GENUKI: Norfolk: West Tofts, Norfolk

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William White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk 1864

TOFTS (WEST) is a parish 6 miles N.N.W. of Thetford, comprising a small hamlet of cottages, a farm-house, the old hall, 193 inhabitants, and 3051 acres of land, including 500 acres of wood ornamenting the extensive park of West Tofts Hall, which is now added to that of Lynford Hall, the seat of Mrs. Stephens, who is lady of this manor; but Sir John Sutton, Bart., and Lord Ashburton have estates in this parish.

The Church (St. Mary) is a fine ancient edifice comprising nave, north aisle, chancel, south porch, and square tower. The latter contains eight bells, a clock, and chimes, and is surmounted by a small spire. There are also two bells in a small turret over the chancel arch. The building was thoroughly repaired and partly rebuilt, and the windows were all filled with beautiful stained glass about 35 years ago by the late Sir Richard Sutton, Bart. The interior is fitted with handsome open benches of oak, and contains two piscinæ, a good chancel screen, [and] several monuments of the Sutton and Partridge families. The roof of the chancel is richly painted and gilt and bears pictures of the 12 apostles.

The rectory, valued in the King's Book at £8, is held by the Rev. Augustus Sutton, M.A., who resides at the old Hall. The glebe is 4 acres, and the tithes have been commuted for £200 per annum.

Here is a school, built in 1851, and supported by the rector. Mr. Jas. Hy. Roper farms most of the parish.

The other residents are -

              The Rector
 
         Dunn   David     gardener
         Goat   William   schoolmaster
         Scott  James     organ builder
         Turner William   parish clerk

POST from Brandon.

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Norfolk: West Tofts

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William White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk 1864