Research undertaken by our members
In these project pages you will find original essays and investigations carried out by members of the Martham Local History Group. They cover the history of farming, the lives of notable local people, the story of Martham's buildings, its landscape and its footpaths — from the medieval period to the twentieth century.
Topics range from farming in nineteenth-century Somerton and the world of the local militia, to the histories of individual houses like Martham House and Elmside House. As new projects are completed they will be added here.
Much of our research draws on documents lodged at the Norfolk Record Office in Norwich. We are grateful to all the members who have contributed their time and expertise to this growing body of work.
People
John Turner CGM
The story of a Martham hero of the First World War who was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
Read more →Anna and David Hinderer
The story of a remarkable nineteenth-century missionary couple with roots in the village of Martham.
Read more →John Wilson's Photographs
A collection of photographs received in 2020 that tell a delightful story of Martham life in an earlier era.
Read more →Land & Economy
Farming in 19th-Century Somerton
An essay on farming in Martham and Somerton in the nineteenth century, by Barbara Cornford (1976).
Read more →Occupations of Martham People Before 1800
The trades and livelihoods of Martham residents as deduced from their wills held at the Norfolk Record Office. By Ann Meakin (2007).
Read more →The Enclosures, 1807
A study of the enclosure of Martham's common land in 1807 and its effect on the village and its people. By Ann Meakin (2013).
Read more →The Strawberry Fruit Box Story
An extraordinary object received in 2020 with an unexpected connection to Martham's past.
Read more →Buildings & Places
Martham House
The history of the principal house of the village, demolished in 1972, with photographs from its heyday and final years.
Read more →Martham House Threshing Barn
The surviving threshing barn of the Martham House estate — its history and current condition, documented in 2020.
Read more →Elmside House
The story of Elmside House on White Street, Martham, which was demolished in 2009.
Read more →Landscape & Photography
Historic Footpaths of Martham
Photographs and descriptions of the ancient footpaths around Martham, researched and recorded by Ann Meakin (2013).
Read more →Martham from the Air
A collection of aerial photographs of Martham and the surrounding area, showing the village and its landscape from above.
Read more →