5 Responses

  1. Laurence BarberL

    Wonderful site, thanks! My roots are here – Barber. William Barber was the parish clerk in the 1830’s. Son Robert, and his to-be wife Harriet Oakes (and her family: Jonathan and Dinah (Short) Oakes, came to Ontario Canada in 1836. I’ve visited four times and love the place – and the great memories your site evokes. Thank you!

    • Laurence Barber

      Should also mention that William Barber’s wife (nee Elizabeth Moore of St. Margaret’s Southelmham) was the brother of Joshua Moore who then owned the Cratfield Poacher. Robert Barber, b 1814, was arrested at the Bulcamp Work House riot of Dec 1835. He worked for Mr Churchyard who had recommended (not serious but overheard in the Poacher one night) — saying something to the effect of: ‘I wish someone would go over and tear that place down!’ Seems Robert and some colleagues took him up on it. Hundreds turned out. The authorities got out the local yeomen militia. Someone read the Riot Act. They considered whether to arrest Churchyard for ‘incite to riot’ but decided there was not enough evidence. My site reveals some of the documentation and testimonies about the riot, etc.

      • Laurence Barber

        Thanks so much, Candy! I’d be very pleased to help in any way. Please feel free to use my material or to direct others to it. I’m just delighted to share – and to make new friends who share similar passion for history and place. I have lots of Cratfield (and area) pics too . . .

    • Candy Blackham

      Amazing! Thank you for visiting and I am pleased that you enjoy the site. Looking at the internet I see a ‘James Barber’ has a gravestone in the Church. I will photograph and send to you. Perhaps we could do a post on the blogsite?

I would love to hear from you!

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