The 14th to 16th century

14 th. Century

The medieval village and open fields were clustered around the church at this time. Parts of the church date from this time.

In 1368 the Archdeacon of Norwich visited the church and it was recorded as 'dedicatio Sancta Maria et Sancta Margareta'. The Black Death of 1349 took its toll of the small hamlet near the church. The fear that prevailed at this time made the people move to new dwellings, well away from those that harboured the victims of this unfortunate illness.

Because of the shortage of labour brought about by the plague, not only to this manor but many others, the Lords resorted to increasing sheep farming. Sir John Jermy became Lord of Mounteney Manor

Sheep farming

Going to market

St Mary & St Margaret's church

1391 saw John Aslake inherit Sprowston manor through his marriage to Elizabeth de Sprowston, daughter of Sir Henry.

15 th. Century

In 1475 Sprowston or Aslake manor passed to William Aslake and hence to the Calthorpe family. Sheep farming on a large scale began, bringing wealth to the landlords. The tenor bell in the church belfry is thought to be the work of John Maggs, a bell founder in the Burlingham group, and was cast around 1400. An inscription on the bell reads, in latin:

Omnis - Spiritus - Laudet Dominu which translates: Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.

A mediaeval stained glass roundel, dating from this century can be seen in the parish church of St. Mary and St. Margaret's. Not only is it the oldest of the stained glass windows in the church it is also the smallest.

16 th. Century

It is on record that John Corbet was living in Sprowston at the start on this century. The Mounteney Manor was most likely purchased from the relatives of Sir John Jermy who died in fourteen eighty seven. In 1535 Sir Henry Parker married Elizabeth, the heiress of Sir Philip Calthorpe. Their son, Philip who later sold the manor to Sir Miles Corbet in fifteen forty five. In 1542 John Corbet died having made his will during 1540.

On the 24th. October 1543 William Corbet,son of John Corbet, was elected to the post of Water Bailiff on the river Wensum for the City of Norwich. It was a position of influence and bringer of wealth. The record states:

"Where before this time leather, tallow and dyers kinds of vital! and other things have been conveyed out of this City and County of Norfolk upon and by water of the Wensum towards the sea to be conveyed to the parties beyond the sea contrary to the laws of this realm. And dyers things to be sold by measure upon the said water as coals, corn, salt and such other things have been sold by unlawful measure. And herring unlawfully packed both in cages and barrels and unlawful nets and destruction of fish in the said river have been unlawfully used, for the lack of one water bailiff to view, search and see such enormities should not be done. For reformation where of by this whole assembly is elected one, William Corbet, Water Bailiff of this City, to search, see and diligently execute the whole effect of the office of Water Bailiff aforesaid. And that the same water bailiff shall have for his labour in the same amount of all such forfeitures that he shall find and be so tried according to the law and also one yearly fee of --shillings. (Amount unknown) of the goods of the commonaltie and meat and drink of the shreeves and that the said Water Bailiff shall be eligibly and yearly elected, named and chosen on St. Mathews day"