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
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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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