Find out more about Chancery House and its History.

This beautiful property is situated in a Designated Conservation Area.
Wells-next-the-Sea was once described as "a small town of character on the edge of the marshes, with a good quay and harbour."

The town's maritime history dates back over 600 years, with the seaport noted as supplying grain to London in the 14th century. By 1580, it had become the major port in the area.

The High Street is now almost entirely residential, as the commercial area has shifted to Staithe Street. However, it still reflects its retail past with quaint, period shop frontages.

At No. 46, you’ll see the magnificent bow-shaped shop window with its original shop door (no longer in use) and deep window seating, reflecting its past. It was once owned by shipbuilders and wealthy merchants who would have been known and respected within the local community.

We understand that parts of the property date back to 1553, with the shipbuilder's house at the rear being added around 1625. The property proudly boasts an iron casement window fitted with spun glass dating from the 17th century.

It is likely that the merchant owners practised various trades, as an old photograph shows signage for “General Ironmongers,” “Furnishings,” “Bicycles,” “Sewing Machines,” and “Gunsmith.” Smuggling may well have also been in their repertoire!

One of the earliest documented owners was William Tyzack, whose trade listings included “Oil and Colourman,” “Iron Bar Merchant,” “Coppersmith,” “Brazier,” “Tin Plate Worker,” and “Auctioneer.” The saying "Jack of all trades" comes to mind!

John Nainby is our first listed resident, recorded in 1771. His family records date back to 1652 in the Wells Quakers archives. His surname has Scandinavian origins, so we can assume his ancestors wouldn’t have travelled far by sea to set up their homes and businesses on this part of the North Norfolk Coast.

Next came three generations of the Haycock family. They would likely have been aware of, and possibly even known, Horatio Nelson, who was born and lived nearby in Burnham Thorpe. One of John Haycock’s children, Joseph (senior), married Abigail Greenwood in 1751. Joseph died only three years after his father, leaving the house and business to his son, also named Joseph, who was only 17 at the time. Joseph Jr. married Harriet Jackson in 1811.

In 1813, a map shows the building as it looks today. Prior to this, it’s likely the house consisted only of the rooms at the rear of the property.

By 1822, Joseph and Harriet Haycock were listed in the trade directory as "Grocer and Draper." In 1827, he gained a business partner, and the shop became Haycock & Race.

Already running an established business in town, James Tyzack was the next person to set up shop and home after the death of Jones Race. James was born in Wells in 1798 and married Maria Baker in 1822.

In 1835, he received the prestigious honour of being named “Perfumer to Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria.” His warrant continued into 1837 when she became Queen Victoria. Perhaps he kept his perfume secrets in the original Victorian wall safe that can still be seen in the kitchen.

James Tyzack’s grave can be found in Wells cemetery.

Some healthy competition followed in the next chapter, as the Mann family also ran an ironmongery nearby! Richard Mann was born in Holkham, the son of an agricultural labourer, and is listed as "Richard Mann & Co." in the 1850 trade directory. He married Anne Futter. Sadly, Richard died at only 43, leaving Anne with six young children and one more on the way. She took over the business and was listed as a tin plate worker and ironmonger in her own right.

Her great-granddaughter described her as "a formidable, large woman who conducted all her business seated behind the counter without leaving her seat.” She was indeed a remarkable woman who managed to run a business, a home, and raise seven children as a widow for nearly 30 years until her death in 1891.

Her youngest son, William Mann, born after his father had died, took over the business. Ironically, he also died young, at 42. He had married Augusta Brassington, who came from a wealthy farming family in Cheltenham. The family claims that Augusta never entered the shop, as it was "beneath her.” However, Augusta redeemed herself, and after her husband's untimely death, she was listed as an ironmonger. She appointed a shop manager, George Frederick Rose, who later became her husband in 1904, despite being 11 years her junior, and stepfather to Frank.

Augusta and George are both buried in Wells cemetery.

When Augusta passed away, Frank didn’t want the business, as he had joined the merchant navy and was drawn to a new life "down under.” He married Constance Fawcett, granddaughter of Benjamin Fawcett, regarded as the inventor of permanent colour printing and one of the finest colour printers of the 19th century.

He sold the properties, including No. 48, to Harold Martin and Eveline Page in 1962. The premises were described as “dwelling house, shop and premises situated in and known as numbers 44, 46, and 48 High Street, with garages, stores, yards, and outbuildings thereto belonging, bounded towards the east by High Street.”

However, they didn’t stay long. In 1967, Alec Cross and Sydney Wincott moved into No. 48, renting out the shop (No. 46) from Martin & Page. It served as a ladies' wear shop called Elsa, a hairdresser’s, and an antiques shop.

Mary Draper then bought Nos. 46 & 48 in 1969.

Also in 1969, Mr and Mrs Crossley bought No. 44. The Crossleys then had the opportunity to buy No. 46 from Mary Draper in 1977, reuniting the two properties once again.

The Crossleys removed the party wall that had been erected between the house and shop and restored the properties to their original state.

In 1973, they converted the boat store into living quarters, and it stayed in the Crossley family for nearly 40 years.

Mrs Crossley lived here into her 90s and described herself as having "great affection for it, as it is such a special house.”

In 2023, the Stoner family bought the house and spent a year renovating the property, breathing life back into the house, fighting back the damp, and uncovering and retaining many original features. Among these were a lost cellar, a hidden Georgian door in the kitchen, artworks and papers hidden in the attic spaces, and a paint chart from the Rose Ironmongers.

Footnote:

Defining the early history of this old property was challenging for the researcher, who believes the early documents and deeds were taken by Frank to Australia and subsequently destroyed in a fire. Some of the history of the house and its occupants could be traced through records, such as trade directories, parish, and census records, though these reveal only information about the individuals, not the property itself.

The above notes are a combination of research notes, recollections from people familiar with the property and its occupants, estate agent particulars, and memories from Dorothy Mann, daughter of Frank Mann.

A huge thank you to our very special friend, Julia Hawes, for her love of all things history and for writing this tale of our very unique home!.