad, and S. Brereton, J. Gay and C. Winn, Esqrs, have estates here

EDWARD SPARKE/SPARKES born 1816
Son of Britton Sparke and Charlotte Giles

Edward Sparke/Sparkes was born on August 11th 1816 the son of Britton Sparke a Livery Stables Keeper at Norwich and his wife Charlotte Giles. He was baptised on August 18th 1816 at St Simon and St Jude Church Norwich - Entry 52. He states in future documents and census returns he was born at Stratton Strawless and Norwich so it could be he was born at Stratton Strawless before being baptised 7 days later at Norwich. We do know his family came from Stratton Strawless.

Edward appears to have been quite a business man for he is recorded as owner/tenant of Pockthorpe Mill which stood on farm land just outside of the old Magdalen Gates at Norwich long before it was developed for housing. The towermill stood on land between Magdalen Road and Silver Road, approximately where St Olaves Road was later laid. By at least 1882 the mill had lost its sails and was steam driven although Edward had sold it some years before. The mill had previously been owned by Jeremiah James Colman of Colman's mustard fame and was still in Jeremaih's possession in June 1815. For more on Pockthorpe Towermill click HERE

Edward was also a Wine Merchant and Oatmeal manufacturer with premises in Wagon and Horses Lane which runs from the top of Elm Hill through to Wensum Street to the site of the Maids Head Hotel. There was a record of a 'Sparke Yard' on Wagon and Horses Lane which was demolished in the Norwich modernisation scheme. In 1847 there was a company called Clabburn & Sparks consisting of Robert Clabburn, James Clabburn, and Edward Sparks, Oatmeal and Groat Manufacturers and General Dealers. The company was dissolved 12 Feb 1847. In the same year Edward who was now about 31, a bachelor and a wine and spirit merchant married Sarah Smith a spinster age 34 on November 16th at St Benedict Church Norwich - Entry 93. Sarah was the daughter of Samuel Smith a Cashier Clerk of St Benedicts Norwich and Edward's father (Britton Sparke) was recorded as a farmer.

In the 1851 census Edward was now recorded as a Wine and Spirit Merchant of Magdalen Street Norwich living with his wife Sarah and a maid servant Ann Buck. In the 1854 Whites Directory Edward Sparks was listed as a merchant with a home at the Steam Mills, Magdalen Gates. On August 5th of that year a advert was placed in the Norfolk Chronicle offering the Steam Mill, Granaries, Coalsheds, Barn, Stable, an Acre of Land, and comfortable Dwelling- House to be let at Michaelmas. A further advert appeared on September 9th of the same year.

In 1861 we find Edward at 1 Woodgate Hill, Hill Farm Beeston near Mileham Norfolk where he was recorded as a Farmer of 205 acres, employing 4 men and 2 boys. Sarah was staying with James Swann and his wife Elizabeth at Magdalen Street Norwich. James was a Shoe Maker and further on we find Edward is to marry their daughter Emma after Sarah died in 1878. Living with Edward at Beeston was a 24 year old live-in house servant called Mary Ann Fenn born at Bawdeswell. Four years later we have on record the birth of a baby girl in 1865 with the name Eliza Sparke Fenn. Eliza was baptised on March 30th 1866 at St Lawrence Church St Benedict's Street Norwich, entry 1169. She was baptised under her full name and her parents were recorded as Edward Fenn a farmer of East Tuddenham and his wife Ann Maria. There is no previous or further record of this Edward Fenn so with what we know now it is thought her father was actually Edward Sparke. The question also comes to mind why was the child baptised at Norwich and not at the parent’s local parish of East Tuddenham, we can only assume this was to hide Edward's true identity. Delving further into the Fenn family Mary Ann Fenn who was Edward's house servant in 1861 had a younger sister Anne Maria Fenn who would have been 22 years old when Eliza was born. So this could have been Eliza's mother as the family had been living at Rotton Row East Tuddenham for some time and continued to do so long after. What we do know is in 1871 Eliza who was now age 5 was recorded as a scholar at Synagogue Street, Norwich living with Louisa Bell who was recorded as a governess. The Fenn family we agricultural labourers so we have to assume Edward was financing this. In 1874 Eliza died at the young age of 9 whilst living at Norwich. At this time it is not known how but we do know there was a Smallpox epidemic at the time - needs checking. From all accounts Eliza was brought to Mattishall to be buried in All Saints Churchyard on June 17th 1874. It is not know precisely where she lies but there is a memorial to her on the Grand Alter Tomb which later contained Edward and his wife Sarah. The tomb is situated at the right of All Saint's church main entrance door (picture below). The tomb can clearly been seen from Edward's house. From all accounts it shows Edward welcomed or even adopted this child (not sure how his wife Sarah felt) and although we have no records to say otherwise took over the responsibility of Eliza's care and education. It must have come as a great shock when Eliza died. The tomb would later be occupied by Edward's wife Sarah who died on February 6th 1878 and then Edward some 20 years later. This is strongly looking like Eliza was the daughter of Edward Sparke. We don't have the birth or death certificate for Eliza at this time so this theory is based on what information we do have. What happened to Eliza's mother remains a mystery.

Sometime between 1861 and 1871 Edward Sparke acquired property at Church Square, Mattishall. Edward was recorded as landlord of the 'Crown and Anchor Inn' sited on Church Plain so we can only assume this property was what is now known as 'Anchor House' (pictured below). the extent of the property also included the old maltings which buildings stretched to the crossroads (also pictured below). The property was also a working farm for in the 1871 census Edward was recorded as a Farmer of 150 Acres, employing 6 men and 1boy. On this occasion Sarah was back with him together with a 27 year old servant named Mary Beals from Hardingham.

The Old Maltings (right)
Portioned at the All Saints Cross Roads
The Old 'Crown & Anchor' Public House
Church Plain

Sarah Sparkes had been suffering with Chronic Rheumatism for many years and early 1878 after suffering for 3 weeks she died of exhaustion on February 6th age 72, Edward was present at her death. She was buried in All Saints Churchyard in the family tomb pictured below.

Edward now aged 62 was soon to remarry for at the end of 1878 he married 35 year old Emma Harriet Swann. Emma was the daughter of James Swann a Shoe Maker and his wife Elizabeth unknown of Magdalen Street Norwich, Edward probably knew the family from his days in Norwich. In 1881 Edward Sparke was recorded as a Farmer of 160 Acres Employing 5 Men and 2 Boys and giving his birth place as Stratton Strawless, Norfolk. Emma was a Farmer's wife and they had a live in 18 year old Domestic Servant, Phebe King from Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk.

On Friday September 8th 1882 at the East Dereham Petty Sessions, Edward Sparkes of Mattishall applied for the removal of the licence of the CROWN & ANCHOR to a new building. Mr. Sparkes stated that he had carried out the business of a wine merchant in Norwich for 30 years without complaint and that he was the owner of a building being erected at that time and it was there that he wished to relocate the CROWN & ANCHOR. A petition signed by 74 residents, including the Vicar and the only nonconformist clergyman in the village, considered that the place had sufficient licensed houses. They they were informed that there would not be any more licensed houses in the neighbourhood and the new building would be closed at eight p.m. and have a six day licence. Mr. Sparkes wanted the license for his wine trade.
The Magistrates granted the application. Although this was granted it appears it was never acted on.

For two years from 1886 - 1888 Edward Sparke was conducting business as a tenant from the Towermill on what is now known as Mill Street Mattishall. For more information on the Mattishall Mill Street Towermill click HERE.

In 1891 Edward now aged 74 was a Farmer, Corn Merchant and employer of 17 Church Square Mattishall with his second wife 48 year old Emma. Staying with them was George Chaston age 18 and a Corn Merchants Clerk born at Norwich.

Edward Sparke died on June 16th 1898 age 81 at Norwich (Jun quarter 4b 113) and was brought back to Mattishall. He was buried the large Alter Tomb shared with his first wife Sarah Sparke nee Smith together with his illegitimate daughter Eliza Sparke Fenn. As mentioned before the Grand Altar Tomb is in the churchyard just to the right of All Saints Church main entrance door

Sacred in the memory of
SARAH the wife of EDWARD SPARKE
Born Sept 5th 1805, died Feb 6th 1878

EDWARD SPARKE
Born Aug 11th 1816, died June 16th 1898

Sacred to the memory of
ELIZA SPARKE FENN

Born June 27th 1865, died June 12th 1874

For more information on Eliza click HERE

 

After Edward's death Emma moved to Norwich, first living at St Williams Street and then Pelham Road. There she remained until her death in 1924 at the age of 82. The Crown and Anchor was then taken over by John Stibbard/Sippens Edwards. It remained a public house till 1922 and the house was then sold for a private residence in 1923.

Malt House Farm House was occupied by Fred Gricks until just after 1911. Fred Gricks had been born in Mattishall Burgh his father, Frederick Gricks who was born at East Dereham worked Gricks Farm, Mattishall Burgh with his wife Sarah Rose formerly Fox.

Sometime after their marriage in 1912 Malt House Farm was taken over by Reginald Sparke Gay and his wife Violet May formerly Williamson. Reginald's mother was Florence Sparke. Traceing Florence's family back we do find she was distantly related to Edward Sparke whether Edward and Florence actually knew this is not clear, and maybe it was just coincidental they took over Malt House Farm we may never know. MORE on Florence Sparke click HERE

 

 

Note: In the below Timeline it shows the possible link between Edward Sparke and Florence Sparke mentioned above
MORE on Edward Sparke/Sparkes - TIMELINE

Re: Spark, Sparks, Sparke, Sparkes.
Trying to trace the Sparke family back into the 1700' has been quite tricky for two reasons. Records and their content are very patchy and then we have the permutations of the surname as above. However there is the middle name 'Bird' which does helps to give a marker to follow back. It is not unusual for the mother's surname to be used somewhere in her children's names. This could be the case in this family.

ROBERT SPARKE born unknown

Robert Sparke married Martha unknown - no record found

Robert's wife died
1763:
Mar 24 - Burial at St Mary The Virgin Church North Elmham
Martha Sparke wife of Robert Sparke

Robert appears to remarry
1764:
Apr 30 - Marriage at St Mary The Virgin Church North Elmham
Robert Sparke a Widower married Elizabeth Ashley a Spinster

Is this Elizabeth Ashley?
1768:
Aug 4 - Burial at St Mary's Church North Tuddenham
Elizabeth Sparke wife of Robert Sparke

Could this be Robert and did he remarry - is this where the middle name 'Bird' came from?
1771:
Jul 18 - Marriage at St Peter and St Paul Church Wendling
Grooms name illegable (page damaged) married Elizabeth Bird a Spinster - by Licence
[Archdeacon's Transcripts]

Robert and Elizabeth had children:

1764: Apr 15 - Baptism at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless
Frans Spark daughter of Robert Spark and his wife Elizabeth
Is Frans the daughter of Elizabeth Ashly the new wife of Robert Sparke

No baptism record for James (below) but there is a burial
1776:
Jul 14 - Burial at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless - Entry 49
James Sparks son of Robert Sparks and Elizabeth
James and Elizabeth had children:

1766: Jul 20 - Baptism at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless
Meriah Spark daughter of Robert Spark and his with Elizabeth - possibly Elizabeth Ashley
Meriah died in 1767 and was buried on July 12th - Entry 13

Edwards father
1768:
Nov 20 - Baptism at St Margaret's Church Stratton Strawless - ANCESTRAL LINE to Edward
Britton Spark born November 9th 1768 son of Robert Spark and his wife Elizabeth
Could this be the last child of Elizabeth Ashley as she died only a few weeks earlier

1776: Apr 21 - Baptism at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless - Entry 65
Joseph Sparks daughter of Robert Sparks and his wife Elizabeth
Could this be a son of Elizabeth Bird if the marriage in 1771 was to Robert Sparke!!

1778: May 17 - Baptism at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless - Entry 79
James Sparks son of Robert Sparks and his wife Elizabeth - ANCESTRAL LINE to Florence
From all acounts this could be the son of Elizabeth Bird although not baptised James Bird Sparke he seemed to have adopted it sometime after his baptism and it stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Edward parents marry
1802:
Dec 26 - Marriage at St Peter Hungate Church Norwich - Entry 152
Britton Sparks a Bachelor married Charlotte Giles a Spinster of St Lawrence parish
Witness: Edward Larke and Jeremiah Simond

Very little is known of Britton
Britton and Charlotte had children:

[1] 1804: Apr 19 - Baptism at St Peter Hungate Church Norwich
Margaret Sparks born April 17th 1804 son of Britton Sparks and his wife Charlotte Giles

[2] 1805: Nov 10 - Baptism at St Simon and St Jude Church Norwich
Lousia Sparkes born November 4th 1805 daughter of Britton Sparkes and his wife Charlotte Giles

[3] 1807: Nov 23 - Baptism at St Simon and St Jude Church Norwich
Francis Willaim Sparkes born November 14th 1807 son of Britton Sparkes and his wife Charlotte Giles
Francis married Isabella Barney Sendall formerly Green the widow of Martin Sandall on May 29th 1836 at St Mary and St Margaret Church Sprowston - Entry 153. Francis and Isabella had a daughter, Isabella Berney Sparks born April 20th 1837.
Isabella died in 1837 and was buried on August 3rd at St Georges Colgate. Their daughter died in 1840 aged just 3 years and was buried on April 26th with her mother.
On November 9th 1840 Francis, a widower and Wine Merchant married Ann Smith a spinster at St Gregory Church Norwich - Entry 42. His father (Britton Sparkes) was recorded as a Farmer.
1n 1871 Francis was recorded as a 53 year old Wine Merchant at St Giles Norwich. In 1871 now a widower he was living at Duke Street Norwich, occupation Valuer & Seedsman. He died in 1882 at Norwich age 75.

[4] 1809: Jun 18 - Baptism at St Simon and St Jude Church Norwich
William Sparkes born June 15th 1809 saon of Britton Sparkes and his wife Chalotte Giles
William married Rebecca Chapman Watts born at Buxton on July 6th 1835 at St John The Baptist Church Lakenham - Entry 293 - In 1851 he was recorded as 41 year old Cabinet Maker living at St Clements Norwich. They had no children and in 1861 and 1871 were still in St Clements. William died in 1887 age 77. Rebecca died in 1888 at Aylsham age 75.

[5] 1811: Sep 22 - Baptism at St Simon and St Jude Church Norwich
Fredric Sparkes born September 15th 1811 son of Britton Sparkes and his wife Charlotte Giles

[6] 1814: Mar 13 - Baptism at St Simon and St Jude Church Norwich - Entry 18
Eliza Sparkes born Mar 5th 1814 daughter of Britton Sparkes Keeper of Livery Stables & Charlotte

[7] 1816: Aug 18 - Baptism at St Simon and St Jude Church Norwich - Entry 52
Edward Sparkes born August 11 1816 son of Britton Sparkes a Livery Stables Keeper and his wife Charlotte Giles

1845: White's Directory - Edward Sparkes, b.Stratton Strawless, a miller living in Wagon and Horses Lane which runs from the top of Elm Hill through to Wensum Street at the site of the Maids Head Hotel. There was a record of a 'Sparke Yard' on Wagon and Horses Lane which was demolished in the Norwich modernisation scheme.

1847: - Clabburn & Sparks - Oatmeal manufacturers of Norwich. Waggon and Horses-lane, Tombland, Norwich. Robert Clabburn, James Clabburn, and Edward Sparks, Oatmeal and Groat Manufacturers and General Dealers. Company was dissolved 12 Feb 1847.

1847: Nov 16 - Marriage at St Benedict Church Norwich - Entry 93
Edward Sparks a Bachelor and Wine and spirit merchant married Sarah Smith a Spinster by Licence
Fathers: Britton Sparks a Farmer and Samuel Smith a Cashier Clerk
Witness: Samuel Smith and Susanna Brailey

1851: Census - Magdalen St, Norwich
Edward Sparks - Head - age 35 - Wine & Spirit Mercht - Stratton Strawless-Norfolk
Sarah Sparks - Wife - age 38 - Norwich
Ann Buck - Servant - age 31 - Maid Servant - Scottow-Norfolk

1854: White's Directory - Edward Sparks was listed as a merchant with a home at the Steam Mills, Magdalen Gates.

1854: Aug 5th - Norfolk Chronicle - To Millers to be let at Michaelmas
The Tower Wind-Mill and Steam Mill, Granaries, Coalsheds, Barn, Stable, an Acre of Land, and comfortable Dwelling- House adjoining, situate at Magdalen Gates, Norwich, now occupied by Mr. Edward Sparks - Apply to Mr. E. C. Bailey, Solicitor, Norwich.

1854: Sep 9th - Norfolk Chronicle - To Millers to be let at Michaelmas
The Tower Wind and Steam Mills, with comfortable Dwelling-House Stables, and Outbuildings, and an Acre of Land, situate near Magdalen Gates, Norwich, now occupied by Mr. Edward Sparks.
Apply to Mr. E. C. Bailey, Solicitor, Norwich.

1861: Census - 1 Woodgate Hill, Hill Farm Beeston Norfolk
Edward Sparkes - Head - Married - age 44 - Farmer 205 Acres Emp 4m 2b Norfolk - Norwich
Mary Ann Fenn - Servant - age 24 1837 - House Servant Norfolk - Bawdeswell

Meanwhile Sarah was here
1861:
Census - Magdalen St Norwich
James Swann - Head - age 54 - Shoe Maker - Norfolk - Worstead
Elizabeth Swann - Wife - age 56 - Norfolk - Deopham
Emma Swann - Dau - age 18 - Norfolk - Norwich
Thomas Swann - Son - age 14 - Scholar - Norwich
Sarah Sparks - Visitor - Married - age 46 - Norfolk - Norwich
It appears the Sparke's family were known to the Swann's as Edward's wife was staying with them.
Edward would later married Emma Swann after Sarah died

1861: Jul 6 - Norfolk Chronicle - Beeston next to Milham
A Valuable Estate containing 184 acres 2r 31p of superior Arable and Pasture Land, presenting a fist class investment or Residential Property - Messers Spelman have received instructions from the Executors of the late Rev J P Reynolds, to sell by Auction on Friday July 26th, 1861 at Four o'clock in the Afternoon at the King's Arms East Dereham. A very desirable and valuable Estate consisting of a compact Residence standing in a lawn-like pasture, Garden, substantially built Agricultral Buildings, placed at a convenient distance from the house, Three well planed Labourer's Cottages, with gardens, and several enclosures of superior Arable and Pasture Land containing together 184 acres 2r 31p.
Situated at Beeston next to Mileham, about one mile from Fransham station on the East Anglian Line. The above Estate is in the occupation of Edward Sparks, under a lease for eight years from Michaelmas 1860, at an annual rent of £330 - Part Freehold and Copyhold. Fine certain.

1863: Sep 5 - Norfolk News
WANTED on FARM of about 220 Acres a Yards-man, his wife to attend to the Dairy and Fowls; Good wages and a comfortable cottage. One Team-man and one good Labourer, Constant Employment and good Cottage accommodation - Also, on a Farm of about 120 Acres, a Working Steward, without encumbrance, a young man as Team-Man to lodge in the house with Steward; and also a Shepherd for about twelve score ewes. None need not apply who can not be well recommended - Apply yo Edward Sparke Beeston.

Records show a James Richmond born about 1817 at East Tuddenham married Susan Skipper of Lyng sometime in the early 1830's. They lived on Church Square Mattishall. James was recorded as a Maltster, he and Susan had seven children all baptised at All Saints Church - Was James the previous owner of the Maltings and what we now known as Anchor House and Malt House Farm?
James was still a working Maltster at Church Square in 1861. The property was bought sometime after 1861 by Edward Sparke. Had James been the victim of ill furtune for in 1881 the family was living only yards away at 1&2 Town Lane (now Mill Street) where James now age 65 was an Agricultural Labourer. James died in 1888 age 73, Susan died in 1908 age 90.

1870: Sep 3 - Norfolk News
Petty Sessions held on August 26th - Edward Sparke of Mattishall applied for a Full Licence - Which was granted

1871: Census - Church Square (what is now Anchor House later to become the Crown & Anchor Inn) Mattishall
Edward Sparke - Head - age 54 - Farmer 150 Ac Emp 6m 1b Norfolk - Norwich
Sarah Sparks - Wife - age 58 - Norwich
Mary A Beals - Servant - single - age 27 - Hardingham

Edwards wife died
1878:
Death record - Sarah Sparkes at Mitford - Mar quarter (4b 200) age 72

Edward remarried
1878:
Nov 18 - Marriage record - Edward Sparke married Emma Harriet Swann at Mutford - Dec quarter (4b 1651)

MORE on Emma Harriet Swann

Emma Harriet Swann was the only daughter of James Swann a Shoemaker and his wife Elizabeth unknown

1851: Magdalen Street Norwich
James Swann - Head - age 45 1806 - Shoemaker - Worstead-Norfolk
Elizabeth Swann - Wife - age 47 - Dereham-Norfolk
Emma Swann - Dau - age 8 - Scholar - Norwich-Norfolk
Thomas Swann - Son - age 4 - Norwich-Norfolk
Mary Swann - Sister - single - age 37 - Formerly Servant - Worstead-Norfolk
James Chalker - Lodger - single - age 30 - Couch Maker - Elderby-Norfolk

1861: Census - Magdalen St Norwich
James Swann - Head - age 54 - Shoe Maker - Norfolk - Worstead
Elizabeth Swann - Wife - age 56 - Norfolk - Deopham
Emma Swann - Dau - age 18 - Norfolk - Norwich
Thomas Swann - Son - age 14 - Scholar - Norwich
Sarah Sparks - Visitor - Married - age 46 - Norfolk - Norwich
It appears the Sparks family were known to the Swanns as Edward's wife was staying with them

1871: Census - Magdalen Street Norwich
James Swann - Head - age 64 - Shoemaker - Norfolk - Worstead
Elizabeth Swann - Wife - age 67 - Norfolk - East Dereham
Emma Swann - Dau - single - age 28 - Norfolk - Norwich

1877: Death record - Elizabeth Swann at Norwich - Dec quarter (4b 63) age 73

1879: Death record - James Swann at Mitford - Dec quarter (4b 176) age 73
Was James staying with his daughter at the Crown and Anchor, Mattishall when he died?
James was not buired at Mattishall, as Emma was buried at the Rosary cemetery at Thorpe was he and Elizabeth also buried there.

1879: Kelly's Disrectory - Edward Sparke Farmer and Landowner of Malt House Farm Mattishall

1881: Census - Church Square (Malt House Farm) Mattishall
Edward Sparke - Head - age 63 - Farmer 160 Acres Empg 5 Men 2 Boys - Stratton Strawless, Norfolk
Emma H Sparke - Wife - age 27 1854 - Farmers Wife - Norwich, Norfolk
Phebe King - Servant - age 18 1863 - Domestic Serv - Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk

1881: Feb 26 - Norwich Mercury - MATTISHALL.
ALLEGED ENCROACHMENT IN BUILDING AND ITS RESULTS.—Some mouths ago Mr. Edward Sparks, a maltster and merchant of this place began the erection of a new house, partly on land his own property, but encroaching, as is asserted, partly on parish land to the extent (as alleged by the parishioners) of three feet ten inches. Mr. Sparks being one of the trustees of the said parish land previous to his commencing the erection of the buildings, and before any expense had been gone to by him some of the parishioners waited upon him and pointed out that, that in their opinion, he was encroaching. The building was, however, began at once and carried on till completed. On Monday last, after notice had been given, a number of the parishioners assembled, proceeded to the spot, and at once commenced the work of demolition of that part of the premises which they assert stood' on land, the property of the parish. Mr. Spark was present, as was also a number of the County Constabulary to preserve the peace. One of the party engaged in the demolition of the building was. it is said, assaulted, and had to seek medical advice, but is not seriously hurt, The proceedings attracted a very great crowd, who seemed to enjoy the affair.

1882: Sep 9 - Thetford & Watton Times and People's Weekly Journal.
Licensing Meeting - East Dereham Petty Sessions - Edward Sparke of Mattishall applied for the removable of the licence from the Crown and Anchor to a new building in Mattishall. Mr W H Daly supported and Mr Jas Saunders apposed the application. Applicant stated he was the owner of the building now being erected at Mattishall to which he wished the licence of the Crown and Anchor removed. Applicant had carried on the business of a wine merchant in Norwich for 30 years without a complaint. In answer to Mr Saunders, applicant said the proposed building was situated between to public-houses about 13 yards from one and 30 yards from the other, called the Swan and the George. Wine could not be obtained from the George, but they had power to serve it. The Swan was a full licensed house, Jno Whitney, manger to Mr Skipper, architect and the builder, of Dereham produced the plans of the building, and in answer to Mr Daly, said there was room in the building for the requirements of a public-house. The building was 180 yards from the Crown and Anchor. Mr Saunders said he appeared on behalf of the principle inhabitant of Mattishall and produce a petition signed by 74 of the residents, including the Vicar, and the only Nonconformist Clergyman in the village, who considered the place was now well supplied. With respect to public-houses, Mr Daly replied there would not be anymore public-houses in the neighborhood. The house would be closed at eight pm and the licence applied was for a six day license. Mr Sparke wanted the license for his trade as a wine license. The Magistrate granted the application.

The below is taken from the NORFOLK PUBS website - for more information click HERE
Note: Mr. Edward Sparkes is recorded as a farmer, landowner and maltster, living at Malt House Farm, Mattishall, from at least 1861 to 1898. He is also recorded as a wine & spirit merchant in the years 1877 to 1888 - It appears that although Mr. Sparkes may have intended to carry out his wine trade at the new building, the CROWN & ANCHOR continued trading at the old premises. He died 16th June 1898, aged 81.

Mr Charles Pearce, owner of the Cooper Brown brewery applied at the Brewster Sessions February1898 seeking to move the licence to new premises. The previous owner of the CROWN & ANCHOR, a Mr Sparkes had built the new house which was said by `virtually all' to be more suitable. It was stated that the original house was selling 2 barrels of beer and 2 gallons of spirit per week.
The request to move to the new premises was refused.

1883: Edward Sparke, farmer & landowner, wine & spirit merchant & maltster, Malt House Farm Mattishall

1886: Edward Sparks took over and ran the Tower Windmill in Mill Street Mattishall till 1888

1891: Census - 17 Church Sq (Malt House Farm) Mattishall
Edward Sparke - Head - age 74 1817 - Farmer Corn Merchant(Em'er) Norfolk - Norwich
Emma Sparke - Wife - age 48 1843 - Norwich
George Chaston - Servant - age 18 - Corn Merchants Clerk(Em'ee) Norfolk - Norwich

1898: Death record - Edward Sparke at Norwich - Juyn quarter (4b 113) age 81

Edward Sparkes property was still trading as the 'Crown & Anchor' in 1898 the next Landlord was John Stibbard Edwards. It remained a public house till 1922 and the house was sold for private residence in 1923.

By 1901 Edward's widow (Emma) had moved back to Norwich and was living at 15a William Street (now demolished). William Street was thought to be in the St Benedicts Street area, According to the Electrol Roll Emma was living alone

1901: Census - 15 William Street Norwich
Emma Sparke - Head - Widow - age 58 - Living on own means - Norwich
Mary Rendall - Vistor - Married - 45 - Saxlingham Norfolk

1904-5: Emma had moved to 8 Pelham Road, off StClements Hill, Norwich she was still there in 1914

1911: Census - 8 Pelham Road Norwich
Emma Sparke - Head - Widow - age 68 - Private Means - Norwich
Alice Adcock - Vistor - Single - age 21 - Milliner - Mattishall Norfolk
Emma Adcock - Visitor - single - age 19 - Dressmaker - Mattishall

Edward's secord wife was buried at the Romary Cemetery in Thorpe, Norwich
1924: Death record - Emma Harriet Sparke at Norwich - Jun quarter (4b 116) age 81

1924: Emma Harriet Sparke of 8 Pelham Road Norwich widow who died April 20th 1924 Probate Norwich May 7th to George William Barnard solicitor. Effects £317. 5s 4d.

EMMA HARRIET
wife of the late EDWARD SPARKE
and only daughter of
ELIZABETH and JAMES SWANN
died April 24th 1924 in her 82 year

 

 

 

WHO is Eliza Sparke Fenn and what is the connection?

1865: Birth record - Eliza Sparkes Fenn at Mitford - Sep quarter (4b 246)

1866: Mar 30 - Baptism at St Lawrence Norwich - Entry 1169
Eliza Sparkes Fenn daughter of Edward Fenn a Farmer of East Tuddenham and Ann Maria

No previous or further records of Edward Fenn has been found but we do have a Ann Maria. From what we know now it appears Eliza was the love child of Edward Sparke and Anna Maria Fenn mentioned below. As Anna's sister had been employed by Edward in 1861 as a house servant was this how he come to know Anna or maybe Edward knew the whole family, or maybe employed Anna's father, there are many possibilities.

1861: Census - 1 Woodgate Hill, Hill Farm Beeston Norfolk
Edward Sparkes - Head - Married - age 44 - Farmer 205 Acres Emp 4m 2b Norfolk - Norwich
Mary Ann Fenn - Servant - age 24 1837 - House Servant Norfolk - Bawdeswell

1871: Census - Synogogue Street St Peter MountergateNorwich
Ann Bell - Head - Widow - age 81 - Annuitant Norfolk - Norwich - Disability: Deaf
Louisa Bell - Dau - single - age 42 - Governess Norfolk - Norwich
Eliza S Fenn - Boarder - age 5 - Scholar - Norfolk - East Tuddenham

1874: Death record - Eliza Sparkes Fenn at Norwich - Jun quarter (4b 114) age 9
Eliza was buried on June 17th at All Saints churchyard Mattishall.
There is a memorial to her on the side of Edward Sparke and his wife Sarah's Alter Tomb on the right of All Saints church main door Mattishall.
Had Edward adopted her?

It is not known what happened to Eliza's mother but this is her family:-

1843: Birth record - Ann Maria Fenn at Aylsham - Mar quarter (13 16)
1843: Apr 2 - Baptism at St Mary's Church Reepham - Entry 536
Anne Maria Fenn born at Kerdeston daughter of Robert Fenn a Labourer and his wife Henrietta

1851: Census - Reepham Road Bawdeswell Mitford, Norfolk
Robert Fenn - Head - age 39 1812 - Ag Lab - Bawdeswell-Nfk
Henriatta Fenn - Wife - age 36 - Bawdeswell-Nfk
Mary Anne Fenn - Dau - age 14 1837 - At Home - Bawdeswell-Nfk
Anna M Fenn - Dau - age 8 - Kerdestone-Nfk
James Fenn - Son - age 5 - Bawdeswell-Nfk
Elen G Fenn - Dau - age 2 - Bawdeswell-Nfk

Anna was in service at Lowestoft
1861: Census - Lowestoft Arms Denmark Road Lowestoft Suffolk
Henry Turner - Head - age 39 - Inn Keeper - Bradestone Norfolk
Elizabeth Turner - Wife - age 35
Charles T Turner - Son - age 6 - Scholar - Lowestoft Suffolk
William Henry Turner - Son - age 4 - Schoalr - Lowestoft
George S Turner - Son - age 2 - Lowestoft
Francis C Turner - Son - age 4 months - Lowestoft
Ann Maria Fenn - Servant - age 18 - House Genral Servant - Kerdestone Norfolk

Meanwhile her parents were here
1861:
Census Rotten Row East Tuddenham
Robert Fenn - Head - age 49 - Ag Lab Norfolk - Bawdeswell
Henrietta Fenn - Wife - age 46 - Dressmaker - Norfolk - Bawdeswell
James Fenn - Son - age 15 - Ag Lab - Norfolk - Bawdeswell
Ellen Georgianna Fenn - Dau - age 12 - Scholar - Norfolk - Bawdeswell
William Fenn - Son - age 7 - Scholar - Norfolk - Bawdeswell
Robert Fenn - Son - age 5 - Scholar - Norfolk - East Tuddenham
Henrietta Eliza Fenn - Dau - age 3 - Norfolk - East Tuddenham

It is believed Anna gave birth to Eliza Sparke Fenn as a single women. From what we know now it appeared that Edward Sparke adopted the child and as we see below Anna was back home living with her parents

1871: Census - Common Road East Tuddenham
Robert Fenn - Head - age 59 - Ag Lab - Norfolk - Bawdeswell
Henaritta Fenn - age 56 - Dress Maker - Norfolk - Bawdeswell
Anna M Fenn - Dau - age 28 1843 - Norfolk - Hindolveston(Originally: Norfolk - Hindeston)
William Fenn - Son - age 17 - Ag Lab Norfolk - Bawdeswell
Heneritta E Fenn - Dau - age 13 - Scholar - Norfolk - East Tuddenham
Robert Fenn - Son - age 15 - Ag Lab - Norfolk - East Tuddenham

1880: Death record - Robert Fenn at Mitford - Mar quarter (4b 195) age 67

In 1861 and 1871 the Fenn family were living at Rotton Row East Tuddenham - it is also noted that Eliza gave her birth place as East Tuddenham so we can assume her mother (Anna) went home to her parents to give birth.

 

 

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