Surveyor, Publican, Brewer: The Multifaceted Life of Christopher Bell
In the picturesque village of Snettisham, nestled within the county of Norfolk, lived Christopher Bell, a man whose varied talents and occupations painted a vivid picture of life in the 18th century. As a surveyor, publican, and brewer, Bell was an integral figure in his community, a testament to the enterprising spirit of the era.
The Cartographer’s Craft
Christopher Bell’s expertise as a surveyor is immortalized in the meticulous maps of Litcham Commons, created circa 1760. His work, a blend of art and precision, provided an invaluable resource in a time when the enclosure of common lands was reshaping the English countryside.
There is another record of his survey work in the Norfolk Archives: ‘A Plan of the Harbour of Lynn, extracted from a large plan survey’d and drawn by Mr Bell and engraved by T. Jeffreys, Geographer to the King’ – Name of creator
Thomas Jefferys; c 1719–1771; royal geographer; Birmingham
(c 1719–1771) / Repository: Norfolk Record Office / Scope and content:
Undated but Christopher Bell was commissioned by King’s Lynn Corporation to survey the harbour in 1764 and the published version appeared c 1767. Shows the River Ouse through Clenchwarton, West Lynn, King’s Lynn, Gaywood and South Wootton.
Issuing licences for public houses
Christopher Bell also seems to have been involved in issuing licences for public houses: FREEBRIDGE-LYNN LICENCE REGISTERS 7th September 1789 & 8th September 1794 / Advertised 18th September 1779 – To Let.
All that New-built and commodious Inn, called the Crown (at Gayton).
With 90 Acres by estimation of Arable and Pasture Land.
With valuable Rights of Common thereto belonging.
In occupation of James Tite.
Apply Mr. Christopher Bell, Snettisham.
The Black Swan: A Hub of Snettisham Life
Beyond his surveying endeavours, Christopher Bell, alongside his wife Sarah, managed The Black Swan—a public house that undoubtedly served as a social hub in Snettisham. A lease dated June 24th, 1774, details an agreement between the Bells and one Robert Mason of King’s Lynn, offering a glimpse into the couple’s business acumen and the role of their establishment in the local economy.
Brewing Traditions: Crafting Local Ales
In addition to serving as a gathering place, The Black Swan was likely a showcase for Bell’s brewing skills. At a time when the public house was as much a centre for news and camaraderie as it was for refreshment, Bell’s dual role as publican and brewer placed him at the heart of Snettisham’s day-to-day life.
A Legacy in Vellum: The Indenture of 1790
The Bells’ legacy is also captured in a vellum indenture from August 9th, 1790, which records the sale of a property in Snettisham. This document, a detailed and neatly written record, highlights the role of Sarah Bell as the executor of her late husband’s will, as well as the involvement of their son William, a surgeon and apothecary, signifying the family’s established status in the region.
Remembering Christopher Bell: A Pillar of His Community
Christopher Bell’s life as a surveyor laid the groundwork for the development of Norfolk, his skills as a publican and brewer nourished its people, and his family ties strengthened its social fabric. The records that mention Bell provide more than just historical data; they offer a narrative of a man who was deeply woven into the tapestry of his time and place.
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*This article is dedicated to the memory of Christopher Bell, a man whose various roles as a surveyor, publican, and brewer made him a cornerstone of Snettisham’s 18th-century society. His story, encapsulated in maps and legal documents, inspires a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted lives of our forebearers and the enduring impact of their work and passions.*