Beetley

Settlement in Norfolk Breckland

England

Beetley

Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse - stationary steam engine This is a horizontal single cylinder steam engine built 1872 by Riches &amp; Watts of Norwich as works No. 159. It worked at the Bishop Bridge Gas works in Norwich and can be run on steam. — Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse - stationary steam engine Credit: Chris Allen

Beetley is a small village located in the county of Norfolk, England. Situated about 20 miles west of Norwich, it falls within the Breckland district. With a population of around 1,000 residents, Beetley is known for its peaceful and rural atmosphere.

The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside and farmland, offering a picturesque setting for its inhabitants. The landscape features rolling hills, open fields, and scattered woodlands, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and walkers. The nearby River Yare adds to the charm of the area, providing opportunities for fishing and boating.

Despite its small size, Beetley has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. Several archaeological findings, including a Roman villa and artifacts, have been discovered in the vicinity. The village also boasts a Norman church, St. Mary's, which dates back to the 11th century. This historic building is a significant architectural landmark in the area.

Beetley offers a range of amenities for its residents, including a village hall, a primary school, and a local pub. The village hall hosts various community events and activities, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. The primary school provides education for children living in the village and surrounding areas.

Transport links to Beetley are relatively limited, with the nearest train station located in Dereham, approximately 6 miles away. However, the village is well-connected by road, with the A47 running nearby, allowing easy access to Norwich and other towns in the region.

Overall, Beetley offers a peaceful and idyllic countryside lifestyle, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a rural retreat.

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Beetley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.7169/0.920688 or Grid Reference TF9717. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse - stationary steam engine

This is a horizontal single cylinder steam engine built 1872 by Riches & Watts of Norwich as works No. 159. It worked at the Bishop Bridge Gas works in Norwich and can be run on steam.

Chris Allen

Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse - stationary steam engine

E R & F Turner of Ipswich 'John Bull' engine with a 6" x 9" cylinder. A plain but quite pretty engine with nice lining-out work. The governor has obviously been jammed closed judging by the position of the balls.

Chris Allen

Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse - stationary steam engine

Inverted vertical single cylinder engine by Dodman of King's Lynn and driving a generator. Built as No. 8209 in c1929 and used at Marham Pumping Station TF7110 : Marham Pumping Station, steam engine. It was noted to be disused by 1967 although two sister engines ran until 1976.

Chris Allen

Bridge 1701

A small disused road/track bridge over the old freight line. This section is under maintenance to prevent further decay, full restoration will take place after the Hoe extension is finished. The trackbed here is private, I was on a supervised walking event. * In August 2010 GWR 9466 along with a brake van 'explored' the northern frontier coming as far as bridge 1701, the first train to get this far since 1989.

Ashley Dace

Footpath to Holt Road

This short section of footpath links a minor road and Holt Road and leads towards Gressenhall.

Bob Jones

Ford at Gressenhall

This ford is found down a muddy track just to the south of the village. The ford appears to lead into a field.

John Walton

Gressenhall Workhouse

Originally built in 1777 to provide a business environment for the poor in society this enterprise worked well for the 600 or so on site. Sadly the Napoleonic wars and failing economy meant the introduction of the 'poor law'. This turned the building into a Union house or workhouse. The rules were strict and life was grim, the mill was demolished, site walled up and families split. All a method of control. The site was used until the mid 1970s before becoming an expansive working museum. All very impressive, including a working farm.

Ashley Dace

Village Shop

The former village shop and post office in the workhouse complex, the school was nearby. The 19th C shops often sold everything.

Ashley Dace

Gressenhall Workhouse

Ashley Dace

Hurst Frame - Gressenhall

A nice hurst frame set up, from a Norfolk mill (Thelveton, Diss). The diesel is to the right. Its rare to see such a nice hurst frame example. It was made by Mark Lane of London. Hurst frames were used to mill on windless or waterless days. TM0178 : Thelnetham Windmill

Ashley Dace

Gressenhall Workhouse - Diesel Engine

This Ruston and Hornsby engine powers (or powered) the hurst frame behind me TF9717 : Hurst Frame - Gressenhall. See also TG0638 : Ruston and Hornsby Diesel Milling Engine TG0638 : Ruston and Hornsby Diesel Milling Engine TG0638 : Ruston and Hornsby Diesel Milling Engine TG0638 : Ruston and Hornsby Diesel Milling Engine

Ashley Dace

Crossley LL Engine

A patent engine of 1890 design with a combined vaporiser/combustion chamber. This one ran in Springhall's foundry, Horsham St Faiths nr. Norwich. It ran a roller and grinder.

Ashley Dace

Riches & Watts of Norwich Steam Engine

Riches & Watts of Norwich, 1892 no.159. Worked coke conveyors at Bishop's gate gasworks TG2309 : Adam and Eve This was taken nearly 20 years earlier TF9717 : Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse - stationary steam engine

Ashley Dace

ER&F Turner Steam Engine

Worked at the Laundry here TM1887 : The old Pulham Market workhouse running washing machines and spin driers via pulleys. A similar system worked here at Gressenhall. Built by ER&F Turner of Ipswich in 1900, cost around £40. Ran on 100 psi outputting 10hp.

Ashley Dace

Thomas Bradford & Co Steam Engine

No. 52508. Marshall engine. Rebadged by Bradford & Co, Laundry suppliers. This engine worked in a Norwich Laundry. Can steam (steam via a portable engine outside).

Ashley Dace

Thomas Bradford & Co Steam Engine

No. 52508. Marshall engine. Rebadged by Bradford & Co, Laundry suppliers. This engine worked in a Norwich Laundry. Can steam (steam via a portable engine outside). TF9717 : Thomas Bradford & Co Steam Engine

Ashley Dace