The Norfolk Groomshed

House, now shop. Late C17, converted
to shop late C19. Grade II listed

For nearly thirty years between 1840 and 1863 this was the home and workshop of James Mendham, plumber and glazier.

Unfortunately, he was declared bankrupt in 1863 and died two years later aged 75.

For nearly thirty years between 1840 and 1863 this was the home and workshop of James Mendham, plumber and glazier.

Unfortunately, he was declared bankrupt in 1863 and died two years later aged 75.

Taking over from him by 1871 was John Hudson, a licensed hawker, with his family.

Sharing the accommodation as a lodger was William Mountain, a platelayer. This would be for the building of the Lynn to Dereham and Swaffham to Watton railways, a time when the population of Swaffham rose steeply.

John Hudson was still there in 1881 as a clothier and draper but moved to Castleacre Street by 1891 as a travelling draper.

Image of Lucerne Salon
Courtesy Mr R.Smith

She was followed by a basket maker Arthur Walpole who remained at the house until after 1921.

Between 1890 and 1907 this was the home of Louisa Forster. Newspaper reports state that she died at Lucerne House, Lynn Street in 1907. She was married to Thomas Forster who is recorded as being a retired draper in 1888 when the couple were living on Market Hill.

In the 1930s to 1957 it was “Lucerne”, the hairdressing salon of Mrs V.C. Smith. She wished to retire in 1948 and put the house up for sale at auction but no bids were received so she continued to trade here.

In a newspaper interview about what people would like to see in Swaffham in 1950 Mrs Smith asked that much more done be done for sport in the town. She advocated an “open-air swimming pool” and was confident it would be well worthwhile. (Lynn Advertiser 20/1/1950)

In the 1980s the business here was Swaffham Health Foods and later The Sports Shop.