Memories of Gislingham

Local historian, Dennis Cross from Diss, shares with us his fascinating collection of old postcards, focusing on a different village in every issue. This time, we take a walk down memory lane in Gislingham.

This 1915 postcard shows the Gislingham Six Bells pub at the end of the high street. Charles Knott was landlord at the time. The pub is still open today, but the buildings on the left have been converted into houses.

The high street in 1949, featuring an old village cottage. Both sides of the street have since had new cottages added, so the village looks very different today.

Gislingham War Memorial was erected in 1920 and unveiled in the churchyard. This postcard shows the rector, soldiers and Boy Scouts at the ceremony.

St Mary’s Church, seen here in 1911, was built in the 15th century and contained six bells. The Rev Daniel Bennett was rector at the time.

A novelty postcard from 1910, which was popular at the time.

John Kerry’s Post Office, in 1908, was also a grocer and draper, selling everyday items. He also made door-todoor deliveries with a horse and cart.

Mill Street, in 1928, featuring the United Methodist Chapel, which was built in 1860 along with a meeting room. The population at this time was 450. Many new houses have now been built along this street. Gislingham tower mill, in 1912, on Mill Street, run by Nathan Finch. It was put up for sale in 1928, along with the miller’s house, and demolished in 1930. The house still remains.

The Norfolk Postcard Club

meets regularly in Trowse in Norwich and new members are very welcome. Meetings have currently been suspended. Dennis is also the author of several local history books that can be purchased by contacting him direct.

If readers have any local postcards of Diss or the surrounding villages, please get in touch with Dennis after 7pm on 01379 651897