AYLSHAM, a market-town and parish in the
southern division of the hundred of ERPINGHAM, county
of NORFOLK, 12 miles (N. by W.) from Norwich, and
121 (N.E. byN.) from London, containing 1853 inhabitants.
This place, situated on the southern bank of the
river Bure, which is navigable for barges from Yarmouth,
was formerly one of the principal manufacturing towns
in the county; the linen made here was much esteemed,
and distinguished by the name of Aylsham web. This
branch of industry was succeeded by the woollen manufacture
and the knitting of stocking pieces, which flourished
until the introduction of machinery, since which
it has greatly declined, a few looms only being employed
for the manufacturers at Norwich: the trade at present
is principally in corn and timber. The market is on
Tuesday, and fairs are held on March 23rd, and the
last Tuesday in September. The town is within the
jurisdiction of the county magistrates: constables and
other officers are appointed at the court leet of the lord
of the manor. The living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry
and diocese of Norwich, rated in the king's books
at £17. 19. 7-, and in the patronage of the Dean and
Chapter of Norwich. The church, dedicated to St.
Michael, was founded by John of Gaunt, in the fourteenth
century: it is a spacious structure in the decorated
style of English architecture, and contains a curious
and richly sculptured font. There are places of
worship for Particular Baptists and Methodists. The
free school, founded in 1517, by Robert Jermys, mayor
of Norwich, and endowed with £10 per annum, has
been incorporated with the National school. A school,
founded by Robert James, has an endowment of £10
per annum, for the instruction of seven boys.