Harrisons Meadow

Front elevation of Harrison's Cottage

This property is situated on a plot of land on Harrison’s Meadow, Blue Boar Lane. The earliest map reference we have is from a Blackwell family estate map of 1770, which shows two properties on this plot. The site is also shown on a map that dates from after 1785, when the Morse family had the Manor. It is also shown on the Enclosure Act-Tithe map dated 1801. Part of this Estate, which includes this plot, was once part of Mousehold Heath when it extended as far as Plumstead.

The Plot

The plot of land is not far from one of the ancient cart tracks “Horning Ferry Way” that went across Mousehold from Norwich to Horning Ferry.

It also has a stream running through the plot, which originates from a spring in the garden centre car park on Blue Boar Lane. (See Morse map). It is one of five that go onto the estate.

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  Detail of Blackwell Map 1770
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  Detail of Morse Map 1785
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  Detail of enclosure map 1801
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  Floor plan detail A

An iron-age quern stone was found on the plot surrounding Harrison's cottage. Further information can be viewed on the Earliest settlement page, along with other finds from the Sprowston area.

Quern stone found on the plot

Alterations

This property has been altered over the centuries, which can be seen by the brickwork (Norfolk Reds), some bricks, which are irregular in size, 18th century or possible earlier, than the later regular sized ones, 19th century. The majority of the bricks used on the walls are handmade, excluding those that have been used on 20th century alterations.

It is possible that this part of the dwelling could be the oldest part, as there seems to be an internal wall that is the same thickness as the external walls, approx 400mm thick. This may be interpreted that the original dwelling was half the size than it is now, and may also have had thatched roof. Note: A Wattle and Daub property that was on Wilks Farm that was demolished in the 1960`s would have been on a similar scale.

File:Harrisons-cottage-style-example.jpg

Farmhouse styling of the local area

The height of the property (No.17) appears to have been increased at a later date, possibly in the mid 19th century with the arrival of the Gurney family, who erected some farm cottages on the Estate land in the 1880`s. Also the chimney on the right hand side (looking at the front elevation) is much older than the chimney on the left hand side.

Harrison's Meadow and surrounding fields will be taken up with a future Housing Development. In June 2008 we Filmed the area for future Reference for Sprowston Heritage.