Wells-next-the-Sea………1845
WELLS, or Wells-next-the-Sea, is an irregularly built sea-port town, 5
miles N. by W. of Walsingham, 10 miles N. of Fakenham, 29 miles N.E. of
Lynn, 32 miles N.W. of Norwich, and 118 miles N.N.E. of London. Its
parish has increased its population since the year 1801, from 2,316 to 3,504
souls, and contains 1,606 acres of land, lying in four manors, viz: - Wells -
late- the-Duke's, Normans, and Walsingham Priory, of which the Earl of
Leicester is lord; and Binham Priory, of which Sir R.J. Harvey is lessee
lord, under the Bishop of Norwich. The common was enclosed in 1811.
Wells had formerly a weekly market on Saturday, and races yearly; but
both are discontinued, though the town is well supplied with provisions, and
has still a fair on Shrove Tuesday, for toys, sweatmeats, and pleasure. Its
commerce for many years in a declining state, but efforts are now
making to revive it, by improving the harbour; and its intended to form a
Railway from the town, to join the Norwich and Brandon line, near Thetford.
Wells, formerly one of the most incommodious sea-ports in England, is now
being greatly improved under the powers of the Harbour and Quay Act,
and an Act for Lighting and Improving the Town, both obtained in 1844.
£12,000 has been borrowed by the Commissioners of these necessary acts.
The town will shortly be newly paved, and lighted with gas; a new stone
Quay is nearly completed, and new streets and roads are being formed to
give ready access to the harbour and other parts of the town. The Harbour
has been much improved of late years, and works are now in progress for
deepening the channel, in which the tides rise about 11 feet. Vessels of
150 to 200 tons can get up at high water. Many of 200 tons are built here, and
the number of registered vessels now belonging to the port, 67, and their
tonnage 2,885. In 1844 the number of coasting vessels outward, was 222;
and inward, with cargoes, 330. The number of foreign vessels which brought
cargoes, (chiefly rape and linseed cake,) was 45. There are here 32 fishing boats;
and in the offing are prolific beds of oysters and muscles. The exports chiefly of
corn, oysters, &c, . sent coastwise, and the imports of coal, timber, rape and
linseed cakes, salt, &c. The CUSTOM HOUSE is on the quay; William Dawson,
Esq., is collector; Mr. J. N. Robilliard, comptroller; J.Brown and T.S. Harman,
tide waiters; and Mr. John Parker, harbour master. The limits of the port extend
about 5 miles east and 13 miles west. Within these bounds are four coast guard
stations, of which Capt. G. R. Welch is inspecting commander. The customs
received here, amount only to about £500 per annum. Here are nine pilots,
including Mr. Robt. Allen, the pilot master.The CHURCH (St.Nicholas,) is a neat
fabrie, with a nave, side aisles, chancel, south porch, , and a square tower. The
south gallery was erected by the present incumbent, in 1833 at the cost of £320,
with pews for 140 hearers, with the consent of the Bishop and the parishioners, so
that it is considered his own private property. The singing gallery and the window
which lights it, were formed at the same time, by subscription, at the cost of £82.
Over the south door is painted the history of the flood, and over the north door,
that of Jonas. The font is ornamented with carvings of angels, shields, &c. The
benefice is a rectory valued in K.B. at £26 13s 4d., and possesses 40A of glebe, a
neat residence and a clear yearly rent of £615, awarded in 1844, in lieu of tithes. The
Rev. John Robt. Hopper is the patron, and the Rev. Valentine Hill, M.A., is the
incumbent. Here is a Friends' Meeting House, built in 1783; also an Independent
Chapel, built in 1817, and enlarged with galleries, in 1826. Here are likewise two
chapels belonging to the Wesleyan and primitive Methodists. The Theatre is the
property of Mr. Fisher, the manager, and will hold about £30, at the usual prices,
but is only occupied for a few weeks once in two years. Wells has formed part of
Walsingham Union since 1836, and the old parish Workhouse is now used as a
National School, supported by subscription. Here is also a large British School,
built in 1838, with a house for the master at the expense of the late Countess of
Leicester, and other contributors. In 1678, Cphr. Ringer left two yearly sums of
£16, - one for the maintenance of two poor widows for teaching 60 poor children;
and the other for a monthly distribution meal among the poor of the parish, mostly
to those not receiving parochial relief. In satisfaction of these annuities, £600 was
received in 1681, and laid out in the purchase of an estate, now consisting of a
farm-house, (rebuilt in 1828,) two cottages, &c., 88A of land, in Barningham and
Bassingham, let for £120 per annum, half of which, after payment of incidental
expenses, is distributed in wheaten flour, and the remainder is paid to two
respectable widows, who each instruct 30 children in reading, and the girls
in knitting and sewing. In the 17th century, the Rev. MUNGO MORRAY left an
estate of 126A., at Bale to the rectory of Wells for ever, subjected to the yearly
payment of £18 to the poor. Part of this annuity is distributed in meal, and the rest
in coals, with the rent of the Fuel Allotment, 10A., awarded at the enclosure, and
now let for £30 a year to the Earl of Leicester. A yearly rent charge of £5, left by
Ann Tidd in 1762, is distributed in clothing amongst the poor, who have also the
dividends of £388 2s. 9d., New 3½ per cent. Stock, left by Wm. Branch Elliot, in
1810. The rector and others are trustees. PETTY SESSIONS are held at the Crown
Inn, on the third Monday of every month, and Mr. Thos. Garwood is clerk to the
magistrates. The POST OFFICE is at Mrs. Hannah Southgate's, where letters arrive
by the Lynn Mail Cart, at ½ past ten morning; and are despatched at 3 afternoon.
From Pigot's Directory of 1845.
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