The Bridewell, or House of Correction, is situated at the entrance of the town from Norwich, and is devoted to the reception of female prisoners only, who are sentenced to hard labour, where they serve their periods of imprisonment in washing, sewing, &c., for the prisoners confined in Norwich gaol. This well-conducted establishment is under the matronship of Mrs. Greenfield.
The Norwich and Brandon railway passes close to the town, and here is the junction with the Dereham branch line; a neat station is erected, as well as warehouses for the reception of goods, &c.
The population was returned, in 1851, at 5,175 inhabitants, of whom about 3,300 are in the town. The number of acres is 10,600. The church, which is a large noble edifice, had formerly a monastery attached, but it was destroyed many years back; a portion of the ruins still remain. The octagon tower at the east end of the church is in good preservation. At the west end, a spacious and lofty square tower was built by the inhabitants many years since, (and contains five bells,) which gives an imposing effect to the whole structure; the interior is neat, with a carved roof, supported by full-length figures of angels, and, and with the valuable organ, underwent repair in 1845. There are several monuments and tablets to the families of Clifton, Burroughes, Jermy, &c. The living is a vicarage in the patronage of the Bishop of Ely, who is appropriator of the great tithes.
The Quakers, Independents, Methodists, Wesleyans, Baptists, and Plymouth Brethren, have each a chapel here.
Post-Office—James Fison, postmaster. Money Orders are granted at this office.
CLERGY, GENTRY, &c.
Abbott, Mrs. Charlotte, Fairland street
Anderson, Rev. J., Independent Minister
Cooper, Mr. James, Bridewell street
Culyer, Mrs., Town green