Norfolk: Horsey

Description by William Hewitt in 1844

This is on page 97 of the following book.

Hewitt, William

An essay on the encroachments of the German Ocean along the Norfolk coast
[Printed by Matchett, Stevenson, and Matchett, 1844]

[Transcription copyright © Pat Newby]

Horsey next the Sea must have been formerly one of the most uninviting hamlets ever beheld. It lies between Waxham and Winterton, and is eleven miles north by west of Yarmouth. Its lonely situation, its containing a large lake, called Horsey-mere, and intersected with ditches of stagnant water, cannot render it even now prepossessing. And were it not for its complete exposure to wind from every quarter, it probably would be very unhealthy. - Such a singular aspect did it assume some years since, that an early historian, alluding to Horsey, recommended it to the notice of government, as being peculiarly adapted for prisoners of war, especially the French; observing they could be retained there readily, as there was only one road to it; and its growing roots in abundance, besides an innumerable quantity of frogs, the expense for maintaining them would be inconsiderable.

The present proprietor's highly respected ancestor, about fifty years since, purchased the manor, when it was of little value, being generally flooded, and having expended a considerable sum of money in draining the marshes, repairing the sea-bank, and making a road to Somerton, an adjoining village leading to Yarmouth, has rendered it one of the most fertile estates in the county.

On the sea-bank within the bounds of this parish is Little Waxham, a manor of 160 acres; but the village, and its church dedicated to St. Margaret, were swept away by the ocean many years ago.

See also the Horsey parish page.

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Copyright © Pat Newby.
July 2011