Introduction

Sporle can trace its origins back to Anglo Saxon times, and is mentioned in the Doomsday book, which records that in 1086 Sporle was a settlement in the hundred of [South] Greenhoe and the county of Norfolk and that it had It had a recorded population of 17.3 households, 37 villagers, 8 freemen, 1 freeman, 9 smallholders, 10 slaves and 4 men, 10 cattle, 3 cobs, 72 pigs, 236 sheep and 20 goats.

It had (and still has) a Meadow of 12 acres. Woodland and, interestingly, 6 mills. Mills were an important feature of Sporle over the years, vestiges of 2 can be seen today in street names. The Newton Road Mill was situated at Millfield, off the Newton Road, there is a record of it being sold by Auction Chequer Inn,May 18, 1819. The Love Lane Mill, also known as Home Mills, was located at the end of Down Mill Drive. There is a record of this mill being offered for sale by Auction at the Three Tuns Inn, Necton, Monday 1st September 1856.

We hope this gives a taste of the rich history of Sporle hidden in the archive just waiting to be discovered.

The History Group

For many years Sporle had a very active History Group, which made many contributions to the Parish Magazine. During its lifetime the group collected and catalogued many historical documents and images. Unfortunately its activities reduce due to leaving members not being replaced.

The group has now reformed with a mission not only to encourage new historical research, but to publicise its existing resources to make villagers aware of the history of the village and its people, and hopefully encourage them to contribute to that Body of Knowledge.

This it will do by putting on public displays on topics of interest, holding open days to provide the opportunity for others to participate and contribute, and, via this website, publicize the work of the Group and upcoming events.

The website also has a section called the Body of Knowledge which over time will make the Group’s historical resource searchable and accessible on line.