BANKS OF CLAY - OUTWELL

In 1859 William Reeve was named as owner of a farm called The Banks Of Clay. A carter named Cousins had collected a consignment of 125 coombs of wheat for a Mr. Judd, the cartage of which had not been paid. The offence was said to have taken place in 1854. Owing to the time taken for the event to come to court, His honour felt bound to conclude that the claim was a got-up one and the judgement was in favour of Mr. Judd.

Lilly Hearns 1910 - Image thanks to William Smith
1910 - Lilly Heanes, nee Means, daughter of last occupant.
By this time the house has apparently ceased trading as a beerhouse.

For Sale by Auction, Monday, 4th October 1852.
A capial Farm-house and Premises, and 30 Acres (more or less) of Arable Land.
Known as the "Banks of Clay", where an extensive business has been carried on in the Beer Trade for some years.

William Reeve is recorded as one of three Commissioners for Outwell in 1847 and as a farmer in Outwell from at least 1853.
William Reeve of Outwell died November 1864.

On Wednesday, 7th June1865, 11 Lots of Land in Outwell and Upwell were offered for sale, by William Reeve of Mumberry Drove, Upwell.
Lot number One included a Farm House and 5a.1r. of Land at Great Sandy Field, Outwell, abutting on the high road leading to Nordelph.

Property in Outwell, late the property of William Reeve, was to be Sold by Order of the High Court of Chancery, in the cause of Reeve v Reeve, in thirteen lots, on Thursday, 14th July 1870.

The property was owned by James William Means by 1929 to at least 1933.
However by 1937 he was living at Laurel House. Had the Banks Of Clay been renamed or had it been demolished at about that time?

Created to serve the navvies digging the Middle Level Drain.
Existed from c1850 - c1900

Demolished.

Many thanks to William Smith for all information on this house.