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  Introduction - Potted History- Beginnings

The Fuller families are traced from the late 17th, early eighteenth century, originating in Great Yarmouth Norfolk, England.  Mainly residing in the parish of St Nicholas.

     Norfolk in the year 2001 is very different from the way it would have been 200 years or more ago when the early Fuller families struggled to exist.!     No running water, no sanitary utilities, no education, no medical services, no electricity, but lots of poverty, lots of misery and for many - an early death. 

     The town of Yarmouth standing in a peninsula was unique, the lack of building space between the river and the sea meant more houses were built than was usual and many people became confined in such a small area.   There were three main streets, and from these streets narrow passages led off to provide access to the dwellings of the people. Theses narrow passages were longer than normal and eventually they became joined up to form through passages, which became to be known as Rows.  In 1785 there were 145 of these rows each one named after some notable.  Many of these named rows became duplicated by name, on numerous occasions, each row was known by as many as 3/4 different names.   It became difficult to control the populas, therefore In 1804 in the interests of efficiency every row received a number.   Every house was given a number within the row.

A typical row in 1800 (Wall to wall 27" wide)

     Imagine if you can the problems that would have existed at this time.  The removal of waste?  The open gutters that truly were, running sewers.   Even though these rows had been built so that the pavements ran East to West,  following the natural fall of the land to the sea, the sewerage and rain encouraged to dispersed naturally.  it also ensured that there was always a flow of strong air blowing through the streets helping to  remove much of the stale air and smoke that hung in these narrow pebbled walkways.   Imagine children playing  in these open gutters  helping spread throughout the rows; the horrendous diseases of the time. 

         Most of the heritage was lost due to bombing during WW2, many properties were completely destroyed, and others pulled down to make way for new developments in the twentieth century.   It is only in recent years that organisations such as "English Heritage",  the local government of the town of Great Yarmouth, decided that those rows that remained were worth preserving.   Now those who search for the history of past generations can wander the streets of Great Yarmouth, the signs are all there.   Each row is numbered and, with a bit of imagination and colourful thinking, you can feel how it must have been to live in these tiny places just like:

James Fuller (1804-1882) born Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.   He married Mary Ann (Critten)  born (1807-1891) at Halesworth, Suffolk, England  on the 4th February 1827, at St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.   Mary was the daughter of John Critten and Mary Critten (Butcher)  The entry of marriage in the marriage Register of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England is shown on page 143, item No 429.   

   The ceremony was witnessed by brother William Critten(1803).   Also by sister-in-law Priscilla Critten (Richmond) (1802-1882), who had married John Critten c. 1801 on the 19th May 1822 at St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.   

James and Mary Ann Fuller (Critten) had at least five children between 1828 and 1841.   

In 1841 the family were residing at Row 141(Previously known as: 'Child the Blacksmith’s Row' or 'Nelson Tavern Row', St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.  James Fuller was listed as a Rope maker.

In 1851 the main Fuller family were residing at 6 Isabella Square, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.   James Fuller's occupation was stated now to be that of a policeman.   At this time a Grand daughter named Mary Ann  Fuller born in 1847 was registered as residing with grandparents.  

Source Citation: Class: HO107; Piece: 1806; Folio: 9; Page: 10; GSU roll: 207457-207458.

It is difficult to establish who the mother of this child may be.   However the only daughter logically at this time to be of child bearing age was Susanna Fuller born in 1828.  It is not established that Susanna Fuller ever married.

In 1861 they are shown as follows:

In 1871 They are shown:

In 1881 James at the age of 77 was still residing with his wife Mary (aged 74), after 54 years of marriage at 6 Isabella Square, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.  Their daughter Susanna was residing with them at this time.  James died June 1882.

In  April 1891 Mary at the age 85 was living with her daughter Maria Thompson (Fuller) at 74 Lower Westwick Street, Norwich, Norfolk, England.  Mary died aged 86 in September of the same year.  (Ref Gt Yarmouth 4b 11).

First Child.   Daughter Elizabeth Susannah Fuller (1828-1885) born Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.  It is not confirmed that Susannah ever  married, though she may have had one child, Mary A Fuller, born in 1847. In 1851 at the age of 23 Elizabeth Susannah Fuller was declared as unmarried, living at home.   

     However, in the Yarmouth Parish Register of St Nicholas, there is a marriage shown for a Susannah Fuller, in December 1852 to probably  Peter Kite.  (Source Vol 4b page 29).

The 1861 Census of Great Yarmouth RG9/1190 f.111 p.18, finds Susanna Kite, Daughter, now a Widow, now aged 33, living with her parents at  Isabella Square, Great Yarmouth.   Also present at this time a grandson James fuller aged 12.

RG9/1190 f.111 p.18

 In 1881 at the age of 53, she is, although shown as being married, still living at home with her parents under the name of Susannah Fuller, at 6 Isabella Square, Great Yarmouth, England.   Susannah died March 1885 (Source Yarmouth Vol 4b page 9)

Second Child.  Martha Fuller Baptised Great Yarmouth, Norfolk England, 14th August 1833, probably born 1829/30.  The Entry is shown in the Yarmouth Parish register.   Martha was not living at home at the 1851 census, however, she was found residing at Lower Street, Erpingham, Norfolk.  Was this a case of lightning striking twice - for living with her, was a female child aged 2 - Eleanor Fuller? c.1848/9.    Two Fuller daughters with children out of Wedlock?  

Source Citation: Class: HO107; Piece: 1809; Folio: 244; Page: 6; 

still researching 

Third Child.  Daughter Maria Fuller born 1836 married Charles Thompson born 1829,  son of Henry and Ann Thompson, a weaver, at the parish church of St Martin at Oak Norwich on 30th July 1855 marriage certificate No 198.   Charles was declared as a 'Waterman'.  The certificate declares them both as residing at Fullers Hole, Coslany, Norwich .   Witnesses to this marriage were William Fisher and her sister Susanna Kite. 

This couple had at least six children between 1860 and 1875.  Mary,  followed by Henry, Joseph Minister, Edward, Charles, and Thomas. In 1867 on Joseph's birth certificate, Charles occupation is recorded as being a bricklayers labourer, and he and Maria are residing at Royal Oak Yard, Norwich, in the district of West Wymer.

Mary A Thompson  born Norwich 1860

Henry Thompson    born Norwich 1862

Joseph Thompson  born Norwich 1867.  Joseph married in 1889. 

Edward Thompson born Norwich 1870

Charles Thompson born Norwich 1872

Thomas Thompson born Norwich 1875

In 1881 this family were residing at 74 Lower Westwick St, Norwich St Swithins.

On the 1891 census, Charles aged 62 and Maria 54, Charles is shown working as a labourer at this time.  Their two youngest boys, Charles and Thomas, now in their teenage years, are working as labourers. Interestingly enough, Maria's mother Mary Fuller, is living with them, as a widow, and is the grand old age of 85.

 Many thanks to Mary Vogwell for her valued help in compiling this potion of Maria Fullers' history.  

Fourth Child. Son Samuel Fuller born in 1838.   Further details see below  **

Fifth Child.   Son Edward Fuller born in 1840.   Edward Married Charlotte Feek in 1872 and between 1873 - 1879 had at least 3 children; 2 girls and one boy.  

Edith Mary Fuller 1873.

Edward John Fuller 1876. 

Ethel Elizabeth Fuller 1879.   

At the census of 1881 this family were residing at: Coltishall, Norfolk, England.   Edward was stated to be a Baker.  

At the census of 1901 this family were residing at: Coltishall, Norfolk, England.   Edward was stated to be a Baker,(retired).  Those present were Edward and Charlotte with daughter Ethel, now a schoolmistress.

Source Citation: Class: RG13; Piece: 1831; Folio: 5; Page: 1.

It is probable that Edward died in 1908

Source County: Norfolk; Volume:4b page 53

 **The eldest son Samuel John Fuller born in 1838 residing at Row 141(Previously known as: 'Child the Blacksmith’s Row' or 'Nelson Tavern Row', St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England), married Johanna Margaret Paston Howard (1840-1893).   Declared residing at Row 133 (Previously known as: 'Lee the Pawnbroker’s Graves' or 'the Pieman' or 'Spratt the Shoemaker’s Row' , St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England).  Daughter of Henry Howard, at St Nicholas, Gt Yarmouth on the 11th February 1858.  Samuel Fuller's occupation was stated to be that of a fisherman. 

The Yarmouth Parish Register shows an entry of marriage on page 57.   Witnesses to this marriage were Benjamin Paston and Ann Paston, relatives of Johanna.   Samuel was declared as a 'Fisherman'.    

(Source  Recorded in: St. Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England  FHL Number 1526458)

Samuel and Joanna had at least eight children between 1863 and 1880:-

First Child.   Daughter Caroline Ann Fuller declared as being born December 1865, ( entry 4b4 in Yarmouth District Register) although at her time of marriage in 1884 she declares herself as being 21 years old, when probably she was only 19?   She married Henry James Beckett (1863), residing at Row 88, South Side Gt Yarmouth, previously called; Woodwards Row, son of Henry Carter Beckett at St Nicholas, Gt Yarmouth, Norfolk, England on 8 May 1884.  The entry in Gt Yarmouth Parish Register is shown on page 230 entry 459.  ( FHL Number 1526458 )  This couple at at least the following five children between 1894 - 1891.

First Child.   Son Henry Beckett born Yarmouth 1884

Second Child.   Daughter Ethel Beckett born Yarmouth  1885

Third Child.   Daughter Edith Marion Beckett born Yarmouth  on 6th February 1891, (baptised 31st May 1891) 

Fourth Child.   Son Harrold Beckett b.c.1895 Yarmouth, Norfolk.  

Fifth Child.   Daughter Flora Lavinia b.c.1900 Yarmouth, Norfolk.  

(Source entry Yarmouth Parish Register Page 83 item 658).   

At the census in 1891, this family were residing at No 7 Row 107 Great Yarmouth, previously known as: Post House Row, Chapel Paved Row, St.Georges East Row.   Henry James declared emloyment was that of a Groom.   Also residing with Henry and Caroline was Caroline's sister Ellen Selina Riches (19) as was Samuel John Fuller(19)

(Source RG12/1498 folios 155/156)

Henry Beckett was a witness to the marriage of Samuel John Fuller to Ellen Selina Riches on 10 August 1891.

Second Child.   Edward James Fuller, born at Windsor Terrace, Blackfriars Road, Yarmouth in December 1865.   (Entry in Yarmouth register Volume 4b12).   At the 1881 census Edward, aged 15,  was aboard the fishing vessel "Serapis".   He was declared, unmarried.    

Third Child.  John Fuller, born at Windsor Terrace, Blackfriars Road, Yarmouth in 1868.  At the 1881 census John was shown living at Row 54, Great Yarmouth (previously known as "Buck or Dr.Costerton’s Row"). still researching 

Fourth Child.   Son Samuel John Fuller (1871-1912) Further details see below  ** 

Fifth Child.   Son Henry Howard Fuller, born September 1873 (Entry in Yarmouth register Volume 4b14). Residing at No 6 Row 85, North Side, Great Yarmouth, England, (previously known as: 'Crown & Heart or Baptist Meeting South Row').  Henry followed his father Samuel Fuller into the profession of a fisherman.  On the 5th April 1891 he was aboard the fishing smack 'Maid Marion'.   His occupation was that of 6th hand. (Source page 156 Rg12/1503 1891 census)

He married Jessie Maria Bowles born 1875 at St Nicholas, Gt Yarmouth, Norfolk England on 23rd July 1895.  Jessie Maria was the second daughter of John Alexander(1849) and Sarah Bowles(1847), residing at 8 Row 125 (previously Gun Row)  Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England . (Source St Nicholas parish records Great Yarmouth Vol 4b18).   

Sixth Child.   Daughter Mary Ann Fuller   born December 1875.

Seventh Child.     Son William James Fuller  born December 1880. 

Eighth Child.   Daughter Lavinia Fuller born March 1883.  At the census of 1901, Lavinia Fuller aged 18 is residing at Kesteven, Grantham, Lincolnshire, working as a Domestic Servant.  She is declared as unmarried.

(Source St Nicholas parish records Great Yarmouth Vol 4b).   

     In 1881 this family of Fuller's were residing at No 6 Row 85, North Side, Great Yarmouth, England, (previously known as: 'Crown & Heart or Baptist Meeting South Row').   Samuel Fuller's occupation was stated to be that of a fisherman.   On the day of the census in 1881, Samuel was away at sea.   He was declared as being the, "Third Hand", aboard the fishing ketch  'Snaefell', sailing out of Gt Yarmouth. (Could probably have been part of the "Boxer Fleet", fishing the North Sea waters at that time). (Source 1881 census)

In 1891 Johanna Fuller was residing at 9 Camden Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk with daughter, Mary Ann age 15, who was declared as a 'silkwinder', son William aged 10 and daughter Lavinia aged 8?

 (Source 1891 census RG12/1499 folio 47)

Johanna Fuller died in June 1893 (Ref Gt Yarmouth 4b 3)  

**The eldest son Samuel John Fuller (1871-1912) declared as residing at No7, Row 107 (previously known as: 'Post House Row' or, 'Chapel Paved Row or 'St.Georges East Row', married   Ellen Selina Riches (1872-1944) declared as residing at 'Gun Row', (row 125)  on 10th August 1891, at the Parish Church in the Parish and County of Great Yarmouth.   The entry on the marriage certificate reads Page 149/No 297.   The marriage was witnessed by Henry Beckett who married Samuel's sister Caroline and Elizabeth R Riches, Selina's sister. 

At the census in 1891, Samuel John Fuller and Ellen Selina Riches (19) were residing at No7 Row 107 Great Yarmouth, previous known as, Post House Row, Chapel Paved Row, St Georges East Row.  Also at this property were Henry James Beckett (28) with wife Caroline (Fuller) age 28.    Source RG12/1498 folios 155/156  Samuel was declared to be a Seaman.   Ellen Selina at this time was employed as a Silkwinder. 

This couple had at least seven children between 1891-1911:-

   At the census in 1901, Ellen Selina Fuller (Riches) is found to be residing at 4 passage Row, Yarmouth with her first two children.  Samuel John Fuller is presumed to be away at sea.

Source extract RG_13_1809_142_13.  (The census data by the enumerator is totally wrong here.   First child Ellen May is in fact 8 years old.)

First Child.  Daughter Ellen May (Nellie Fuller) born Yarmouth England 23rd February 1893 baptised 9th April 1893.   

(Source Parish Register Entry page 251 item 2002).    still researching 

Second Child. Son Arthur Samuel Fuller  born Yarmouth in 1895.

Third Child.  Son Edward (Ted) Fuller born Yarmouth in 1896.

Fourth Child.  Son William (Billy) Henry Fuller born Yarmouth September 1901.

Fifth Child.   Daughter Hilda Grace Fuller born Yarmouth in 1902. 

(Source St Nicholas parish records Great Yarmouth Vol 4b). 

Sixth Child.    Daughter Rosina Lavinia Fuller born in the Hessle district of Hull in 1909.  Birth registration HES/71/291.

Seventh Child.   Daughter Doris Amy Fuller born in the Hessle district of Hull in 1911.  Birth registration HES/80/363

Circa 1907: Back  Row: Nellie, Arthur, Samuel, Edward,

Front Row:  Hilda, Ellen Selina, Rosina Livinia (baby), William, 

   Around 1907, Samuel John,  Ellen Selina and their first five children left Great Yarmouth and moved to Hull, Yorkshire to reside at 14 Collenso Street.   Rosina and Doris were born in Hull.  Samuel's occupation was that of a mariner (a Ketch Captain) Trawler Skipper.  

   Tragically he died on 10th December 1914.   Ellen Selina remained at the home in Collenso St, Hull, for the remainder of her life bringing up the children on her own.   Selina died in 1944.

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