Fakenham Genealogical Records

Fakenham Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Fakenham Baptism Records (1719-1837)

A printed register documenting the baptism of people in and around Fakenham. They list parents' names - their occupations, residence and sometimes other details.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Norfolk Parish Registers (1538-1900)

An index to baptisms, marriages and burials in Norfolk parish registers. Images of the registers can be viewed separately.

Fakenham Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Fakenham Marriages (1719-1837)

Transcriptions of records from marriage registers kept by the church between 1719 and 1837. Details may include residence, marital status and witnesses.

Fakenham Marriage Records (1719-1837)

A book containing a transcription of the marriage registers of Fakenham. Church marriage registers are the primary source for marriage documentation before 1837. They may record the bride and groom's residence, the groom's occupation, parents' names, marital status and witnesses.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Fakenham Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Fakenham Burial Records (1719-1837)

A printed register recording burials in the churchyard of Fakenham. These records essentially record deaths in and around Fakenham between 1719 and 1837.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Norfolk Parish Registers (1538-1900)

An index to baptisms, marriages and burials in Norfolk parish registers. Images of the registers can be viewed separately.

Fakenham Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Norfolk Electoral Rolls (1844-1952)

Digital images recording those eligible to vote in part of Norfolk.

Norfolk Poll Books (1714-1865)

Books recording votes cast in elections. These records name freeholders, and sometimes their tenants.

Norfolk and Norwich Hearth Tax Assessment (1666)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1666 for the county of Norfolk.

Newspapers Covering Fakenham

Norfolk News (1845-1870)

A record of births, marriages, deaths, legal, political, organisation and other news from the Norfolk area. Original pages of the newspaper can be viewed and located by a full text search.

Norfolk Chronicle (1776-1869)

Regional news; notices of births, marriages and deaths; business notices; details on the proceedings of public institutions; adverts and a rich tapestry of other regional information from the Norfolk district. Every line of text from the newspaper can be searched and images of the original pages viewed.

Bury and Norwich Post (1801-1900)

A regional newspaper covering news and events in Norfolk and Suffolk. The newspaper contains numerous notices and articles useful to family historians, such as notices of birth, marriage and death.

The Colchester Gazette and General Advertiser (1814-1817)

A newspaper covering Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Around 50% of issues from 1814-1817. Original images, searchable by an OCR index.

The Daily Herald (1926)

A London newspaper that later became The Sun.

Fakenham Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Norwich Diocese Probate Index (1751-1818)

A searchable index to early wills proved in the Court of the Bishop of Norwich. Contains the name of the testator, year of probate, residence and occupation.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Admon Index (1559-1660)

An index to estate administrations performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. The index covers the southern two thirds of England & Wales, but may also contain entries for northerners.

Norwich Diocese Probate Index (1370-1603)

A searchable index to early wills proved in the Court of the Bishop of Norwich. Contains the name of the testator, year of probate, residence and occupation.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Probate Abstracts (1630-1654)

A searchable database of mid-17th Century probates performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. Supplies details of testator and executor.

Fakenham Immigration & Travel Records

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Fakenham Military Records

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

British Prisoners of World War II (1939-1945)

Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.

British Army WWI Medal Rolls (1914-1920)

Index and original images of over 5 million medal index cards for British soldiers It can be searched by individual's name, Coprs, Unit and Regiment. Due to the loss of many WWI service records, this is the most complete source for British WWI soldiers

British Army WWI Service Records (1914-1920)

This rich collection contains contains records for 1.9 million non-commissioned officers and other ranks who fought in WWI. Due to bomb damage in WWI, around 60% of service records were lost. Documents cover: enlistment, medical status, injuries, conduct, awards and discharge. A great deal of genealogical and biographical documentation can be found in these documents, including details on entire families, physical descriptions and place of birth.

Silver War Badges (1914-1920)

An index to nearly 900,000 military personnel who were awarded the Silver War Badge for sustaining injures. Records include rank, regimental number, unit, dates of enlistment and discharge, and reason for discharge.

Norfolk Poor Law Union Records (1796-1900)

Over 130,000 browsable pages detailing the administration of the dependent poor in Norfolk. Records contain details on births, marriages & deaths; punishments; admissions and discharges and more.

Norfolk Poll Books (1714-1865)

Books recording votes cast in elections. These records name freeholders, and sometimes their tenants.

Suffolk Eyre Roll Civil Pleas (1240)

Transcriptions and translations of pleas brought before a court. They largely concern land disputes. A number of cases relate to Suffolk.

Act Books of the Archbishops of Canterbury (1663-1859)

An index to names and places mentioned in act books of the Province of Canterbury. It records various licences and conferments, such as marriage and physician licences.

Home Office Prison Calendars (1868-1929)

Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.

Fakenham Taxation Records

Poll Book for Norfolk East (1865)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Poll Books for Norfolk (1768-1817)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted. Covers various years.

Norfolk and Norwich Hearth Tax Assessment (1666)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1666 for the county of Norfolk.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Fakenham Land & Property Records

Poll Book for Norfolk East (1865)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Poll Books for Norfolk (1768-1817)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted. Covers various years.

Norfolk Electoral Rolls (1844-1952)

Digital images recording those eligible to vote in part of Norfolk.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Fakenham Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1937)

A directory of settlements in Norfolk detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1933)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1929)

A directory of settlements in Norfolk detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1916)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1912)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Fakenham Cemeteries

Norfolk Monumental Inscriptions (1600-1999)

Browsable images of booklets containing transcriptions of hundreds-of-thousands of gravestones and other memorials. Maps are included to help locate memorials.

Norfolk Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Norfolk's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Norfolk Monumental Inscriptions (1700-1985)

An index to vital details engraved on over 5,000 gravestones and other monuments across the county of Norfolk.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Fakenham Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Fakenham Histories & Books

Picture Norfolk (1800-1950)

A database containing over 16,000 photographs, sketches and other images of the county.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

The History of Norfolk (1000-1810)

A detailed history of the county – its hundreds and parishes.

Handbook: Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk & Cambridgeshire (1892)

A traveller's guide to four Southern counties.

Norfolk Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Norfolk.

Fakenham School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Fakenham Occupation & Business Records

Norfolk Pubs (1300-Present)

Thousands of profiles of Norfolk pubs, arranged by location. Contains photographs, names of licensees or landlords, architectural details, name changes, historical extracts and more.

Smuggling on the East Coast (1600-1892)

An introduction to smuggling on the east coast of England, with details of the act in various regions.

Norfolk Mills (1600-Present)

Profiles and photographs of steam, water and windmills in the county.

Norfolk & Norwich Hospital (1744-1883)

A history of the early period of Norwich's hospital.

Lost Pubs of Norfolk (1750-Present)

Short histories of former public houses, with photographs and lists of owners or operators.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Fakenham

The Visitation of Norfolk, Vol. 2 (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms. This volume also includes a number of transcripts of wills, inquisitions post mortems and other records.

The Visitation of Norfolk (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Fakenham Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

The Visitation of Norfolk, Vol. 2 (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms. This volume also includes a number of transcripts of wills, inquisitions post mortems and other records.

The Visitation of Norfolk (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

The Visitation of Norfolk: 1664 (1000-1664)

Pedigrees compiled from a mid 17th century heraldic visitation of Norfolk. This work records the lineage, descendants and marriages of families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Norfolk Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Norfolk's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Fakenham Church Records

Fakenham Parish Registers (1719-1837)

Baptism, marriage & burial records transcribed from the registers of Fakenham presented in the form of a printed book.

Norfolk Parish Map (1835)

A map delineating parishes in the county of Norfolk.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Norfolk Parish Registers (1538-1900)

An index to baptisms, marriages and burials in Norfolk parish registers. Images of the registers can be viewed separately.

Biographical Directories Covering Fakenham

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

The Concise Dictionary of National Biography (1654-1930)

A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.

Fakenham Maps

Norfolk Parish Map (1835)

A map delineating parishes in the county of Norfolk.

Norfolk Historic Maps (1780-1988)

An online application that allows you to browse several types of maps, including tithe maps, enclosure maps and aerial photography.

Faden’s Map of Norfolk (1794)

A map charting settlements, streets, rivers, natural features etc.

Maps of Norfolk (1588-1922)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Fakenham Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

Fakenham, says Mr. Gough in his additions to Camden, is a neat market town, with a handsome church, in which was a light for good King Henry" (Henry the Sixth). Fakenham is one of the best market towns in the county. It is distant from London 110 miles, and is situated on the side of a hill, with the river Yare on the south, which joins the town, on which is a good mill.

Fakenham is in the hundred of Gallow, seven and a half miles from East Dereham, and contains 250 houses, and 1,236 inhabitants. The manor being an ancient demesne, Henry the First gave it to Hugh Capel, and King John afterwards to the Earl of Arundel, with whom it continued not long; for Henry III. granted it, about the latter end of his reign, to the Countess of Provence. After the decease of the Countess, the manor of Fakenham belonged to Queen Eleanor; but Edward the Second granted it to Gilbert de Clare, the last Earl of Gloucester, who dying without issue, it devolved again to the crown. In the reign of Edward the Third, it was granted to Robert de Ufford, Earl of Suffolk;. it was afterwards granted to Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury, that avowed enemy of the Wickliffites or Lollards. Henry VIII. granted it, with the advowson, to Trinity College, Cambridge, in the patronage of which it now remains.

At this town, it is said, there were formerly salt-pits, though ten miles from the sea. There are no records in the county, however, to support the assertion. On a neighbouring hill is still kept the sheriff’s court for the whole county. In 1741, several coins of Henry the Sixth and Seventh were dug up here. Fakenham was greatly damaged by fire, August 4,1738, when twenty-six houses were destroyed.

Fakenham church is a large commodious structure, consisting of a nave, with two aisles, chancel, south porch, and lofty stone tower; the latter has a fine western entrance doorway, with a large window over it; this is divided into six lights, and subdivided by an horizontal mullion, and tracery mouldings. On each side of the door is a canopied niche, and the buttresses are ornamented with panelling. The church is kept clean and neat, and in it is an ornamental octangular font. The living of Fakenham is worth more than 600l. per annum.

The market is on Thursday, when large quantities of barley and wheat are sold by sample. The fairs are on Ash Wednesday, and November 14. There is a market cross erected. The living is a rectory, value 35l. 6s. 8d., in the gift of Trinity College, Cambridge.

Robert Bloomfield, the poet, has written a pleasing poem, called the "Fakenham Ghost," founded on a circumstance which took place in that town.

There are three good schools here, one for young gentlemen, and two for young ladies. A relation of the late Professor Porson (who was a native of this county) superintended the Latin and French school for some time. There is a banking-house in this town, Messrs. Gurney, Birkbeck, and Buxton, who draw upon Barclay and Co. Lombard Street. Fakenham is distant from Norwich, 25 miles, from Lynn 22, from Swaffham 16, from Holt 12, from Wells 10, and from London 111.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

FAKENHAM (otherwise Fakenham-Lancaster) is a small well-built market town and parish, with two stations, one on the Wymondham and Wells branch of the Great Eastern railway, the other on the Midland and Great Northern joint line, 139 miles by rail from London, 12 ¼ north from Dereham, 33 6/4 north-west from Norwich, 38 ¾ north-east from Lynn and 16 north from Swaffham, in the North Western division of the county, Gallow hundred and petty sessional division, Walsingham union and county court district, rural deanery of Burnham, archdeaconry of Lynn and diocese of Norwich. The town, which stands in a rich and fertile district, is pleasantly seated on a declivity north of the river Wensum, here crossed by a brick bridge of three arches, built in 1833. The town is lighted with gas from works on the south side of the river, the property of the Fakenham Gas Company. The water supply is derived from private wells. The church of SS. Peter and Paul is a structure of flint, chiefly in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, south porch and lofty embattled tower of the Perpendicular period containing a clock and 8 bells: on each side of the west window is a canopied niche, and above are symbols representing the dedication of the church to SS. Peter and Paul, and their initial letters, or (as some think) the initial letters of the Duchy of Lancaster: the sedilia are fine examples of the transitional style from Decorated to Perpendicular: the octagonal Perpendicular font is adorned with emblems representing the four Evangelists, the Trinity and the Passion: the lectern, presented by Mrs. Damant in 1887, at a cost of £120, is a memorial to her husband, Thomas William Damant esq. F.R.C.S.E. d. 1876: in 1864 the church was thoroughly restored, the restoration of the chancel being carried out at the cost of the Rev. Michael Angalo Atkinson M.A. rector 1839—87, who furnished it with new oak stalls and erected a carved reredos of Caen stone: in 1890 and 1891, by the bequest of Mrs. Damant, the belfry was refitted; the bells rehung (one also being recast); the east window of the south aisle restored and fitted with stained glass; the old chapel, forming the east end of the south aisle and dedicated to S. Thomas of Canterbury, restored as a chapel for daily service; and the old organ renovated and enlarged; the total cost was over £1,500, of which £130 was given by subscription: there are 742 sittings. The register dates from the year 1720. The living is a rectory, with Alethorpe annexed, average tithe rent-charge £601, joint net yearly value £454, with 81 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of Trinity College, Cambridge, and held since 1887 by the Rev. Alfred Edward Humphreys M.A. late fellow of that college and surrogate. The Church mission room on the Heath, erected in 1885, at a cost of £60, is an iron building and will seat 80 people. The Wesleyan chapel in Oak street, erected in 1892, at a cost of £1,818, is an edifice of red brick and has school rooms underneath; there are 350 sittings: the Congregational chapel in Norwich road, erected in 1895 in commemoration of the centenary of the foundation of the society, is a building of red and white brick and Bath stone in the Gothic style, and affords 350 sittings; the cost including site, was £1,350: there are also Baptist, Plymouth Brethren, and Primitive Methodist chapels and Salvation Army barracks. The Cemetery, situated on an eminence in the northern suburbs of the town, is 4 acres in extent, and contains a mortuary chapel: it is now under the control of the Parish Council. The Corn Hall, in the Market place, erected in 1855, at a cost of £4,000, is a structure of brick with stone dressings, and contains a spacious corn exchange, assembly and reading rooms, and a library of 6,000 volumes. The reading rooms and library are open to visitors on payment of a donation. The Free Library, formerly in Bridge street, is now at the Boys’ National school. The Cattle market, near Bridge street, was constructed in 1857, and is the property of a limited company. The market for corn and cattle is on Thursday, and is well supplied. Weekly cattle sales of stock are held in the market by Messrs. Long and Son, and by Messrs. Vincent and Beck in their newly-established sale yard. Three fairs, on Whit-Tuesday, on the 1st week in September, and on November 22nd, principally for cattle, are held on Hempton Green, about one-third of a mile from the town. There are four banks. Here are some maltings, and on the Wensum is a large flour mill. Among the provident institutions of the town are several Friendly Societies and two Lodges of Foresters, both held at the Bell inn, and one of Odd Fellows, of the Manchester Unity, held at the “Royal Oak.” The Nurses’ home, in Tunn street, is for supplying trained nurses to attend on sick and indigent persons. The County Industrial School and Orphanage, in Norwich road, is for the training of 70 girls, and both this and the preceding institution were founded by the late Mrs. Hamond and are under the superintendence of Miss S. Hamond. Charities:-Miss Ann Harrison bequeathed, in 1794, the sum of £1,666 13s. 4d. in Consols, to which Mr. Peckover added £333 6s. 8d.; the available annual sum is now £50, which is distributed in blankets, wearing apparel and coals and also applied to educational purposes. Lady Townshend’s charity now produces £20 yearly to bind apprentices, a boy and girl alternately each year, by course for ever. Sheldrake’s charity produces £12 5s. yearly, and Salmon’s gift of three acres of land yields £5 a year. Wortley’s charity of £1 a year is paid by Caius College, Cambridge. Thorpland Hall, the property of the Rev. James Lee-Warner M.A. rector of Beckley, Sussex, and now occupied by Lieut-Col. Edward Sparks, is 2 miles north of Fakenham, on the borders of the parish, in the valley of the Stiffkey, and is remarkable for the singular beauty of its chimneys, on which the utmost pains have been expended, as well as for the fine architectural details of the front porch. The manor belonged in the 16th century to the family of Fermor, from whom by marriage it passed with East Barshaw into the possession of the Calthorpes, but in 1790 the estate was transferred from this family to others, and after several changes of ownership was bought in 1842 by the Rev. H. J. Lee-Warner M.A. hon. canon of Norwich, and a distinguished archaeologist, who died here in 1885, and his eldest son is the present owner. Thorpland Lodge, the residence of Wm. Hall esq. is about 2 miles north from Fakenham and west of Thorpland Hall. Sir Lawrence John Jones bart. of Cranmer Hall, is lord of the manor, and courts leet and baron are held annually. The chief landed proprietors are Lord Hastings, the Rev. James Lee-Warner M.A. rector of Beckley, Rye, Sussex, Algernon Digby esq. and George Anthony Watson esq. The area is 2,231 acres; rateable value £12,421; the population of the parish in 1891 was 2,900, including 80 officers and inmates of the Norfolk Industrial School for girls.

Petty Sessions are held at the Corn hall the last Monday every month at 11 a.m. The places in the division are:-Alethorpe, Bagthorpe, Barmer, Barsham (East), Barsham (North), Barsham (West), Broomsthorpe, Croxton, Dunton, Fakenham, Fulmodeston, Helhoughton, Hempton, Houghton, Kettlestone, Pensthorpe, Pudding Norton, Raynham (East), Raynham (South), Raynham (West), Rudham (East), Rudham (West), Ryburgh (Great), Ryburgh (Little), Sculthorpe, Shereford, Snoring (Little), Stibbard, Syderstone, Tatterford, Tattersett, Testerton & Toftrees.

Places of Worship, with times of services: —

St. Peter’s Church, Rev. Alfred Edward Humphreys M.A, rector; 11 a.m. & 3 & 7 p.m. & 2nd & 4th 8.15 a.m.; seat 742.

Baptist, Rev. Alfred James Causton; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Mon. 7.30 p.m.; seat 350.

Congregational, Rev. Isaac Way; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.45 p.m.; seat 400.

Plymouth Brethren (Gospel Hall), 11.30 a.m.; 6.30 p.m.; Tue. 8 p.m.; seat 150.

Primitive Methodist, Rev. William Franks; 10.30 a.m.; & 2.33 & 6.30 p.m.; seat 450.

Wesleyan Methodist, Rev. George Christopher Main; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.; seat 300.

Mission room, the Heath, 7.15 p.m; Tue. 8 p.m.; seat 80.

Schools: —

County Industrial School & Orphanage for Girls, Norwich road, Mrs. Elizabeth Marshall, matron.

National (boys), School hill, erected in 1846, for 150 children; average attendance, 95.

National (girls), Wells road, erected in 1848, for 130 children; average attendance, 90.

National (infants), Wells road, erected in 1848, for 100 children; average attendance, 70.

British (boys, girls & infants), Norwich road, erected in 1844 & rebuilt in 1886, for 398 children; average attendance, 95 boys, 80 girls & 60 infants.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1896)

Most Common Surnames in Fakenham

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Gallow Hundred
1Wright521:541.65%2
2Frost441:634.49%43
3Smith421:660.57%1
4Horsley321:8729.09%848
5Moore311:901.46%6
5Cook311:903.22%46
5Barnes311:902.61%27
5Barrett311:903.20%44
9Graves281:10017.95%610
10Gant271:10319.15%673
11Todd261:1077.30%238
11Colls261:10732.50%1,121
13Baker231:1211.57%20
14Thompson221:1271.30%14
15Utting211:1334.78%179
16Hall201:1401.12%11
16Fuller201:1402.00%40
18Tuck191:1473.26%115
18Colman191:1473.85%151
20Brown181:1550.59%3
20Pawley181:15538.30%1,686
22Watson171:1641.15%18
22Dawson171:1642.12%67
22English171:1644.82%241
25Johnson161:1740.76%7
25Green161:1740.65%4
27Middleton151:1862.03%80
27Applegate151:18610.20%645
27Tuthill151:18646.88%2,143
27Drewell151:18653.57%2,333
27Syder151:18620.27%1,179
32Scott131:2151.41%49
32Harrison131:2151.57%63
32Mason131:2151.59%64
32Wells131:2151.63%68
32Archer131:2155.20%354
32Bone131:2153.06%189
32Savory131:2153.92%257
32Pennel131:21572.22%3,014
40Andrews121:2331.82%94
40Gates121:2337.89%624
40Boulter121:2339.45%730
40Sidney121:23336.36%2,106
40Bassham121:23321.43%1,482
40Readwin121:23348.00%2,501
46Turner111:2540.76%21
46Clarke111:2540.47%5
46Richardson111:2542.31%156
46Rose111:2541.95%120
46Lambert111:2541.52%83
46Bacon111:2541.84%108
46Patrick111:2544.04%315
46Laurence111:25422.92%1,664
46Varley111:25418.33%1,406
46Percy111:25434.38%2,143
46Huggins111:2543.70%287
46Reeder111:2545.53%445
46Sumpter111:25442.31%2,446
46Seppings111:25414.10%1,144
46Crockley111:25457.89%2,934
61Howard101:2790.51%10
61Denton101:27919.23%1,572
61Gower101:2797.46%705
61Gelder101:279100.00%4,171
61Rudland101:27912.20%1,103
61Dunthorne101:27910.20%937
61Louder101:279100.00%4,171
68Hill91:3101.18%76
68Miller91:3101.11%66
68Barker91:3100.76%28
68Harper91:3101.67%132
68Neal91:3101.74%140
68Spooner91:3102.37%216
68Steward91:3101.39%97
68Winn91:31014.29%1,340
68Hooks91:3103.85%386
68Flegg91:3107.89%820
68Dewing91:3104.59%456
68Raspberry91:31040.91%2,687
68Taney91:31056.25%3,214
68Outigan91:310100.00%4,436
82Morgan81:3496.50%753
82West81:3491.35%110
82Burton81:3490.72%30
82Hudson81:3491.01%71
82Payne81:3491.19%91
82Newman81:3491.53%136
82Kemp81:3491.14%89
82Baldwin81:3491.54%138
82Charlton81:34961.54%3,581
82Drew81:3491.69%158
82Greenfield81:34919.05%1,813
82Packer81:34942.11%2,934
82Adcock81:3491.74%167
82Daws81:3495.44%645
82Cranmer81:34912.70%1,340
82Creamer81:34917.39%1,712
82Dodman81:3494.10%460
82Hipkin81:3495.33%632
82Atmore81:34912.31%1,309
82Skippon81:34930.77%2,446
102Wilson71:3990.47%19
102Mitchell71:3991.19%112
102Chapman71:3990.40%13
102Williamson71:3991.11%99
102Stone71:3991.28%130
102Long71:3990.65%31
102Miles71:3992.35%285
102Barnett71:39921.21%2,106
102Lake71:3990.88%69
102Mansfield71:3997.78%1,012
102Nunn71:3992.36%289
102Bowles71:3992.06%252
102Rudd71:3990.82%56
102Groom71:3991.57%172
102Bayliss71:399100.00%5,200
102Herring71:3993.85%506
102Case71:3996.73%893
102Luck71:3999.33%1,173
102Southgate71:3991.69%196
102Eggleton71:3994.93%665
102Beverley71:39914.89%1,686
102Southwood71:39987.50%4,793
102Blomfield71:3996.54%870
102Grave71:39922.58%2,193
102Graver71:3992.98%382
102Oakford71:39970.00%4,171
102Walbigh71:399100.00%5,200
129Jackson61:4650.80%78
129Parker61:4650.59%39
129Fisher61:4650.71%59
129Atkinson61:46511.54%1,572
129Fox61:4650.48%24
129Baxter61:4651.39%183
129Cooke61:4651.28%161
129Dennis61:4651.68%236
129Barnard61:4650.80%77
129Cummings61:46542.86%3,456
129Oakes61:4654.03%636
129Dawes61:4658.00%1,173
129Burn61:46537.50%3,214
129Priest61:46511.54%1,572
129Large61:4651.90%268
129Halls61:4653.11%466
129Dack61:4651.17%141
129Kerrison61:4651.63%227
129Leeder61:4651.60%218
129Ainger61:46512.00%1,620
129Rumbelow61:46512.24%1,638
129Grummett61:4659.68%1,361
129Normandale61:465100.00%5,754
152Walker51:5580.48%36
152White51:5580.54%48
152Robinson51:5580.85%113
152Bell51:5580.47%34
152Phillips51:5583.14%600
152Lee51:5580.82%105
152Hunt51:5580.55%50
152Palmer51:5580.31%15
152Powell51:5582.16%391
152Pearson51:5581.37%228
152Holt51:5585.95%1,080
152Hammond51:5580.64%73
152Pratt51:5580.91%124
152Gibbs51:5581.02%153
152Jarvis51:5580.89%120
152Crane51:5581.09%169
152Ashley51:5584.46%837
152Balls51:5580.56%53
152Bass51:5584.90%910
152Pitcher51:5581.18%192
152Steadman51:55883.33%5,754
152Male51:55815.15%2,106
152Boddy51:5585.10%937
152Neave51:5581.12%172
152Pointer51:5581.75%300
152Blackett51:55838.46%3,581
152Neve51:5582.78%514
152Platten51:5581.74%297
152Needs51:55823.81%2,766
152Girdlestone51:5583.52%665
152Plane51:5583.60%679
152Beverly51:55838.46%3,581
152Hagon51:55812.20%1,844
152Gayford51:5584.46%837
152Leete51:55841.67%3,756
152Pilch51:5587.25%1,249
152Bromton51:558100.00%6,392
189Williams41:6980.80%147
189Cooper41:6980.20%9
189Young41:6981.52%332
189Matthews41:6980.74%131
189Nicholson41:6982.22%514
189George41:6980.48%62
189Rowe41:6981.11%233
189Bond41:6980.75%135
189Norman41:6980.90%177
189Woodhouse41:6980.73%126
189Beck41:6980.93%186
189Langley41:6981.89%419
189Buck41:6980.55%82
189Beckett41:6980.97%197
189Collett41:6988.51%1,686
189Meek41:6981.70%382
189Mansell41:69822.22%3,014
189Sands41:6982.01%445
189Allcock41:6981.97%435
189Rush41:6981.49%322
189Overton41:6982.04%456
189Mallett41:6980.88%169
189Flowers41:6988.16%1,638
189Rudge41:69857.14%5,200
189Tyrrell41:6982.07%466
189Daw41:6984.30%985
189Waterson41:6982.35%552
189Tindale41:69880.00%6,392
189Cubitt41:6981.21%259
189Juniper41:69821.05%2,934
189Pottle41:6988.70%1,712
189Shorten41:6982.35%552
189Stewardson41:69820.00%2,855
189Frary41:6982.86%677
189Grix41:6983.33%771
189Garrood41:6986.15%1,309
189Tillson41:69836.36%3,946
189Plumbly41:6988.89%1,732
189Artherton41:6986.67%1,406
189Barnston41:69822.22%3,014
189Digings41:69833.33%3,756
189Ebberson41:698100.00%7,164
189Willemont41:698100.00%7,164