A pretty village in the hundred of Henstead, situated on an eminence
about 3 miles S.E. of Norwich, on the Loddon road. It consists of nearly
700 acres of land, chiefly the property of the Earl of Roseberry, who is
lord of the manor. The population in 1851 was 128. Bixley Hall and
Bixley Lodge are two exceedingly pretty seats, the former occupied by
Mrs. Martin, and the latter by Mr. Base. Here is a large brick-built
windmill, which from its extraordinary height, commands an extensive view
of Norwich and the suburbs. It is of circular form, measures 100 feet at
the base, and consists of 11 stories. It is the property of Mr. Charles
Clare, who has a neat residence adjoining. The church is a small and
ancient structure, built in 1272, with a tower; the interior is neat, and
possesses many ancient monuments. The living is a rectory, with that of
Framingham Earl annexed, in the gift of the Rev. Chas. David Brereton,
M.A. The Rev. G. J. Bird is the incumbent.
Base, Mr., the Lodge
Clare, Charles, corn miller
Martin, Mrs., the Hall
Parker, George, farmer
Seamon, William, farmer
Sowter, James, farmer
Sowter, John, farmer