Starlings

David Lockwood was a highly prized clockmaker at this address in the 18th century. After his death in 1750 his son Benjamin, apprenticed in London, came home to take over the business. Benjamin died in 1822.

The next known occupant was John Carr, also a well-known clock and watchmaker, in 1851. He died in 1874 and the business was carried on by his son Jabez. It would appear that the business was liquidated in 1883/4 by Jabez who died that year after a long illness aged 45.

The next occupant was William Wharton, hairdresser, until brought back to watchmaking by William Bone before 1891.

William (Bone) died aged only 43, in 1853, but his wife Annie continued the watch and jewellery shop until their son Herbert was able to take over in 1865, aged 14. Herbert stayed in the business for over 50 years. He was also very community minded, enjoyed choral singing, the town band, growing roses, playing bowls and tennis and also managed the church clock for many years.

Herbert Bone winding the church clock 1948

Between 1951 and 1970 the shop was taken over by Bert Woolsley In 1949 Basil Starling set up a fruit and vegetable shop in Castle Acre which also delivered to the surrounding villages.

After a stint of delivering to Swaffham and Watton markets as well, in 1957 he opened up a shop on London Street, then took over a shop on the corner of the Shambles, and then moved his business to the current location in 1970.

He retired in 1986 but the shop continued as a greengrocers and florist until brought back into the family in 2002 by his daughter Kimberley who still runs it today.

Basil was a founder member of the Swaffham Round Table, honorary VP of FEPOW, lover of golf and chess, supported local boxing and rugby and after retirement taught himself to play the banjo and joined a local band.