Saham Toney, Norfolk

Description
Saham Toney, a village and a parish in Norfolk. The village stands near the river Wissey, 1 1/2 mile NW of Watton station on the Bury, Thetford, and Swaffham section of the G.E.R., and has, near its centre, a mere of 13 acres. Black bass were at one time bred in the mere, and it is famous for eels of a peculiar shape. It has a post and money order office under Watton (S.O.); telegraph office, Watton. The parish comprises 4063 acres; population, 1149. There is a parish council consisting of eleven members. There are four manors-viz., Saham Toney, Howards, Harveys, and Pages. Roman pottery and other Roman antiquities have been found. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Norwich; gross value, £925 with residence. The advowson was given to William of Wykeham by Richard II., and by him to the New College, Oxford. The church is a fine building of flint in the Decorated style, with Perpendicular tower, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, vestry, S porch, and an embattled western tower. It has some good stained windows. Dr Prideanx, dean of Norwich and author of " The Connection of the Old and New Testaments," was rector in 1686. There are Free Methodist, Primitive Methodist, and Wesleyan chapels. The charities include almshouses for ten poor persons, and a fuel allotment of 86 acres which produces about £50 a year.