Fisher, Thomas, farmer
Hubbard, John, farmer
Marsham, Rev. Thomas, rector
Ringer, William, farmer
Sayer, Shadrach and David, millers
Walker, Robert, farmer
WYMONDHAM.
Wymondham is a pleasantly situated market town and parish in the Forehoe hundred, 115½ miles from London, and 10½ miles S.W. from Norwich. The town stands on an elevated position, and is of some antiquity. The market is held on Friday, but from its vicinity to Norwich, is not well attended. There are three annual Fairs, February 14th, May 17th, and September 29th; the two former for cattle, and the latter a pleasure fair.
The old market cross, situated in the centre of the town, is an object of curiosity on account of its antique appearance, and its carved devices, representing different articles of turnery, which originally formed one of the staple branches of the trade of this place, but now nearly extinct; the manufacture of bombazines, crapes, &c., is carried on to a considerable extent for Norwich houses. There are a brewery and corn mills. There are several respectable mansions and family residences in the town and neighbourhood. Gas works are erected on Fairland, and the town is well lighted. A Free Grammar School for the education of tradesmen’s sons was established and endowed by Henry VI., and various sums have been subsequently left by benevolent parties, which have enabled the trustees to carry out fully the intentions of the founder, by appointing a gentleman in holy orders as master of this important establishment. St. Thomas à Becket’s chapel, a commodious building, has been repaired, and is now used for the school-room.
There are several charities, bequeathed by sundry persons, for the benefit of the poor, which funds are distributed annually, in money, coals, &c., and for the repairs of the church, also for increasing the stipend of the vicar.