Ellingham

Settlement in Norfolk South Norfolk

England

Ellingham

Ellingham is a small village located in the county of Norfolk, England. Situated approximately 3 miles southeast of the market town of Bungay, Ellingham is nestled amidst the picturesque countryside of the Waveney Valley. With a population of around 500 residents, it exudes a charming and tranquil atmosphere.

The village is renowned for its historical significance, particularly its medieval church, St. Mary's, which dates back to the 14th century. The church boasts stunning architectural features, including a magnificent tower and intricate stained glass windows, making it a popular site for visitors and history enthusiasts.

Ellingham also offers an abundance of natural beauty, surrounded by lush green fields, rolling hills, and winding country lanes. The village is a haven for walkers and nature enthusiasts, with numerous footpaths and trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Despite its small size, Ellingham is well-served by a close-knit community that fosters a strong sense of camaraderie. The village has a primary school, a village hall, a local pub, and a cricket club, which serves as a hub for social gatherings and events.

In summary, Ellingham is a charming and idyllic village in Norfolk, offering a rich historical heritage, breathtaking natural scenery, and a strong community spirit. It is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the beauty of the English countryside.

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Ellingham Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.479633/1.48961 or Grid Reference TM3792. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Wherry Inn

Matthew Chadwick

Ellingham watermill

The first known reference to the mill was about 1200 Under Hovis, flour milling ceased in 1949 and the mill was converted to a provender mill, taking over the animal feed business from Earsham Mill. The mill finally closed down in 196. Ellingham and Earsham are the only two mills on the Waveney that are officially in Norfolk.

Adrian S Pye

A143 east approaching sign for Ellingham East and West

Roy Hughes

A143 east near turning for Kirby Cane

Roy Hughes

The former station house at Geldeston

The building is a private residence and has an extension on the west end, but retains the Italianate style of the Waveney Valley Railway buildings. The former Goods Shed can be seen in the background which has been given a pent roof extension on its east end. The station was 16½ miles from Tivetshall 2½ miles from Beccles. The platform was 110 yards long. A 200 yard long siding fed into the goods shed which contained a 1 ton crane for unloading and loading. The signal box stood to the north of the track by the crossing gates and a crossing keepers hut on the south side of the single track. The station was closed to all traffic in 1915 as a war economy measure but reopened in 1919. Passenger services were withdrawn in July 1954 but freight services continued until July 1964.

Adrian S Pye

The former Goods Shed at Geldeston station

A pent roof extension has been added to this end of the building. A railway line once ran through the building which had a large sliding door each end. Inside the goods were stored on a wooden deck at the same height as the floor of the wagons and a 1 ton crane facilitated unloading and loading the heavier items. A wire netting cage protected the sacks of grain and other perishable goods from vermin.

Adrian S Pye

Gate keeper's cottage on Braces Lane crossing

The crossing, designated the number 84, is now a private dwelling house. The track crossed the road this side of the house. A small extension has been added to the east end but the building is much as it was in a much simplified Italianate style.

Adrian S Pye

Fence posts delineate the course of the former railway line

Beccles is a station on the Ipswich to Lowestoft line and had a branch line to Great Yarmouth which opened in 1859 and another to Norwich both via the Haddiscoe Junction. At the Tivetshall end was the junction between the Waveney Valley Railway and the Eastern Union Railway, enabling passengers and freight to travel all over the country.

Adrian S Pye

Church Road bridge from the east

The bridge is designated the number 1197 and carries Church Road Ellingham over the line. The bridge is constructed entirely from red brick apart from concrete coping on the parapets. Beneath the bridge are six blind relieving arches, three on each side, these are normally quite shallow and were used to reduce the weight of and to save on material costs rather than create a shelter from passing trains. To the right of the bridge is a hexagonal WW2 pillbox placed to protect the line and prevent its use by the enemy if an invasion were to take place. Link

Adrian S Pye

Church Road bridge, Ellingham

The pillbox can be seen left of the bridge

Adrian S Pye

The former Ellingham Railway station house

An extension to the front has not altered the fact this is an Italianate style station house as built by the Waveney Valley Railway in the 19th century with the usual Station Master's accommodation above. The station which is 15¼ miles down-line from Tivetshall, was minimalist, having a goods yard with a 400 feet of siding, but with no goods shed apart from a disused coach acting as a parcels store standing on the 310 feet long platform. An infrequently used level crossing (designated No, 81) on the down side of the station was controlled by the signal box and operated by the signalman.

Adrian S Pye

The former USAAF fuel depot at Ellingham

The fuel depot was administered by the USAAF for the various airfields in the vicinity, primarily Bungay (aka Flixton), Holton, Hardwick, Thorpe Abbotts and Eye. The depot was fed by rail with two additional loop sidings to the north of the depot now under woodland but still outlined on the current OS maps. It was during six months between 1943 and 1944 that there were 148 additional trains delivering aviation fuel to the depot. The depot consisted of four 12 metre diameter, cylindrical tanks with associated buildings and four pumps, filling points for the bowsers working out of the depot. Dispatch riders delivered requisitions, and the fuel delivered the same day. The fuel was unloaded from the railway wagons and delivered into the depot via an underground pipe beneath the road. Its use continued for a while after the war until the late 1960s. By 1988 it had been demolished and a grain store erected on the site. Three of the original buildings remain extant including an above ground air raid shelter across the road from the depot.

Adrian S Pye

Offices at the former USAAF fuel depot at Ellingham

Adrian S Pye

The site of the Old Station Road former railway crossing

The road, now named Old Station Road was constructed out of necessity when the building of the Ellingham Station cut the existing roads which divided the village. When the bridge was eventually constructed, the road remained although it is no longer as vital as it once was, with Ellingham Mill and the church separated from the more populated part of the village by the railway line.

Adrian S Pye