Researching and writing the history is on-going. To read what we
have written so far , click the links below to download pdf files.
Depending on your internet connection these files may take a little time
to download. Until final publication, all copy is in draft form. Please contact
us with any comments.
An introductory essay locating the
constituent hamlets within the Parish and noting how the
topography and geology influenced early settlement . 1,403
kb
A comprehensive history of early settlement based on the
evidence of the author's own archaeological findings within and
around the parish. This essay begins with the Palaeolithic
flint tools of the the Stone Age and moves through the Bronze,
Iron and Roman ages to the pottery and decorative brooches of
the Saxons building a picture of the lives of of the peoples
that came before us. 1,717 kb
What do we know about the Church and religious life in Bunwell
before 1550 when our parish records began? This essay
looks at the available evidence and with the help of myth and
folklore constructs an argument for the historical importance of
the site of the present parish church. This is followed by
a section on patronage and power discussing how, prior to Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy, the appointment of Bunwell's rectors
was carefully organised so as not to give the Pope too much
influence over the King's subjects. 309 kb
154 Bunwell men served in the first World War: 18 of them never
returned. This essay sets out the background to the
conflict and follows it through the lives of five of those
eighteen Bunwell soldiers who gave up their lives for their
country. 2,946 kb
Bunwell World War I Roll of Honour in alphabetical order.
114 kb.
Bunwell Soldiers killed in World War One
151 kb
114 kb.
Bunwell Soldiers killed in World War One
151 kb
Although principally an agrarian
community, historically Bunwell has supported a number of cottage
industries as well as some larger manufacturing industries producing
goods for the surrounding parishes.
Corston's of Bunwell looks at J Corston and his entry into the mineral water market. 380kb
Milling in Bunwell was recorded in the Domesday records and continued until 1891 , 92kb
Eastons of Bunwell relates the growth of this family agricultural and haulage business from its modest beginnings in 1925 to the present day. 868kb.
Eldon Smith Builder and Contractor. Responsible for many of the brick buildings in Bunwell and the surrounding villages, E.J. Smith was a true Victorian entrepreneur. 495kb.
Brickmaking in Bunwell. For some two hundred years, until it ceased to operate in the early twentieth century, the brick-making industry was a major employer in Bunwell. This essay traces the history of the Bunwell brick kilns putting it into context with brick-making in the rest of Norfolk. The essay is supported by nine appendices. 2,805 kb
Corston's of Bunwell looks at J Corston and his entry into the mineral water market. 380kb
Milling in Bunwell was recorded in the Domesday records and continued until 1891 , 92kb
Eastons of Bunwell relates the growth of this family agricultural and haulage business from its modest beginnings in 1925 to the present day. 868kb.
Eldon Smith Builder and Contractor. Responsible for many of the brick buildings in Bunwell and the surrounding villages, E.J. Smith was a true Victorian entrepreneur. 495kb.
Brickmaking in Bunwell. For some two hundred years, until it ceased to operate in the early twentieth century, the brick-making industry was a major employer in Bunwell. This essay traces the history of the Bunwell brick kilns putting it into context with brick-making in the rest of Norfolk. The essay is supported by nine appendices. 2,805 kb
From the late 1890s until World War 1, the
post card was a cheap and popular means of communication. This essay
gives a brief history of the postcard followed by a definitive
catalogue of all the postcards produced for, or featuring Bunwell.
2,105kb
Work in
hand....
Chapters currently being researched include:
The church and religious life in the parish Part 2.
Trade and industry. Public Houses,
Bunwell Schools