Photograph originally identified as showing the Gardiner family, but late, informed opinion, is that it is the Johnson family. (?)


Licence extinct 20th January 1921



In 1797 a cutter, by the name of the Black Joke, conveyed a message to Admiral Adam Duncan, that the Dutch fleet had put to sea. Duncan was fitting out his fleet at Gt. Yarmouth.
The Dutch were at the time supporting a planned French invasion of Ireland.
The Dutch fleet was intercepted on the 11th October 1797 off the Dutch coastal village of Camperduin.
The Battle of Camperdown was fought and won with Admiral Duncan leading one line of ships and Vice-Admiral Onslow leading another.
(Thanks to Derek Taylor for the historical connection)

Another possibility is that it was named after the most famous Slave hunter of 1833, The Black Joke, itself titled after the vulgar popular song of the time.
(Thanks to Andrew Chilvers for this information)

It was reported 17th November 1860 that the occupant, a Mr. Potter, was refusing to give up possession unless his landlord would forego charges for rent and beer. Mr. Potter had been at the house about six months at a rent of £8 per year and had received beer from Mr. Diggons of the LORD NELSON, Austin Street.

(It is also said that the Black Joke is an old Irish Jig ?)